Dave Campbell
CFL.ca
Ah September, the month where all the kids are back in school much to the delight of their parents. The leaves begin turning colour; you start wearing sweaters to keep you insulated from the change in temperature.
For teams in the Canadian Football League, however, it’s the time of the year where those who have positioned themselves for a run at a playoff spot, begin to realize that the margin for error has dramatically decreased.
The Edmonton Eskimos know this all too well. The team sits second in the Western Division with a respectable 6-4 record; leaving them just two points behind the first-place Calgary Stampeders.
The Eskimos are currently in what general manager Eric Tillman calls “Year One” in the restructuring of the organization. So many changes were made in the off-season that the consensus around the CFL felt that the Esks would perhaps be 4-6 at the 10-game mark rather than where they are now.
Tillman says he’s not so much focused on his team’s record right now; he’s more focused on a top-two finish in the West at the end of the regular season.
“Our objective was to secure a home playoff game,” explained Tillman. “It’s been since 2004, our fans have waited a long time for that. That’s the staple of a successful franchise; we understand the expectations are high here. As strong as this division is, that’s a challenge. That’s the goal that we set and at 6-4, we like where we’re positioned.”
The team hasn’t enjoyed much success as of late and with the Roughriders and Lions getting closer in their rear-view mirror, it makes their slump all the worst.
While the Eskimos have dropped four of their last five games, the Lions and Riders have started win streaks of their own. B.C. has won three-straight to sit four points back of the Eskimos, while the Riders have won a pair of games under the beloved Ken Miller as head coach.
Football is a game where the wins mean the most. The first month of the season can be just a critical as the last. Then again, the Lions and Riders are proving as well that getting the wins at the right time of the season is also a major factor in securing a spot in the second season.
So, you have three teams in the West separated by six points from second to fourth. The Eskimos are only two points back of Calgary for first and hold the all-important tie-breaker having won the season-series. Tillman, from his point of view, is just happy to be very much a part of the playoff conversation.
“We see a terrific race and it’s a race of highs and lows,” explained Tillman. “Saskatchewan is playing very well, so is B.C. It’s going to be entertaining for the fans and it will certainly be a period where every game matters now, not only for first place but second place and possibly third.”
The Eskimos are getting healthy at the right time and it’s starting to show on the field. In the last two games, receivers Fred Stamps, Adarius Bowman, and Marcus Henry have returned along with defensive end and now converted linebacker Greg Peach. The offence has scored 55 points in their last two games, while the defence has surrendered just 37.
The biggest concern facing the Eskimos right now is a rushing attack that can’t seem to gain any consistency. Perhaps it is fair to blame that on an inconsistent offensive line that is still trying to find their chemistry.
You have to believe their passing attack will get back to the level or close to it from the first five weeks of the season. Defensively, there’s not much to complain about. The kicking game is solid and their return game appears to have some life for the first time this season thanks to Jason Armstead. Let’s not forget about the cover units, perhaps the best in the CFL.
The eight game marathon is about to begin.
You’re all invited to the party. Or is that parity? The CFL West has plenty of it.
NOTES: The Eskimos welcomed back linebacker Mark Restelli this week. Restelli recently attended the training camp of the Miami Dolphins but was released after the final pre-season game. He’s expected to make his 2011 debut Friday in Hamilton on special teams. Cornerback Rod Williams is expected to return to the lineup Friday, he’s missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. The Eskimos released four players this week. Gone are running back Daniel Porter, wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez, defensive lineman Robert Henderson, and defensive back Denatay Heard. The Eskimos have just one win in Hamilton since the 2003 season.
