The story of the game for the Eskimos is missed opportunities. Although they squeaked out a win, this game should have never been as close as it was thanks to Edmonton’s inability to put points on the board. Here’s a how I graded Edmonton in the return leg of the Eskimos Redblacks series.
Offence
First Down Efficiency: B+
As mentioned in a previous post, the Eskimos had to find a way to be more effective on first down. They did that and more, with 13 of their 16 possessions having four plays or more.
Passing Game: C-
Matt Nichols’ CFL inexperience showed against the Redblacks as he threw three interceptions and only a single touchdown. Two of the picks were in the end zone, both a result of Nichols trying to force his passes. Nichols’ final stats: 18 of 33 for 242 yards, 1 TD and 3 interceptions, QB rating of 50.3.
Running Game: A+
If you had told me an Eskimo rookie running back would have a game most CFL veterans dream of, I would have driven you to the asylum. He was not only effective, he was extraordinary. His very first CFL start resulted in 18 carries for 144 yards. An eight yard per carry average is unheard of but he managed to do it effortlessly. Although he didn’t get into the end zone, he was dangerous every time he got the ball.
Offensive Line: B-
With his first ever start at left guard, 2015 Eskimo first round pick Danny Groulx looked like a seasoned pro. He and the rest of the line handled a pesky Redblack pass rush and limited them to only two sacks. Where they really excelled was in the run game. O-linemen love nothing better to attack defenders and it showed with Bell’s 144 yards rushing.
Defence
Overall: B-
Judging week four’s performance against the Redblacks, the Eskimo defence looks like they’re in mid-season form. The Redblacks offence couldn’t get anything done with the exception of a 17-play touchdown drive that lasted more than nine minutes. While the drive looks impressive, don’t kid yourself, the Eskimos defense made Ottawa earn every yard. The Redblacks didn’t manage to get over centre field until midway through the third quarter. That’s simply impressive.
Pass Defence: B-
When facing an experienced quarterback like Henry Burris, the only thing a defensive backfield can do is to limit big plays and make every tackle. The Eskimos defence did just that. The biggest pass play allowed was for 29 yards but no damage was done on that drive as the Redblacks offense sputtered yet again, managing only a field goal.
Run Defence: A
The CFL probably has some of the best double threat quarterbacks in any league, so when the Eskimos can limit Burris to 21 yards rushing while smothering the rest of the Ottawa running game, it speaks volumes of the Eskimos’ stingy defence. Ottawa managed only 45 yards total running the ball.
Defensive Line play: A
The Eskimos arguably have the best defensive line in the league and every game someone on the line makes an impact. This week it was Marcus Howard. With four tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, Howard was a one-man wrecking crew.
Special Teams
Overall: B-
The Eskimos have lacked a kick return game in recent years, but things seem to be getting better with the emergence of speedy wideout Skye Dawson. During the Eskimos’ first game against Ottawa, he was on the verge of busting out, but he couldn’t carry that success over into this week’s game as he left early in the first quarter. Kendall Lawrence took his place returning kickoffs and punts. With a modest 11.4 yard return average on five returns and one kickoff return for 17 yards, Lawrence wasn’t dangerous but he was consistent.
Kicking Game: A-
Grant Shaw reclaimed his spot on the Eskimos roster as THE guy to handle all the kicking duties, and he was exceptional with the kicking duties. Hitting all five field goal attempts against Ottawa, Shaw has been money this season, still sitting at 100% accuracy so far.
