provocative NFL and CFL
analysis
CFL POWER RANKINGS
* WEEK 3 *
1) B.C.
Lions (1) Another week, another
chance to cement their spot atop the rankings, and they did just that against
Toronto. Dave Dickenson shredded the proudest defence in the league. On the
defensive side of the ball, Brent Johnson paced a relentless Lions' sack
machine. (Next: at Hamilton)
2) Montreal Alouettes (3) The bye week was
far from dull in Montreal. Speculation was rife that Als pivot Anthony
Calvillo would miss the Winnipeg game to be at his wife's beside, as she
gives birth to the couple's first kid. Good news for Als' fans: A.C.'s wife
gave birth Tuesday. (Next: at Winnipeg)
3) Edmonton Eskimos (4) Even the best of
teams has to win ugly now and then. The departure of Ed Hervey early in the
game hurt, and all-star Jason Tucker has been markedly quiet the last few
weeks. An unyielding defensive line and strong special teams buoyed the Esks.
(Next: at Ottawa)
4) Saskatchewan Roughriders (5) Not
the sharpest performance from the Riders, but they were able to grind
Hamilton down in the 2nd half and seal it with defense. Matt Dominguez's absence
will increasingly be felt as the season goes on. The imminent return of
Kenton Keith will help allay this. (Next: vs. Calgary)
5) Toronto Argonauts (2) Damon Allen was almost
able to muster enough magic to bring the Boatmen back from the brink again,
despite very paper bag-like protection from his offensive line. Hakim Hill’s
predilection for putting the ball on the ground is something he will have to
work on if he wants to carve out a long CFL career. (Next: Bye)
6) Ottawa Renegades (6) This is the team to
watch right now. The offense is
firing on all cylinders, and Josh Ranek’s breakout game against Calgary only
makes the outlook more positive.
They have a couple of young playmakers in the secondary in Banks and
Moss. If they can get past a
brutal first half of the schedule with at least a .500 record, they might
make a strong run for the East division crown. (Next: vs. Edmonton)
7) Calgary Stampeders (7) They retain their
number 7 slot simply because of the complete inefficacy of the team below
them. Their proud defense was
humiliated against the Renegades.
And Henry Burris looks to be returning to the form he displayed in his
very brief NFL stint—waffle-armed and inconsistent. (Next: vs. Saskatchewan)
8) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9) They climb out
of the cellar thanks to some inspired play on defense, led by DB’s William
Fields and Stanford Samuels.
They will likely get QB Kevin Glenn back this week, which should give
the offense a shot in the arm.
Unfortunately, they face a far-superior opponent in Montreal. (Next: vs. Montreal)
9) Hamilton Ti-Cats (8) The Cats have hit
rock bottom, supplanting the Bombers in this lowliest of positions. Two aspects of the team deserve
credit for this ignominy: an anemic offense and a defense that loves to stay
on the field for prolonged drives.
(Next: vs. B.C.)
