CFL
A brand new season is upon us in the CFL, as the playoffs are officially here and six teams set their sights on winning a Grey Cup Championship.
The regular season is long and winding, but it’s an important time for teams to prove who belongs in the final post-season dance and who doesn’t. Now, though, it’s so much bigger than that.
As teams step onto the big stage, everything intensifies. Every play and every moment could mean the difference between playing next week and going home.
While the regular season is a fun time to monitor tremendous individual accomplishments, the playoffs take individual excellence to a whole new level. The best players raise their game and become legends. Think Darian Durant in 2013, silencing his critics and leading the hometown Riders to a Grey Cup Championship on home turf.
The time for big plays and big moments is right now. Some players will be swallowed whole by the pressure and join their teams in wondering what could have been. A few select others, on the other hand, could live in CFL playoff infamy.
In a post-season with sky-high expectations for all teams and their top players, here are CFL.ca’s Top 30 Players to keep an eye on these playoffs. Who will you keep your eyes on the most?
30. Tyrell Sutton – RB, Montreal
The Alouettes were at their best when they ran the football this season, and when Sutton was injured during their loss to the Ticats in a battle for first last weekend that was clearly an element that was missing. Sutton declared himself good to go for the playoffs, and he’ll play a key role for a Montreal team that needs to run the ball effectively in order to control possession and ultimately win the game.
29. Matt Nichols – QB, Edmonton
He was 0-3 as a starter this season, but suddenly Matt Nichols is being asked to earn his first win in a do-or-die playoff game. Remember, this is a quarterback with a pretty high pedigree, once regarded as the Esks’ future franchise quarterback before suffering a catastrophic knee injury that ended his battle with Reilly for the number one job a couple of years ago. Nichols is capable of leading this talented Esks’ group far in the playoffs – the question is; how will he respond to the moment?
28. S.J. Green – SB, Montreal
Green never did reach his 2013 form this year, but he still made a number of big plays to help his team win important games, plus the usual array of outstretched diving grabs and one-handed snags. Green is a dynamic CFL receiver and forms arguably the league’s number one tandem with Duron Carter, and the veteran with his size and sticky hands could be the key to the Als’ playoff success.
27. Odell Willis – DE, Edmonton
After a mid-season hot streak, Odell Willis cooled off a little bit for the Esks late in the season. Their hope is it was just some down time before the playoffs, as the team’s leader in sacks looks to regain his form in time for the post-season. Willis can be a terror for offences, and his disruptive ability will be something to keep a close eye on in the upcoming weeks.
26. Dexter McCoil – LB, Edmonton
After a stellar regular season that will likely earn him Rookie of the Year accolades, Dexter McCoil is primed to take his game to a whole new level in the playoffs. As the cold weather arrives, the hits get harder and the fumbles increase, the temperature will be just right for one of this year’s biggest defensive playmakers.
25. Chris Getzlaf – SB, Saskatchewan
Getzlaf has suffered through an injury-riddled, less productive than usual 2014 season, but he’s a proven playoff performer who tends to come through in the big moment. He’s also one of Durant’s go-to guys, and it’s highly unlikely he’ll go unnoticed through the playoffs. For the Riders to get back to their offensive dominance, they’ll need Dressler and the big guy, Getzlaf, moving the sticks.
24. Justin Medlock – K/P, Hamilton
Medlock had the third-highest efficiency rating during the regular season and provided some big-time clutch kicks for the Ticats in their journey to an East Division title. And in the playoffs in bad weather at home, his role will become even bigger. If the game comes down to field goals, Medlock’s strong leg is second to none across the CFL, and could provide the Ticats an enormous late-game edge.
23. Kendial Lawrence – SB/RET, Edmonton
Lawrence is the X-factor of the Esks’ offence, providing plenty of big-play spark when you least expect it. While defences must key in on the likes of Adarius Bowman and John White, they better not forget about the five-foot-9, 195-pound burner. He can line up all over the field in Chris Jones’ offence, while his ability on kickoff and punt returns is also well-documented.
22. Charleston Hughes – DE, Calgary
Hughes missed a good part of the season due to a leg injury, but for the first half of the season was a man on a mission. He’s been about a sack per game player over the past few seasons in the CFL, and the Stampeders’ defence has suffered in his absence. If Hughes can return healthy and to his expected form in the playoffs, Calgary’s defence could return to elite form.
21. Weston Dressler – SB, Saskatchewan
Dressler didn’t make the impact we’re all used to seeing down the stretch after returning from the NFL, but now is as good as any time to change that. He’s flashed his playmaking ability with a highlight-reel play of the year candidate on a catch-and-run, as well as some exceptional special teams play – but what the Riders need is a consistent playmaking receiver that’s in tune with the quarterback and can make the clutch first downs. This should be their guy.
20. Simoni Lawrence – LB, Hamilton
Lawrence is the heart and soul of a Ticat defence that played a key role in the team’s second-half success. After a Labour Day win over the Argos, everything seemed to come together at the same time for the Ticats – the defence was among the CFL’s best and the offence was explosive. Lawrence’s leadership and ability was a big part of that, and he’ll be expected to continue his dominance in the playoffs.
19. Jonathan Crompton – QB, Montreal
Crompton definitely played an important role in the Als’ mid-season turnaround that saw them go from 1-7 to hosting the Eastern Semi-Final, but he did it by managing games and not making mistakes. He’s got two great targets in Duron Carter and S.J. Green, and his role in the playoffs will be to get them the ball and avoid the big mistake. If he can do that, his weapons on offence will make enough plays to win and so should his defence.
18. Stefan Logan – RB, BC
He may be over the age of 30, but Stefan Logan appears to be as explosive as he ever. With the Lions’ backfield all to himself, the shifty one-cut running back will look to provide the spark for an offence in need. The Lions have the passing options and the defence to be successful, but will need Logan to be a success on the ground in order to be productive. Logan could also provide a boost in the Lions’ return game.
17. Bear Woods – LB, Montreal
Woods led the Alouettes in tackles this season, and most of them came in the second half of the campaign. He’s exploded on the scene as one of the CFL’s premier defensive players, playing an integral role in the Als’ mid-season turnaround from a 1-7 start in the hole. He’ll team up with Chip Cox to power an opportunistic defence that will have to be at its best to tackle the Lions and then the Ticats should they make the Eastern Final.
16. Mike Reilly – QB, Edmonton
The Esks’ dynamic dual-threat pivot isn’t slated to start the Western Semi-Final on Nov. 16, but he’s expected to practise through the week and still suit up for the game. If the Esks can get by the Riders without him, Reilly will undoubtedly play a huge role for the Green and Gold in the Western Final. He was arguably the league’s top all-around quarterback this season and is sure to play a role in the team’s playoff fate.
15. John Chick – DE, Saskatchewan
The 2014 sack leader weighs in at number 15, as the Riders’ defensive line will play a huge role in the team’s success in the playoffs. When the Riders were at their best and on an early-season winning streak, they were getting lots of sacks. That ingredient was missing down the stretch, as Chick had only a sack over the last several remaining games. He and the Rider defensive line must get back to being dominant.
14. Luke Tasker – WR, Hamilton
While Andy Fantuz has been the Ticats’ go-to receiver, Luke Tasker has stepped into his role just fine during the veteran’s absence. Tasker and Austin have a strong relationship, and the speedy young pass-catcher can play multiple positions in multiple offensive sets. He’s another game-breaker who’s just starting to settle into a major role in Hamilton, and these could be the playoffs that put him on the map.
13. Brandon Banks – WR/RET, Hamilton
No player provided more sudden momentum swings during football games this year than the man known as ‘Speedy’, Brandon Banks. He’s an exceptional returner that teams must pay close attention to, but he could be an even bigger threat on offence. Defences can’t afford to leave him any space, as he’s a threat to score any time he touches the ball. That, in turn, also opens up space for the rest of the offence.
12. Kevin Glenn – QB, BC
Often overlooked, Glenn is in the top-10 in all-time passing yards and this year was second overall in passing yards. He guided the Stamps to an appearance in the Grey Cup Championship in 2012, and has more playoff experience than the other starting playoff quarterbacks combined. The Lions’ offence sagged in 2014, and it’ll be up to the veteran to get it back on track for the games that matter up ahead.
11. John White – RB, Edmonton
Outside of the injured Jon Cornish, no running back in the CFL enjoyed more success than John White down the stretch. White offers total explosiveness out of the Esks’ backfield, whether it’s the ability to make defenders miss or plow through ‘em. He’s also featured as a more prominent target in the passing game of late, and with Mike Reilly missing action, it’ll be up to him to carry the offence alongside Adarius Bowman.
10. Marquay McDaniel – WR, Calgary
He was one of the CFL’s most productive receivers before being injured late in the summer, and Marquay McDaniel picked up right where he left off in his return with 12 catches and 165 yards in a win over the Lions in the Stamps’ season finale. Bo Levi Mitchell has his go-to receiver back, and you can be sure McDaniel will be a go-to guy in the Stamps’ offence starting on Nov. 23.
9. Anthony Allen – RB, Saskatchewan
We saw during the Riders’ 24-17 win over the Esks in the season finale how important it is for them to run the football. The ability has escaped them a little bit since Durant’s injury back in the Banjo Bowl, but part of it has also had to do with the absence of this guy, their leading rusher in 2014. Allen is a rookie with outstanding natural ability, and his role in the Rider backfield may be the biggest factor to the Riders’ playoff success.
8. Emmanuel Arceneaux – WR, BC
Despite limited playing time, Arceneaux led the CFL in receiving touchdowns and was the Lions’ big play generator all season. While the Lions’ offence has struggled this season, especially through so many injuries, the lengthy, dynamic pass-catcher can strike with a game-changing, big play at any time. Kevin Glenn and the Lions must figure out ways to get their most athletically-gifted player the football.
7. Solomon Elimimian – LB, BC
The league’s leading tackler and now all-time single-season tackles record holder, Elimimian leads a Lions’ powerhouse defence into the playoffs looking to make an improbable run through the East Division to the Grey Cup. That unit got off track in the last two games, and it’ll be up to him to bring back the nasty factor and make the Lions impossible to score touchdowns against.
6. Darian Durant – QB, Saskatchewan
When we think of clutch playoff performances, we quickly remember Darian Durant running wild against the Lions in the playoffs last season. Durant won’t be ready to play in the Western Semi-Final, but if the team can advance to the Western Final he’ll surely play a central role. The Riders are a totally different team when he’s under centre, as his dual-threat ability opens things up both on the ground and through the air, making the offence totally unpredictable.
5. Zach Collaros – QB, Hamilton
In his first full season as a starter, Collaros ignited a Ticat team in a big hole to start the season, leading it to its first division title since 1998. The emerging star pivot has natural playmaking ability, whether it’s with his legs or his arm, and will often make a big play out of what seems like nothing. He’s proven he knows how to win close games throughout the regular season in his CFL career – now he’ll look to do the same on the big stage.
4. Duron Carter – WR, Montreal
The 23-year-old Carter exploded in his first full CFL season, making one highlight-reel catch after another and forming a dynamic duo with teammate S.J. Green. Carter displaced Green as the number one receiver in Montreal, and together they form a combination that is both towering and physical, and can make the hardest of catches look easy. With Carter, Jonathan Crompton doesn’t have to thread the needle – he only has to get the ball in his receiver’s vicinity.
3. Adarius Bowman – SB, Edmonton
Bowman always had the talent to become a top CFL receiver, and this season it looks like he finally reached his full potential. He destroyed his closest competition in receptions and yards, and played a central role in the Esks’ massive turnaround from 2013. The six-foot-three, 215-pound dynamo is the type of player defences game plan around, and his contribution will be pivotal to the Esks’ success.
2. Bo Levi Mitchell – QB, Calgary
The young Katy, Texas native has only lost two starts early in his career as a CFL starter, and has all the tools to be a top-tier CFL passer. His quarterback rating was tops in the league in this, his first year as a full-time starting quarterback. The question is now whether he can step into the spotlight and win games when the pressure is on and the chips are down.
1. Jon Cornish – RB, Calgary
A leading candidate to repeat as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player, Cornish won the rushing title while playing only half a season. His numbers are off the charts, with 7.8 yards per carry and over 1,000 rushing yards on just 139 attempts. Cornish will be the most-watched player of the 2014 CFL Playoffs, as he tries to shoulder his team over the hump to a Grey Cup Championship.
Honourable Mention
There were some players that were excruciatingly difficult to leave off the list. It’s likely that some of these players will provide the biggest headlines of the 2014 playoffs, but with a list of 30, space was limited. It just goes to show that the number of potential game-changers in the CFL is at an all-time high.
Here are some of the other players on our watch list that could make a significant impact:
Andy Fantuz – Huge part of the Ticat offence, but spent the last month out of the lineup.
Eric Norwood – Absolutely on fire down the stretch run of the season, then cooled off near the end.
Tyron Brackenridge – A hard-hitting safety that brings his best when it matters most.
Dante Marsh – The Lions’ leader of the secondary, and will likely play a role in shutting down the likes of Carter, Green.
Shawn Lemon – After all the talk about Charleston Hughes, led the Stamps in sacks and the league in fumbles.
Rob Bagg – The Riders’ leader in receiving yards. Hands down the comeback player of the year.
Chip Cox – The biggest playmaker on the Als’ defence. Will team up with Bear Woods to terrorize offences.
Ronnie Yell – Young and less experienced, but an important cog in the Lions’ stout secondary.
Nic Grigsby – The Ticats’ new running back came in handy against the Als in the season finale.
Juwan Simpson – The fearless leader of the Stamps’ defence.
Adam Bighill – One of the league’s top linebackers; caught in the shadow of Elimimian.
Jamar Wall – Led the Stampeders in interceptions. A huge playmaker at critical times.
Keon Raymond – A defensive back for the Stamps that’s been through it all. Another ‘glue’ guy.
Ricky Foley – Back-to-back Grey Cup Champion, and downright nasty on the Riders’ D-line.
JC Sherritt – Heating up in a big way late in the season. A veteran leader on the Eskimo ‘D’.
John Bowman – The active CFL sack career sacks leader. Quarterbacks, look out.
Tristan Jackson – CFL leader in return yardage. Could provide special teams spark.
Travis Lulay – 2011 MOP and Grey Cup Champion. Most definitely rusty, but could easily make an impact.
Delvin Breaux – The Ticats’ shutdown corner, tasked with facing the CFL’s top receivers.
