The Canadian Press
TORONTO — Who can change a game in a single play?
There are a select few of those guys around the CFL and on Sunday, with seasons on the line, those will be the players to watch.
We know that when it comes to the Edmonton Eskimos, Mike Reilly, Brandon Zylstra and Almondo Sewell are going to have a major say in the outcome of the football game. Ditto for Duron Carter for the Riders, Andrew Harris for the Blue Bombers and Trevor Harris for the REDBLACKS.
But who are the X-factors in the CFL playoffs — the ones that fly under the radar but could easily come out and make the difference?
In a league so unpredictable, we look at one defensive and one offensive X-factor on every team playing this weekend:
| OTTAWA REDBLACKS | |
| OFFENCE | DEFENCE |
| Juron Criner, WR | Jonathan Newsome, DL |
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Juron Criner, WR
Lost in a dominant effort by Diontae Spencer in Ottawa’s last home game was a two-touchdown performance by sophomore Juron Criner. With Spencer having a tremendous second half, injury sidelining Brad Sinopoli and Greg Ellingson garnering the majority of the attention from opposing DBs, space could open up for Criner to make a game-changing play. Although his opportunities are limited, Criner is a big-play receiver when he gets his hands on the ball. That, combined with QB Trevor Harris’ knack for stretching the field, means the Arizona product could do some damage.
Jonathan Newsome, DL
Unlike most CFL teams, the REDBLACKS don’t have one standout pass rusher but they do get after the quarterback as a unit. A lunch pail group that may not steal the headlines has its purest pass rusher in the form of Jonathan Newsome. When healthy, Newsome can disrupt opposing quarterbacks and will undoubtedly be amped to play his former Roughriders team. All it takes is one sack or strip for a fumble to turn the tide. Newsome could cause either one of those.
| EDMONTON ESKIMOS | |
| OFFENCE | DEFENCE |
| Adarius Bowman, WR | Da’Quan Bowers, DL |
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Adarius Bowman, WR
It may seem odd to consider Adarius Bowman in the ‘under the radar’ category but given his slow start and injury issues in 2017, it has taken him some time to shake the rust off. That said, Brandon Zylstra has emerged as the No. 1 target in Edmonton and Derel Walker’s return has made the Esks one of the most formidable corps in the league. We all know that Bowman can break open a game and dominate at times. Attention on Walker and Zylstra may be just the ticket Bowman needs to put him right back into elite status with one big game.
Da’Quan Bowers, DE
Not unlike Bowman, Bowers could be the beneficiary of depth at his position. The Eskimos front boasts a rotation that includes the likes of Odell Willis, Phillip Hunt, Almondo Sewell and John Chick just to name a few. Bowers is a force in the trenches and with seven sacks in his first year and has a knack for getting timely stops, while others on the line take up space and double teams.
| SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS | |
| OFFENCE | DEFENCE |
| Chad Owens, WR | Ed Gainey, DB |
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Chad Owens, WR
Chad Owens is no longer the offensive focal point like he was in Toronto, but his addition and production late in the season make him the perfect x-factor for this list. Owens just needs to do what he has done for the Riders over the last few months — let the likes of Carter and Roosevelt take on role of flashy pass-catcher while he remains the reliable veteran who will make tough catches in traffic and find soft spots in the defensive secondary. He has gone from deep threat to possession receiver and it is working marvelously for the former MOP.
Ed Gainey, DB
Ed Gainey is far from under the radar but the he can change a game in an instant. His league-high 10 interceptions didn’t just pad the stat sheet, they came at times when the Riders defence needed them most. A knockdown at a critical time or a sure tackle in open field to force a third-down is exactly what a defensive player can do to swing the game in his team’s favour in a do-or-die scenario.
| WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS | |
| OFFENCE | DEFENCE |
| Timothy Flanders, RB | T.J. Heath, DB |
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Timothy Flanders, RB
All season, Timothy Flanders has been the perfect counter-punch to spell Andrew Harris when needed. In an offence that already houses a 1,000-yard rusher, it is hard to believe that Flanders gets the touches he does — but that is the way the Bombers’ offence runs. Given the uncertain health of Matt Nichols, the Bombers may be even more inclined to limit the wear on their quarterback and get the ball into the hands of their tailbacks. Flanders can hit a hole and take it second level or make a would-be tackler miss in the open field. He could prove valuable in a game that will be all about ball control offence and winning time of possession.
T.J. Heath, DB
Not to take anything away from his shutdown ability but TJ Heath is looking to take the ball the other way any chance he has. Heath helps anchor a secondary that is constantly fighting after 50-50 balls against a team like Edmonton, which likes to stretch the field. A key pick at the right time could alter the complexion of the game.
