Scott Cullen | TSN.ca Staff
Here are some of the best from Week Nine and players to watch for Week Ten:
TOP PERFORMERS
Chad Owens (7 REC, 92 YDS, 1 TD at Edmonton) – In his first game since July 12, Owens delivered another strong performance in a losing effort. Despite missing all that time, he’s sixth in the league with 431 receiving yards and has averaged 107.8 receiving yards per game.
Kendial Lawrence, RB, Edmonton (106 YDS, 1 TD, seven touches vs. Toronto) – Averaging a robust 8.1 yards per carry this season, Lawrence is incredibly productive in very few touches. In the last three games, he’s accrued 330 yards on just 36 touches, 9.2 yards on average every time he touches the ball.
Curtis Steele, RB, Toronto (136 YDS, 20 touches at Edmonton) – Suddenly the league’s eighth-leading rusher, Steele has run with the opportunity presented to him in the Toronto backfield, gaining 324 yards from scrimmage, on 47 touches, in the past three games.
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN WEEK 10
Will Ford, RB, Saskatchewan – Not quite ready to be pushed aside by Jerome Messam, Ford gashed B.C. for 108 yards on 10 carries last week and he’snow sixth in the league in rushing yards (365). The Riders’ running situation is complicated, with Messam and Anthony Allen also competing for carries, but let’s nudge Ford into the driver’s seat after last week. Oh, and a chance to go up against the his former team, in Winnipeg, is a decent opportunity.
Zach Collaros, QB, Hamilton – The Tiger-Cats have had all kinds of problems offensively, but with Collaros back on the field after suffering a concussion July 4, maybe they can count on more reliable play at the most important position. Collaros was effective in Toronto last season, completing more than 66% of his passes for 2,316 yards, while throwing 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. Going up against the Argos is a good opportuntiy for Collaros, not so much because they are his former team, but because they have allowed a league-high 249 points (27.7 per game) this season.
Joe West, WR, Calgary – A matchup against Edmonton’s defence isn’t ideal, but it needs to be noted that West is breaking out as a big-play threat for the Stampeders, catching seven passes for 219 yards (31.3 yards per catch) in the past two games. Last week’s big game came in the aftermath of West’s brother being murdered in Arkansas, so it was an extra-remarkable performance, but if West can stay on the field, he adds a dimension to the Calgary attack.
