The Canadian Press
OTTAWA — Brad Sinopoli hadn’t had a 100-yard game since June 29 of last season.
That being said, though, he’s not a guy who demands the ball. Since joining the REDBLACKS during their expansion year, Sinopoli has established himself as one of the top possession receivers in the league.
“In this receiving corps, guys have big weeks and then they focus on that guy. Then other guys have the opportunity to step up,” Sinopoli told OttawaREDBLACKS.com following practice on Monday.
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The quarterback-turned-receiver stepped up in a big way for the REDBLACKS in their 28-18 victory over the Alouettes in Week 4. He finished the game with career-high 11 receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown.
The game also presented itself with opportunity for some of the team’s newer faces to the lineup such as Noel Thomas and Jean-Christophe Beaulieu, who both scored their first touchdowns with the REDBLACKS against the Als.
“I wasn’t nervous at all, I was ready for it,” Thomas told OttawaREDBLACKS.com on Monday. “It was kind of a long drive too, right before half. It was a relief and a great moment.”
Ottawa’s quickly turned their focus to Week 5 versus the Stampeders, especially after their matchup from earlier in the season didn’t go as planned, losing to Calgary 24-14 at McMahon Stadium.
This time, now hosting their colour-matching opponent, the REDBLACKS hope to take the advantage and deliver Calgary’s first loss of the season.
“It was a struggle last game for us. It always is, they just know what they’re doing. They show a lot of different looks, they try not to give anything up deep. They try to just let you throw shallow stuff, and rally and make the tackle, and they’re really good at making the tackle,” says Sinopoli, complimenting the defence who’s allowed the fewest amount of points (35) against in three games.
Entering into Week 5 of the regular season, the standings are starting to take shape with a better understanding of who’s sitting where.
“You can see the way this league’s going to be this year. You want to cash in on any chance you have,” REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell told the media following practice at TD Place Stadium on Monday. “We’re playing the only undefeated team and we’re back at home so it’s another great opportunity.”
Ottawa returns home after being on the road the past two weeks and so haven’t had the luxury of playing in front of their home fans since their Week 2 matchup against the Roughriders, a 40-17 victory.
Coach Campbell is also approaching Thursday’s game with a sense of awareness as the CFL schedule reaches the quarter-mark.
“We want sustained excellence, and part of that is sustained health. We’re trying to do a good job at maintaining these guys. It’s a long season, but part of it is being smart and part of it is luck, so we want to do the part we can control and ensure we keep people as healthy as we can.”
The REDBLACKS will kick-off Week 5 of the season on Thursday night when they host the undefeated Calgary Stampeders. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
– With files from OttawaRedblacks.com
