THE CANADIAN PRESS
In this week’s Monday Morning Quarterback we tried to determine who the best team in the CFL is right now. As we head into Week 5, perhaps we’ll start to see some separation. Or, perhaps we won’t, seeing as how this is the closest start to a CFL season we’ve seen in years.
3. Show me again
The Edmonton Eskimos looked really, really strong in two games against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Matt Nichols got the job done at quarterback, the Esks were strong defensively and they were full marks for sweeping their home-and-home set. Well, now it’s time to do it against a different opponent.
At 2-1, Edmonton has only beaten one team this season and the Eskimos have got a tough test on Saturday night when they welcome the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. I’ll be watching that Eskimos ‘D’ go to work once again to see if it can quiet down Drew Willy and that impressive group of receivers. I’ve really liked what I’ve seen so far from Winnipeg’s attack, so this won’t be easy by any stretch for Edmonton.
2. Back to work
After two impressive victories to start the season, the Toronto Argonauts had their issues in Week 3 against the Calgary Stampeders. After enjoying a bye week it’s back to work for the Argos as they roll into BC Place on Friday night to tangle with the Lions. I’m very curious as to how a week off will affect Toronto.
In their 25-20 setback to the Stamps, the Argos ran into their first real offensive roadblocks this season. Trevor Harris looked a little more human than he had in his first two starts and Brandon Whitaker really struggled getting any type of ground game established. Against a Lions team that looks tough, Toronto is in for a very stiff test after some R&R.
1. It’s time
For the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the time is now. Our loyal CFL.ca readers have voted Saskatchewan’s Sunday showdown with Hamilton as the game of the week, and for good reason. At 0-4, the Riders need a win, because the familiar refrain of “they’re really close and hanging around” is going to sound like nails on a chalkboard very, very soon.
Seemingly everyone is under fire right now in Regina. Some are pointing the finger squarely at Head Coach Corey Chamblin while others feel GM Brendan Taman needs to be held responsible. Here’s the thing, though: The Riders have been close, they’re going through some extreme growing pains on defence thanks to injury and they’re a work in progress. No one needs to be fired yet if you ask me, but make no bones about it, Saskatchewan needs to win on Sunday. One win won’t eliminate the scrutiny, but it will allow the temperature to go down, at least just a little.
