August 11, 2014

CFL.ca Power Rankings: Riders moving on up

CFL.ca

CFL.ca Staff

 
Calgary Stampeders
Week 6 Ranking: 1
How’s that for a rebound game? The Stampeders hang onto their top spot after shoving aside the REDBLACKS, along with any doubts that may have been cast on them as a result of their Week 6 loss. Bo Levi Mitchell bounced back as well, throwing for 289 yards and three touchdowns, improving his personal record to 8-1.

 
Edmonton Eskimos
Week 6 Ranking: 2

If the Stampeders are ranked number one in this week’s Power Rankings, then it wouldn’t be a stretch to refer to the Eskimos as 1B – it’s just that close at this point. Like their provincial rivals, the Eskimos won their Week 7 outing in convincing fashion. Mike Reilly was solid, and John White registered his first career 100-yard rushing game. Next up, a visit to the Nation’s Capital to take on the REDBLACKS.

 
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Week 6 Ranking: 4

How good is John Chick right now? The Roughriders defensive end is on pace for 27 sacks this season, which would eclipse the single season mark set by James ‘Quick’ Parker in 1984. Chick is the oil in the defensive engine that’s been driving the Roughriders’ success this season. In their past three games – all wins – the Riders have given up an average of 13.3 points per game. You know what they say: Defence wins championships…

 
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Week 6 Ranking:
3
The Bombers will have little time to regroup from their tough loss to the Riders on Thursday night, as they’ll be right back at it in Week 8 action tonight in Toronto. Mike O’Shea’s team regrouped in impressive fashion following their first loss of the year in mid-July. It’ll be interesting to see how they respond to adversity this time around.

 
BC Lions
Week 6 Ranking: 5

If that was the last start Kevin Glenn will make this season, then colour us impressed. The 14-year veteran tossed for over 400 yards in a hard-fought win over the visiting Tiger-Cats, and looked like he was thoroughly enjoying himself while doing it. The Lions are rolling right now, and one can only expect that they’ll roll a little smoother and faster if they just so happen to get Travis Lulay back on the field this week against Boatmen.

 
Toronto Argonauts
Week 6 Ranking: 6
They aren’t getting any healthier (add rookie Anthony Coombs to the lengthy list of lengthy injuries), but the Argos are still in prime position in the East. However, things won’t be easy for the Argos over the next few weeks. Dates with the Bombers, Lions, and Eskimos preceed a Labour Day Classic matchup with the Ticats.

 
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Week 6 Ranking: 7

They’re getting closer, but the Ticats haven’t been able to get over that hump just yet. This week, Kent Austin’s group will try to avenge a Week 4 loss to the Stampeders, only this time they’ll be backed by their strong cast of fans at McMaster’s Ron Joyce Stadium.

 
Montreal Alouettes
Week 6 Ranking: 8
Just when it appeared as though the Als had made somewhat of a step forward, they go ahead and make some significant changes both on and off the field. Receivers coach Erik Campbell was let go on Monday, and he’ll be replaced by newcomer Turk Schonert. Meanwhile, Jeff Garcia and Ryan Dinwiddie were handed new titles as well, with the former being named QBs coach, while the latter takes on the role of offensive coordinator. On the field, Troy Smith’s time might well be up in Montreal, as he’ll take a back seat to new starter Alex Brink, as well as Jonathan Crompton, and Tanner Marsh on the depth chart.

  
Ottawa REDBLACKS
Week 4 Ranking: 9
Head Coach Rick Campbell said it best when he declared that “I’m choosing to not consider ourselves like an expansion team. I want to win.” In order to do so this week, Campbell and the REDBLACKS will have to find some way to contain Chris Jones and his high-powered Eskimos.