Jimmy Jeong/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The Stampeders haven’t lost since Week 1 when Bo Levi Mitchell is under centre, but that season-opening ‘L’ came at the hands of the BC Lions. Calgary took two of three in the regular season, the second game going to overtime, but if anyone can solve the league-leading Stamps it’s BC. Who has the advantage going into the Western Final?
CFL.ca breaks it down position by position.
Quarterbacks
Jonathon Jennings is exciting to watch but how can you argue with this year’s likely Most Outstanding Player? No moment is too big for Bo Levi Mitchell, who can continue to cement his legacy with another Grey Cup ring.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Running backs
The BC Lions had the CFL’s top rushing attack and the combination of Jeremiah Johnson and Chris Rainey is electrifying. Without them, the Lions wouldn’t have made it past Winnipeg. Jerome Messam, meanwhile, continues to be Jerome Messam. Calling this one a draw, for now.
ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Receivers
The Lions’ receiving corps is among the best in the CFL but the potential absence of Emmanuel Arceneaux could change things. Bryan Burnham and DaVaris Daniels are top-notch receivers and both teams have depth beyond those guys.
ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Offensive line
BC’s offensive line has been a large factor in the team’s success this year but no five-man unit was better than Calgary’s. The Stamps allowed the fewest sacks in the league as Bo Levi Mitchell was allowed to get very comfortable throughout most of 2016.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Defensive line
The top two units in the league based on the numbers, the Stamps and Lions tied for the league lead with 52 sacks while Calgary, with 1,303 yards against on the ground per game, allowed five fewer rushing yards all season than BC (1,305).
ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Linebackers
Rookie and 2016 first round pick Alex Singleton is a beast at middle linebacker for the Stamps but how will the team fare without Deron Mayo? ‘Team 100’, composed of Adam Bighill and Solomon Elimimian, is the best in the business and Loucheiz Purifoy is the wild card.
ADVANTAGE: BC
Defensive backs
Another tight battle as the Stamps allowed 290.2 passing yards per game (third in the CFL) while the Lions gave up 291.4 per game (fourth). Youngsters like Chandler Fenner and Anthony Gaitor have improved immensely but in the end, it’s hard not to give the nod to Calgary’s veteran group.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Return game
Even if the Stamps do get Roy Finch back in the fold, Chris Rainey might just be the best return man in the business. It’s fair to say the Lions have a defined advantage on punt and kickoff returns heading into the Western Final.
ADVANTAGE: BC
Kicking game
Rene Paredes connected on 87.5 per cent of his kicks this year, the third best season of his career. That gives Calgary the nod over the Lions, who will approach the position by committee with Paul McCallum on shorter kicks and Richie Leone likely on anything beyond 50.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
