THE CANADIAN PRESS
We’ve seen some really entertaining football through the first eight games of the 2015 Canadian Football League season. Your matchups for Week 3 look like they should give us some more good football to watch. Let’s check in on this week’s top stories.
3. Who is this guy?
It’s going to be tough for Argos kicker Ronnie Pfeffer to top his CFL debut. The 23-year-old subbed in for an injured Swayze Waters on Sunday in Regina and he got the job done. Pfeffer’s first professional field goal was a 50 yarder, which was followed by another three-point score from 39 yards. He was perfect on extra points and punted the ball respectably as well. Oh, and he did this all at Mosaic Stadium facing the league’s most hostile crowd (highlights from the thrilling double-overtime game right here).
Pfeffer’s story is pretty incredible. Despite his solid work at Wilfrid Laurier, Pfeffer was passed over in the 2015 Canadian Draft and only got his opportunity once Waters went down. From sitting at home with his parents to nailing 50 yarders in Saskatchewan is quite the change in fortune. We all know kicking is a fickle game and things can change in the blink of an eye. For Pfeffer, that’s already happened once, so he’s probably okay with things staying the same for a little bit. Toronto visits Calgary on Monday to close out the week.
Ronnie Pfeffer will never forget his CFL debut, a thrilling OT win in Regina.
2. No panic . . . yet
They’ve only lost by a combined six points in two games, but the Saskatchwan Roughriders are 0-2 to start the season. We all know that’s not considered acceptable in Regina. But, at this point anyway, I don’t think anyone needs to panic. That being said, a loss on Friday night in Vancouver needs to be avoided at all costs.
Things haven’t been all bad for the Riders. Ryan Smith looks terrifyingly explosive on seemingly every passing play (including this ridiculous catch that inspired the ‘Oh My God’ kid) and has been their leading receiver in both games (although Smith has been ruled out of Friday’s game due to injury). Kevin Glenn’s Week 2 performance saw him turn back the clock a little bit and throw for almost 500 yards. Their two-headed running back monster of Anthony Allen and Jerome Messam has gotten the job done so far. Saskatchewan has some defensive things to sharpen up, but I wouldn’t sound the alarm bells just yet.
Jerome Messam has combined with Anthony Allen to form a dynamic running back duo in Regina.
1. Legitimate test
The Ottawa REDBLACKS are 2-0 and are fully deserving of that record. We led with them in this week’s Monday Morning Quarterback because I think they’re the league’s top story through two weeks. Ottawa’s receiving corps has been transformed year over year, Chevon Walker remains a force, and they’ve taken some big strides on the defensive side of the ball. With wins over Montreal and BC in the books, they’ve got another test looming.
The REDBLACKS travel to Edmonton on Thursday night to take on an 0-1 Eskimos team looking to bounce back. The Esks can’t have been happy at all with their opening weekend loss to the Argos, specifically defensively. Edmonton arguably boasted the league’s top defence in 2014, and to be lit up by Trevor Harris can’t be sitting well. A fired up bunch of Eskimos in their home opener poses just another huge challenge for Ottawa. It’s a challenge the REDBLACKS are in a much better spot to overcome in 2015.
How will Henry Burris, off to an excellent start in 2015, respond to his next big test?
