CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO – Following a Week 5 that saw three of the four games be decided by three points or less, Week 6 will feature a shortened schedule, as half the league takes a breather during their bye week,

The two games this week will have major implications on the standings in both divisions. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers continue their four-game home stand on Friday night, as they play host to the Montreal Alouettes. 

Monday will see the BC Lions travel east to take on the Toronto Argonauts at Rogers Centre. Last week, the Lions snapped a two-game losing streak with a convincing victory over the Calgary Stampeders, placing them in a three-way tie for first in the West.

The Argos, meanwhile, will aim for their third win in as many weeks, hoping to earn some much needed breathing room atop the East Division.

Equipped with the most up-to-date storylines, roster moves, stats, milestones and trends, the Week 5 CFL.ca Game Notes will provide you with everything you need for the upcoming week of Canadian football.  

By the Numbers

Through five weeks this season, 65 per cent of the games have been decided in the final three minutes, while 50 per cent of them have been decided by four points or less.

Last week there were no kick return touchdowns but the trend remains strong with seven in 20 games. Each team has at least one player with “big play” return capability and there have been 28 such returns this year.

An emerging trend this season is the possibility of a big comeback in each game. Of the 20 games played, teams have overcome 10+ point deficits with two of those from 17 points or more.

Hamilton’s Henry Burris became only the third QB since 2002 to record four or more TD passes in consecutive games. Casey Printers last did it in 2005, while Khari Jones did it for Winnipeg in 2002.

BC’s Travis Lulay completed his last 17-of-18  passes in the second half for a perfect QB rating of 158.3 in the win over Calgary.

Toronto and BC meet in Week 6 and they rank one and in both offence and defence after five games.

» Buy: Week 6 Tickets
Friday, 8:30 p.m. ET: Alouettes at Blue Bombers
Monday, 5:00 p.m. ET: Lions at Argonauts

Top Performers:

Chad Owens: Owens seems to be enjoying the transition from wide receiver to slotback. In five games this season, Owens sits second among all East Division receivers in average yards per game with 78.4. The shifty receiver has also scored three times in his two outings.

Andrew Harris: The Canadian Player of the Month as deserved every accolade he’s earned this season. Last week, Harris capped off an impressive opening month with two touchdown receptions. Harris sits among the league-leaders in several rushing categories, including rushes for more than 10 yards (10) and runs for first downs (17)

J.C. Sherritt: Last season, Sherritt introduced himself to the CFL by registering 85 total tackles and in 16 games, earning the West Division Most Outstanding Rookie honours. This year, Sherritt has registered 41 tackles through just five games. The linebacker is on pace to register 148 tackles.

Justin Palardy: Palardy has been a unnoticed bright spot for the Bombers this season, quietly connecting on 92.3 per cent of his field goals for the top percentage in the league. His only miss arrived on an attempt from 48 yards out.

Throwing the Flag

The most penalized team through five weeks this season continues to be the Edmonton Eskimos, who have been flagged 51 times, costing them 410 yards in the process. Not too far behind are the Argonauts, who have seen the orange cloth 54 times for 408 yards.

Roster Moves

Following their first win of the season, the Blue Bombers were active in transactions this week. The Bombers said good bye to cornerback Darrel Pasco, while also releasing Rodney Fritz and Youri Yenga.

The Montreal Alouettes might have a new face returning kicks on Friday night, with reports circulating that Trent Guy may not be in the lineup this week.

Milestones

Geroy Simon is inching closer to a second milestone this season, as he needs just 12 receptions to surpass Allen Pitts for fourth place in the all-time receptions list.