Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
Seven of nine teams in the CFL are still alive in the hunt for the 106th Grey Cup presented by Shaw.
Then, there are the Argos and Als, who won’t make the post-season but still have plenty to prove in the coming weeks.
As the mercury drops and the playoff race intensifies, Jamie Nye peers into his crystal ball to see the biggest storylines over the next six weeks.
QUARTERBACKS IN THE BASEMENT
Both the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes have quarterback questions to have answered for next season. Although they will not get those answered in the final three games of the season, it would be nice for them to see some hope from James Franklin and Johnny Manziel.
Franklin was brought in to Toronto to be ‘the next one’ after Ricky Ray. He didn’t exactly solidify himself as the next guy, losing the starting job to McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Now that Franklin has it back, the pressure is on for him to improve and grab hold of the potential No. 1 job next season.
For Johnny Manziel, he needs that breakthrough game. The game where we all can see that Manziel is ‘getting it’ in the CFL. Up to this point, Manziel has been very erratic. The Alouettes can’t afford to go through a training camp next year with Manziel as the unquestioned starter if he doesn’t at least finish the season with better production.
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Johnny Manziel and James Franklin will face off on Saturday at BMO Field in Toronto (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
ESKIMOS – RESPOND OR FADE
Will the real Edmonton Eskimos please stand up? The Eskimos may answer that question as early as this weekend when they play the BC Lions. With just two games left in the season, Mike Reilly and company may need two wins to make the playoffs or we could see major moves in Edmonton in the off-season.
Yes, Derel Walker‘s injury didn’t help, but don’t complain to the Stampeders about receiver injuries.
Defensively, the Eskimos have one of the worst defences in the league, and while it’s unlikely for the Eskimos to be able to turn that around in the final two games of the season, they need to show some teeth to help out an offence that has had their setbacks in the last month.
RE-LOADED LIONS READY TO ROAR
The BC Lions have added Tyrell Sutton and DeVier Posey for the playoff run. Travis Lulay has returned from injury and Solomon Elimimian may be able to get back and contribute on the defence after missing most of the season with a wrist injury.
This is a lot of good news at a good time for the Lions as they’ve turned into one of the best teams in the back half of the season. Wally Buono is in his final season on the sideline and it would be an amazing story to see him win the Grey Cup to walk off into the sunset.
But now it’s time to prove the last two months weren’t just a flash in the pan. They play Edmonton, Saskatchewan and Calgary to finish the season and there is an outside shot at a home playoff game for the Lions. But they could also miss the playoffs.
If last week was any indication, the Lions could do some damage if they get into the playoffs. If they can put it all together with a healthy lineup, it could be a season to remember.
STAMPS ROAD TO REDEMPTION
The Calgary Stampeders looked possessed earlier in the season to get to November and try to make up for the last two devastating Grey Cup losses. That amazing play has become much more inconsistent as we wonder, are we looking at another 13 or 14 win season and the top seed in the playoffs going to waste in November?
The injuries to the receiving corps were eventually going to catch up to them as John Hufnagel has done as good a job as possible to restock the shelves. There is no doubt the Stampeders’ defence will keep the team in every game down the stretch and into the playoffs. But can they find that spark they had this summer when they appeared untouchable?
Or maybe they just need to get to November and then it’ll be go time for the Grey Cup.
They’re still the most complete team around the league.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS?
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have gotten to where they are now because of a very strong, fast defence creating havoc and special teams that don’t allow big plays but make them. The offence has been average at best.
But is that a recipe to succeed in the playoffs? Or are they set up to have a quick exit if their offence sputters into post-season?
Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Chris Jones will dial up some game plans to put the best quarterbacks on their heals, so the Riders will always have a chance — but it’s a lot to ask to succeed in three straight games to win it all.
Jones’ entire philosophy will be on trial next month. He likes conservative and safe offences that don’t put the team behind the eight ball by turning the football over because he believes his defence can hold the opposition to 20 or less.
MOP RACE
The finish to the season will determine if it’s Bo, Mike or Jeremiah who win the MOP. I don’t think there is anybody else close, though if you want to throw a defensive player in there, I’ll suggest the Riders’ Willie Jefferson.
Realistically, this will be an award going to a quarterback during Grey Cup week. While it’s likely the winner of the West Division nomination will take this award, don’t sleep on Masoli. If he finishes strong and climbs closer to the numbers Mitchell and Reilly have put up, I’ll be more inclined to pick Masoli for a truly outstanding season.
BEAST OF THE EAST
I can’t wait to see how this plays out in the East Division with Hamilton and Ottawa playing back to back games before finishing off with games against Montreal and Toronto respectively. A clean sweep the next two weeks by one of these teams decides it, while a split and we’ll have a very interesting final week in the East Division.
Good luck predicting this one as both teams have underrated defences and offences full of playmakers and quarterbacks closing in on 5,000 yards passing. Of course, it is very likely this is just the first of three games in the final two months of the season, with a likely date in the Eastern Final upcoming.
HALIFAX
OK, this isn’t one on the field, but at the end of the month there is supposed to be another report to Halifax council to take the next step on a 10th franchise in the CFL. With the commissioner’s state of the league address and board of governors meetings coming up, could we be about to get BIG news for Maritimes expansion?
I certainly hope so.
NO ‘I’ IN TEAM
The players don’t want to talk about it, nor are they likely focusing on it, but there are a few races to watch down the stretch to see who takes the title as leading passer, rusher, receiver and tackler.
Reilly is in the league lead in passing but Jeremiah Masoli has a chance to pass him with three strong games to finish the season, which also could see Brandon Banks surpass Duke Williams as the leading receiver in the league. As for the rushing title, William Powell and Andrew Harris are only separated by six yards with three weeks left. Powell has the edge with three games left and Harris only has two.
On the defensive side of the ball you have a dead heat with Adam Bighill and Alex Singleton tied for tackles at 101. Again, Singleton does have one more game to play than the Bombers linebacker.
It may not be a big deal to them with playoff races going on, but if they have a bonus in their contract, it could put a little extra cash in the bank.
GREY CUP PREDICTION
As we look ahead to November, I like how the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are ending the season. How about they play Hamilton in the Grey Cup in a fight of the two teams with the longest Grey Cup droughts?
The Bombers defence has started to make those big plays and Matt Nichols has completely turned around his season behind centre. Of course, this is null and void if the Bombers cross over or miss the playoffs, and if that’s the case, I’ll play it safe with Calgary getting back to a third straight Grey Cup.
See you in November, it’s going to be a great finish.
