Friends of the LWOS CFL department, this is the final column in our LWOS CFL power rankings. We have seen rises and falls up and down our ladder through the year. Some of the most dramatic changes include the massive rise the Montreal Alouettes have seen in the second half of this season, being ranked as low as tenth out of nine on the ladder, and now in the top three. Another story is the nose dive we saw from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who were ranked as high as number two but now sit in seventh place. Leave your comments below to add your thoughts to our conversation.
Final CFL Power Rankings for 2014
1. Calgary Stampeders
The 2014 version of the Stampeders have held firm at the number one spot all year long, and as the year comes to a close they are clearly the Grey Cup favorites. Looking powerful from the start with only a few minor hiccups along the way, the Stamps showcase an O-line that is one of the best in the CFL. Bo Levi Mitchell has had a big impact on offence throughout the year, despite missing some games due to injury. And who can forget about Jon Cornish, the Stamps’ nomination for Most Outstanding Canadian? Despite missing games, Cornish has rushed for over 1000 yards on the ground with a 7.8 yards per rush average. Horses and power, something just sounds familiar about that.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
The Edmonton Eskimos have reached new heights from last year and that is no understatement. They earned the number two ranking at the end of the season with outstanding coaching from rookie head coach Chris Jones, great play at pivot from Mike Reilly, and most notably the great effort from Adarius Bowman. All things considered, the green and gold may be number two in the power rankings, but could push Calgary to the limit in a battle of Alberta final if they make it to the second round of the playoffs.
3. Montreal Alouettes
A new quarterback, new staff, a potent defence, and suddenly the Jonathan Cropmton-led Alouettes are fighting for the top spot in the East. At Labour Day no one would have picked them for a playoff appearance, but their reversal of fortunes has given them hope of representing the East in the final. As the highest-ranked team in the division, they should be a lock for the divisional championship, except for…
4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
…the frustratingly inconsistent Tiger-Cats. In some games they do exactly what they need to win; in other games they give up stupid penalties and make terrible mistakes that have cost them otherwise certain wins. If the best version of the Tiger-Cats show up, they can beat anyone in the league; if any other version shows up, they will likely lose in the last minute, probably by bobbling a snap, giving up a big sack, or forgetting to cover Chad Owens.
5. Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Ray is most likely out with a concussion this week and every Toronto fan is living their worst nightmare. In comes Trevor Harris, the last back-up to get a start this season due to injury; every other starting QB has missed time this season. The Argos’ already weak receiving corps only play well because of Ray, and the Ray-Owens connection will truly be missed on Friday in Ottawa. The Argos will not be the same without the league’s leading passer, and many will question their ability to win without #15. Their season is on Harris’s shoulders, but don’t expect anything spectacular from this falling team.
6. B.C. Lions
The Lions were chased down like a hunting-trip in the Bering Strait 4000 years ago by the Eskimos last week. They were not the Lions that roamed Vancouver at the beginning of the season and Kevin Glenn was playing like a legitimate starter. Emmanuel Arceneaux has lost his flair and the offence has been killed. Solomon Elimimian has set the record for tackles in a season with 131, but he is the only bright spot for the Lions; they are hanging on for dear life to stay in the Western division. A playoff crossover to the East might even be a struggle for the Lions at this point.
7. Saskatchewan Roughriders
It’s going to take a complete team effort for the Riders to make any noise in the playoffs. Kerry Joseph at this point in his career is more of a game manager then a “put his team on his back” kind of QB. It will be up to the other position groups to perform at a high level to make up the difference. The Riders do have one of the better offensive lines in the league, led by centre Dominic Picard, and they will rely heavily on their trio of running backs, especially as the cold playoff weather is coming.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The city of Winnipeg will be hosting the 2015 Grey Cup and the Bombers have a lot of work to do if they want to make it to the big game in front of their fans next year. A 5-1 start to this season turned out to be a mirage for Winnipeg as their weakness began to get exposed as the season went on. Drew Willy and the passing game, while inconsistent, have proven to be the least of the Bombers’ problems; the rush defense Winnipeg is dead last in the CFL, giving up 135 yards on the ground per game. GM Kyle Walters has announced that Head Coach Mike OShea will return next season. As for the players, major changes should be expected.
9. Ottawa Redblacks
The Ottawa Redblacks are right where they belong in ninth position. From day one, a successful season for Ottawa meant creating a buzz, selling out the stadium, providing an entertaining product, and having fans renew their season tickets. They’ve accomplished all of that. They must use their last game of the year to see what they have in the pantry. Rookie QB Danny O’Brien will see most of the snaps this week.
That’s it for our collaborative power rankings this year. Our CFL panel consists of Matt Bin (@LastWordOnCFL), Nicholas Di Giovanni (@LWOSNick), Steve Gifkins (@LWOSSteve), Lance Keiser (@LWOSLance), and Kelly Bale (@LWOSKBale). Thank you for reading! Leave a comment below to contribute to the conversation.
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