By Bob Coatsworth,
Fantasy Sports Network
1. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0) – While stout defence got the Riders past the Alouettes 16-7 in Week 1, Kerry Joseph answered doubts about Saskatchewan’s offence by throwing four touchdown passes in a 49-8 stunning romp over Calgary Sunday night. Through two games the Green and White are playing solid football on both sides of the ball, but are sure to be tested Friday when they host the Lions in a face-off for early-season occupation of first place in the West. Grade: A-
2. B.C. Lions (2-0) – The Leos have two victories, though there are concerns about their offence, which is only operating at half-speed to this point. Dave Dickenson has just one touchdown pass and has been intercepted twice. Those aren’t typical numbers for a player normally the most efficient in the league at his position. B.C. is off to a slow start but not to worry, they didn’t lose much in the off-season and should be back up to speed in no time. Grade: B+
3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0-1) – The Bombers don’t look quite as strong on the defensive side as they were in 2006, but Kevin Glenn is making up for it in the passing game. Inconsistent at times in his career, Glenn seems to be flourishing with the addition of Terrence Edwards at receiver. With Milt Stegall, Derick Armstrong, Edwards and Chris Brazzell at his disposal, the Bombers haven’t had to lean as much on Charles Roberts and have scored more than 30 points in both games. Grade: B
4. Toronto Argonauts (1-1) – Making a quick switch to Michael Bishop as starting quarterback was the best decision the team could have made. Two years ago this might have been the wrong move, but Bishop has matured and showed the ability to move the ball down the field Saturday, passing for three scores against Hamilton. He gives the Argos another dimension to go with that incredible pass defence. Now just what do they do with Mike McMahon?
Grade: B-
5. Calgary Stampeders (1-1) – As dangerous as Henry Burris and the Stampeders’ attack looked in their 37-9 win over Hamilton in Week 1, it appeared to inflate their value heading into their match-up with Saskatchewan. You might want to consider tossing out Sunday’s 41-point loss to the Riders and see how they fare Thursday in Toronto. If the Stamps are able to turn things around with only a few days to recover and prepare, it will reflect much more about what the team is truly capable of. Grade: C
6. Edmonton Eskimos (0-1-1) – Offence is the key for Edmonton. If Ricky Ray is on, and either Tyler Ebell or Ron McClendon can provide some help on the ground, the Eskimos are capable of scoring 30 points every night. Unfortunately, both sputtered Friday against B.C. and the Eskimos managed just nine points. Edmonton’s defence has been completely rebuilt and needs time to jell, so in the meantime, points are a priority or else they’ll have a difficult time staying in the race for a playoff spot. Grade: C
7. Montreal Alouettes (0-2) – After jumping out to a 13-0 lead against the Bombers on Thursday, Anthony Calvillo and the Alouettes looked destined to shake off their season-opening loss to Saskatchewan. Then the wheels fell off and Montreal gave up 22 unanswered points in the second quarter and went on to lose their first two games of the season for the first time since 1996. The Als are performing poorly on both sides of the ball but the biggest concern has to be Calvillo, who’s having trouble getting a grip on a new offensive game plan. Fortunately for the Alouettes, they’ve got the Tiger-Cats up next on the schedule this Saturday. Grade: C-
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-2) – Bad news for fans in Hamilton. Despite high hopes, it appears the Tiger-Cats have their work cut out for them again in 2007. The quarterbacking situation is one thing, but it doesn’t end there. With the exception of Brock Ralph, the current receivers aren’t very good. With luck Jason French and Thyron Anderson will help the situation soon and give running back Jesse Lumsden a chance to make something happen with a patchwork offensive line. Grade: F
A+ of the Week:
D.J. Flick, Saskatchewan – 6 REC, 115 YDS, 2 TD
Coming off a forgettable season with the Ticats, Flick was brilliant in Sunday’s game against Calgary, making plays all over the field. His second touchdown reception, made with Jermaine Chatman draped all over him was incredible. The former Renegade owes everything to Riders’ GM Eric Tillman for rescuing him from a messy situation in Hamilton.
Bob Coatsworth works as an editorial coordinator at The Score Television Network and has been a fantasy sports enthusiast for years.
(The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of the Canadian Football League)
