THE CANADIAN PRESS
It’s that time of year again across the Canadian Football League when reporters cast their votes for individual player awards. It’s a fun process but not an easy one. It’s a tough task because football is the ultimate team game and to select and recognize just a few individuals doesn’t seem right. That being said, that’s what we as reporters are charged with so now I unveil to you my selections of Eskimos nominees for CFL player awards.
Most Outstanding Rookie: LB Dexter McCoil
This was the easiest selection of the bunch. When the 2014 season began back in June, the plan for the Eskimos linebacking corps was to have Rennie Curran and middle linebacker and JC Sherritt at weak-side linebacker. Well, Sherritt was hurt out of training camp, opening the door for Dexter McCoil, whose only pro football experience was playing for the LA KISS of the Arena Football League.
The six-foot-four, 222-pounder played in both the linebacking corps and in the secondary in training camp but he started the season beside Curran. McCoil is tied for the CFL lead in interceptions with six. He has three defensive touchdowns, the most in the CFL. He also leads the Eskimos with 61 defensive tackles, has four tackles for a loss, five pass knock downs, and three quarterback sacks.
The priority for the Eskimos in the off-season was to improve their depth; McCoil has been the poster boy for that.
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Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: LB Deon Lacey
If Grant Shaw stayed healthy all season, he likely wins this award. Hard to argue against Deon Lacey, however, who is another key to the Eskimos’ depth this year. Lacey has been a stalwart on special teams, which is the best in the league in punt and kick-off cover. Lacey has 26 special teams tackles which is now a new Eskimos record and he has two games to go.
Most Outstanding Canadian: DT Eddie Steele
There was a collective gasp from Eskimos fans when Ted Laurent signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. That left a big question mark on the defensive line and all Eddie Steele did to make a first impression was collect an interception the first time he touched the football in the season opener against the BC Lions on June 28.
Steele has made people forget about Laurent with his play. He sits third on the Eskimos with six quarterback sacks. He’s been a big part of a defense which sits second in the CFL in average rushing yards allowed per game (91.7). Eddie Steele is the real deal.
Most Outstanding Lineman: LG Simeon Rottier
If there was comeback player of the year award, Rottier might win that as well. What a transformation from a year ago, when he struggled all season and was found in the Eskimos’ dog house. To Rottier’s credit, he didn’t let a tough season drag him down. He came back this year in better shape and has been the Eskimos’ best offensive lineman.
The Eskimos are second in the CFL in average rushing yards per game (133.2) and to this point have cut down their sacks allowed total by 16. Rottier has been a big reason why, and now he’s out for the season with a left knee injury. That is a big blow.
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: DE Odell Willis
The Mayor of Commonwealth is having his best CFL campaign. First on the Eskimos in quarterback sacks and second in the CFL with 13, Willis also sits second in the league with five forced fumbles. He has 28 defensive tackles, five pass knock downs, and one interception. He’s helped the Eskimos’ defense to the best yards allowed average per game total in the CFL (285.6), and has helped cut the average points allowed per game total by nine points from last season (19.6).
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While the Stamps have clinched first in the West, the second through fourth seeds have yet to be decided in the West Division. |
The Eskimos are second in the CFL in quarterback sacks with 50. Willis has been very consistent, too: when he’s not sacking the quarterback, he’s either hurrying or hitting the quarterback. He’s helped create turnovers, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Most importantly, he’s become a leader on this team while still maintaining his fun loving attitude.
Most Outstanding Player: SB Adarius Bowman
This was the most difficult of all the selections, but this is why I landed on Bowman: if this award was Most Valuable Player then hands down it goes to quarterback Mike Reilly. The Eskimos are 11-3 with him in the lineup and 0-2 without. He’s the catalyst for the offense and perhaps for the entire team. The award, however, is for Most Outstanding Player, which by description is awarded to the team’s best player.
It’s been a quiet year for quarterbacks which means a quiet year for receivers. Right now there are only two players over the 1,000 yard mark and Adarius Bowman is in the lead by a country mile. 1,352 yards, 330 yards clear of Clarence Denmark of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Bowman set a new Eskimos record for catches in a season (107) with two games left. He has 36 more catches than Chad Owens of the Toronto Argonauts who has 71.
The Eskimos offence is based on ball control and Bowman catches a lot of screen and swing passes. He’s dangerous across the middle and is able to dish out and absorb punishment. Bowman has eight receptions of 30-plus yards and he has 34 second-down conversion catches, which the best in the league. Bowman has been dominant at a position which has not been dominating this season.
There they are. Of course doing this exercise can create plenty of debate. What do you think?
