Ottawa REDBLACKS
CFL.ca Staff
OTTAWA – Putting it lightly, Chris Williams says he doesn’t envy opposing defensive coordinators this season.
Wednesday marks the Ottawa REDBLACKS’ third and final day of spring mini-camp this week in the Nation’s Capital, and standing out among myriad off-season storylines is the presence of the team’s newly assembled star-powered receiving corps.
As for the task opposing teams will face this season scheming for Ottawa’s new-look offence, Williams suggests he might not be sleeping so well were that his job.
“I’m glad I don’t have that job,” says Williams. “That’s what I’ll say. I’m glad I don’t have that job.”
“It creates a lot of problems, especially in this league with the ball being in the air a lot and guys being able to make plays,” he adds. “It’s not an enviable job.”
The 2014 off-season has been one of marked improvement for many CFL teams, but likely none more than the REDBLACKS. Owning the first overall pick in the CFL Draft while also signing some of the league’s top receiving talent, they’ve been all the hype ever since beginning to re-shape their roster back in December.
It’s hard to believe that a team coming off just a two-win season could enter the picture as a Grey Cup contender this year, and be assured that this week’s mini-camp participants aren’t reading into their own press clippings quite yet.
But the difference between now and this time last year is night and day, or for this team perhaps more appropriately red and black. As the team has added flashy top-line talent at receiver, it’s also focused on building depth – ultimately the biggest factor in winning football games.
Ernest Jackson hauls in a pass during Day 2 of the REDBLACKS’ mini-camp on Tuesday.
“I think we do have more depth at receiver and we have more depth on our football team,” says Rick Campbell, responsible in part for engineering this roster from the ground up after being hired as the REDBLACKS inaugural head coach in 2014. ”It’s very noticeable.”
“As I stand here I think back a year ago to Richmond, and we had a core group of good players but not a lot of depth where we were literally trying to scrounge some more guys up.”
“Now we have more depth and some good athleticism out here and that’s always a good sign when you have enough guys that you have to make a tough decision.”
Fans have grown weary of debate over which team possesses the top CFL receiving corps, as a number of clubs have emerged as possible contenders for such a title – particularly with the proven veteran depth at the position in the East Division between Montreal, Hamilton and Ottawa.
But by this point, any discussion about the REDBLACKS’ receiving corps often begins with a puzzling question: how can Henry Burris keep all of those talented receivers involved in the offence and allow them to produce?
Maurice Price, Ernest Jackson, Greg Ellingson, Brad Sinopoli and of course Williams have all produced at one time or another during their CFL careers, but not all five will enjoy standout seasons in 2015 – at least, not if success is measured by individual production.
Yet while it’s a cause for concern for fantasy football players trying to determine which Ottawa receiver to insert in their lineup each week, those catching the passes aren’t thinking about ball distribution as much as winning football games.
“I feel there are definitely enough balls to go around to all the guys, it’s just finding the open hole when the guy’s open,” says Jackson. “I feel the quarterback is going to find whoever’s open and get the job done.”
Jackson was the Lions’ second-leading receiver last season with 813 yards, earning him the status as one of the top free agents the following off-season. He, like the rest of Ottawa’s recent additions, joined the REDBLACKS because he saw a front office committed to winning.
“The reason we all came here was because we want to win now,” agrees Brad Sinopoli, a 27-year-old Peterborough, Ont. Native who spent his CIS career quarterbacking the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. “We don’t see it as easing our way back in and having a mediocre season this season.”
“We all have high expectations and it’s a good thing – we’re all on the same page,” he continues. “I think the coaches did a good job of telling us that before mini-camp started.”
“It starts from the top and I think they want to win, and they’ve made the commitment to do so.”
Playing with one football at a time is fine by these receivers, because it means more unpredictability. More balance. The offence, currently undergoing a facelift by first-year offensive coordinator Jason Maas, will seemingly feature game-breaking players at every position on every play.
Like Williams says, the challenge isn’t for the REDBLACKS trying to spread the ball around – it’s for other teams hoping to get such a dangerous arsenal of receivers off the field.
“It brings a certain level of worry for the opposition,” says Williams of the REDBLACKS’ depth. “They have to make sure they prepare for everyone and all of our different styles and techniques.”
“It definitely helps open things up, because a defensive back or a team can’t focus on one guy,” agrees Jackson. “They have to watch all of us now.”
“Now it’s like, who do you focus on? Now that we have all of these impact players, what are you going to do?”
This week’s mini-camp was only the start – an opportunity for Burris to get on the field and begin building chemistry with his new weapons. Winning on paper and on the field are two different things, but the REDBLACKS can’t help but feel excited with their off-season direction.
Last season started a new era for Ottawa football, and 2015 may even kick off yet a different one.
“I just can’t wait to get this thing rolling,” says Burris. “Marcel, the coaching staff – everybody did an amazing job bringing in not only great players but great guys as far as on and off the field.”
“It’s great to be able to come together and get to know the guys a lot better and start to put in this offence and get the wheels in motion before training camp.”
