TORONTO — The 15-2-1 Stampeders are the early favourites for Sunday in the eyes of prognosticators, but how does it all break down on paper?
Calgary and Ottawa will kick off the 104th Grey Cup presented by Shaw in less than a week’s time at Toronto’s BMO Field and we’ve got the early look at who’s got the edge and where.
CFL.ca provides a position by position look at the Stampeders and REDBLACKS:
Quarterbacks
Henry Burris without the usual late-season wear and tear looks like a wiser and more experienced version of his younger self. As good as he’s been in his last four starts, however, Bo Levi Mitchell is playing at a level that hasn’t been replicated in the CFL in a long time.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Running backs
Kienan Lafrance did an admirable job filling in for the injured Mossis Madu in the snow at TD Place on Sunday and could get the call in the Grey Cup. Still, no one can argue with this year’s likely Most Outstanding Canadian in Jerome Messam along with the shifty Roy Finch.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Receivers
DaVaris Daniels might be the best receiver in the CFL right now while Marquay McDaniel has a reliable set of veteran hands. Despite not having Chris Williams, however, the REDBLACKS might be a little deeper with three 1,000-yard receivers plus the emerging Juron Criner.
ADVANTAGE: OTTAWA
Offensive line
The Stampeders have the best offensive line in the league, allowing the fewest sacks in the CFL and also paving the way for the dominant rushing attack of Jerome Messam. Credit is due to the REDBLACKS for the injuries they’ve overcome but Calgary’s got a definitive edge here.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Defensive line
No team stopped the run and sacked quarterbacks like the Calgary Stampeders, who boast one of the league’s most underrated linemen in Micah Johnson and likely the absolute best in Charleston Hughes. Look out for Ottawa’s front four, however, which are flying under the radar.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Linebackers
The addition of former Stampeder Taylor Reed puts Ottawa’s group over the top as he teams up with another standout in Damaso Munoz and talented playmaker Jerrell Gavins. A healthy Deron Mayo for Calgary might have made a difference here but for now the edge is Ottawa’s.
ADVANTAGE: OTTAWA
Defensive backs
A youth movement in Calgary this year didn’t stop the Stamps from quietly ranking third in the league by allowing only 290.2 passing yards this season. Breakout stars Tommie Campbell and Ciante Evans stepped up in a big way and should give the Stamps an edge in the Grey Cup.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Return game
Tristan Jackson’s 77-yard punt return touchdown in the Eastern Final was clutch while Roy Finch’s numbers put him in the CFL’s class of elite. Finch faces his former team in the Grey Cup and will aim to be a difference maker in Toronto on Nov. 27.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
Kicking game
Another solid year from Rene Paredes (87.5 per cent on field goals this season) should give the Stampeders plenty of confidence in their kicking game. While Ray Early kicked well in the snow in place of the injured Chris Milo, the veteran Paredes is the easy choice on the biggest stage.
ADVANTAGE: CALGARY
