Another week is in the books and the stark contrast in talent between the East and West continues to rear its ugly head.
East Division teams have just one win apiece so far, while the West has 16 combined wins.
It’s better for the league when there’s more of a competitive balance, but when one division is so much stronger than the other it can result in special matchups — at least on one end of the spectrum — and we definitely saw one of them this week.
Here’s what stood out about Week 5:
Battle of Alberta steals the show
Calgary has had Edmonton’s number for the last few years, but their Week 5 matchup showed signs that things shouldn’t be completely one-sided this season — even if the Stampeders came out on top again.
Thursday’s encounter was everything it was supposed to be. A terrific, combative game between two well-rounded, unbeaten squads that shared a dislike for one another.
The special teams battle, in particular, was fun to watch, but unfortunately for Eskimos fans one play in the dying seconds of the first half had a significant impact on the outcome. A curious fake punt attempt from within their own end zone that resulted in a turnover on downs that Calgary capitalized on with a touchdown the next play.
That type of aggressive play-calling from the Eskimos — while ultimately fruitless in Week 5 — showed the Stampeders and the rest of the league they’re not afraid to be creative.
Calgary is now the only remaining unbeaten team and has proven to be the class of the league.
Where there’s a Will (Ford) there’s a way
Two weeks after being released by the Blue Bombers, Will Ford made a massive impact in his Roughriders debut. He ran for 113 yards on 17 carries and got into the end zone three times as the Riders trounced the Argos.
Ford was an East Division all-star with the Blue Bombers last year after rushing for 594 yards and two touchdowns on 113 carries, so it was surprising when Nic Grigsby earned the starting spot ahead of him in Winnipeg during training camp this year.
Since Kory Sheets is off honing his craft with the Oakland Raiders in the NFL, Saskatchewan has struggled with the run game at times this season. It briefly added Hugh Charles after the shifty back was cut by the Eskimos but that experiment failed and he was released.
Ford is an impressive north-south runner that can read his blocks, make a move in the hole and break away in the open field. He can also earn those tough yards in goal-line formation.
The Riders have an elite offensive line and it appears Ford is a good fit with that group.
I’ve got a LeFevour, and the only prescription is…
…Another start!
In his first CFL start, Dan LeFevour shone and led the Ticats to their first win of the season.
The Central Michigan product racked up 361 yards through the air and added 109 yards and a touchdown on the ground against the RedBlacks. He utilized running back C.J. Gable well and spread the ball around nicely. And he did so while out-duelling Henry Burris, the man he backed up last season.
If LeFevour continues this type of output, there might be a QB controversy in Hamilton when Zach Collaros is ready to return.
Bombers give Glenn no space
Kevin Glenn was visibly frustrated late in the Lions’ 23-6 loss Friday and who can blame him? He had no time to think. The Blue Bombers’ pass rush was on point and the team finished with six sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
If defence wins championships, the Blue Bombers are legit contenders this year.
Sportsnet’s CFL stars of Week 5
OFFENCE
1) Dan LeFevour, QB, Ticats
2) Will Ford, RB, Roughriders
3) C.J. Gable, RB, Ticats
DEFENCE
1) Tyron Brackenridge, S, Roughriders
2) Aaron Grymes, DB, Eskimos
3) Maurice Leggett, DB, Blue Bombers