Graham Hughes/CFL.ca
The start is just as important as the finish.
Four games into the 2017 CFL season, the Stampeders passing attack has found itself in a groove, making big plays and looking like one of the most dangerous offences in the league.
Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has had one of his best starts to a season, but gives all the credit to his receivers for making his job easier.
“It’s pretty easy for any quarterback if you can throw the ball six yards and then they go for 30 or 40 yards,” Mitchell said. “We have to use the field to our advantage and our guys are doing a good job at it right now. If you compare the stats from this year to last year, we probably have more yards after the catch this year.”
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Mitchell threw for 379 yards and one touchdown in the Stamps loss to the Montreal Alouettes in Week 4 (CFL.ca)
Mitchell has thrown for 1,382 yards, completing 106 of his 163 passes to go along with seven touchdowns, showcasing why the Stamps are one of the best when it comes to throwing the football.
Despite finding so much success going to the air, the 27-year-old outlined how crucial it is to not abandon the run game.
“I think we’re very good at it and we have to understand there are times when we have to use the pass game,” Mitchell said. “At the same time, we have to let (Jerome Messam and Roy Finch) eat whenever they get the chance to and not take opportunities away from them. As long as we look into the details and make sure we’re doing things right, we’ll be in good shape.”
The Texas native is on track to having his best year statistically, but he’s putting the team’s success before his own. With the Stamps currently sitting third in the West Division with a 2-1-1 mark, Mitchell knows there’s room for improvement.
“Including last season, in our last eight games we’re 4-3-1. Right now we need to look in the mirror and become better,” Mitchell said. “Right now it doesn’t matter if we’re throwing for 450 or 500 yards, you’ve seen guys go off like that and still lose a game. We have to make sure that we’re a balanced offence and moving the ball around.
“I have to make sure that I’m not taking away chances from the big guy 33 (Messam) and whoever has the ball. Everyone has to be working hard on each play and as long as we do those things, we’re going to be good.”
