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The Calgary Stampeders may not care for this, sitting at the top of the West Division standings.
Saturday’s game between the Edmonton Eskimos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats could not only determine who is the best team in the league right now, but also offer up a preview of one of the more probable Grey Cup match-ups as we head into the final third of the season.
No matter what the Stampeders think, Eskimos receiver Adarius Bowman thinks so.
“They’re definitely the best team in the league right now and we’re excited about going over there and proving ourselves.”
Of course, the same was said exactly a month ago when these team’s met in Edmonton. Both team’s were 5-2 heading into that game and the Tiger-Cats pounded the Eskimos to the tune of 49-20.
It was a statement game from Hamilton to rout an Edmonton team that had been dominant at Commonwealth Stadium.
The Tiger-Cats defence overwhelmed the Eskimos, taking the ball away six times and getting Matt Nichols pulled as starter in place of James Franklin. It would be the last game Nichols played as an Eskimo before his trade to Winnipeg.
“What they did to us when they was here was good man, Hamilton’s a good team,” admits Bowman.
“For us, I think our team is back to where we need to be and that’s doing what it is that we can control. When we’re playing our game we’re the best team in this league so our intention is to go over there and play our ball.”
Yes, now the story is flipped from the last time these two teams played.
It’s an Eskimo team that we’re wondering about. Are they as good as their record indicates? Are they just a team that can play well at home but will struggle on the road? Are they really a Grey Cup contender?
Edmonton could make a statement by walking into one of the most hostile environments in the CFL, Tim Hortons Field, and stealing a win away from the hometown Ticats.
However, they’ll have to find a way to attack a defence that gave them fits last month.
“They carry a lot of energy. They have guys like Simoni (Lawrence) and their d-line is playing great. They’re not doing anything that can’t be beaten but it’s just the energy and the type of guys they have around there that’s played with each other for a few years.”
But unlike last time out against Hamilton there is a different Eskimo team on the other sideline. It’s one change but it’s a big one for Edmonton.
Quarterback Mike Reilly.
“He’s not just the leader of our offence, he’s the leader of our team.” said an ethusiastic Bowman, who perked up as the conversation turned from his opponent to his quarterback.
“Having that presence back is going to comfort everybody from the top of the organization to the bottom, even coaches, fans even feel better. The media feels better when Mike’s playing so it’s not just an offensive thing, it’s the whole thing. He’s the leader of our organization.”
You could see that change two weeks ago in a loss to the Calgary Stampeders when Reilly came in and while he didn’t get the comeback win, it was clear the offence improved the minute he stepped on the field.
Bowman caught 78 of his 93 yards in that game with Reilly at the helm.
He followed that up with 102 yards and two touchdowns in Reilly’s full return last week. Their leader threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t turn over the ball once.
“Our confidence is a lot better when we have Mike in, no offence to anybody else, but he’s a guy that’s proven himself for the last three years around here so this is his team.”
Even Bowman looks like a different player with Reilly back in the huddle. While Bowman chuckled at the notion he hasn’t been the same player with Reilly out. He admits it may look like he’s better with Reilly in.
“It’s a long season so you take what it gives you but when Mike gets back it’s chemistry that we’ve had. I’ve played with this guy for three years so of course it’s going to seem better when he’s in.”
It not only seems better. It’s clear the Eskimos are better with Reilly back in the saddle. They’re hoping it pays off with another win over a team above them in the standings. Calgary was first. Hamilton’s now in their sights.
