Labour Day weekend, the true start to the CFL season in many football minds. We are at the half way point folks, strap your helmets on, 2015 will feature a bumpy finish.
Week 11 CFL Power Rankings
1. Calgary Stampeders
With Calgary’s win over Winnipeg last week, and Hamilton’s loss, the Stamps sit at top spot of the power rankings. The past two games, Calgary has returned to looking like a defending championship team. Bo Levi Mitchell is getting back to his usual yardage and looks more at ease in the pocket, largely due to better protection from his linemen. Offence continues to shine because of the talented squad of receivers, and the defence looked sharp and more disciplined. The only concern – two blocked punts in two games.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Hamilton on the other hand lost their first game at home to the Alouettes. Both teams played well; turnovers happened on both sides and the game largely went back and forth. What solidified the win for the Alouettes was not only a very strong game against the best defence in the league, but also the interception by Kyries Hebert in the last minute of the game. What is concerning for Hamilton heading into this week is injuries: four defensive players were placed on the six-game injured list. How will this affect Hamilton heading into the second half of the season?
3. Edmonton Eskimos
Even with James Franklin as their starting quarterback, the Eskimos were able to roll over the Argonauts last week in dominating fashion. However, they have had a streak of one win, one loss since their 4-0 start, barring the Eskies from pushing past the Tiger-Cats or Stampeders in the rankings. Should Edmonton head into Calgary this Labour Day weekend and came away with a victory, expect to see them climb the standings.
4. Toronto Argonauts
The Argonauts have been red-hot this season, especially with Trevor Harris behind center. They are currently tied for first in the East with Hamilton but the fourth spot is still their rightful ranking. As road warriors this season, playing in almost every single city in Canada- including Fort MacMurray- the Boatmen will look to grab another road win, this time in Hamilton, on Labour Day Monday. It should be interesting to see if these Argonauts finally have the power to win a game at Tim Hortons Field.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Two wins in a row coming with two different head coaches. Despite featuring a relatively green QB, the Als have put up victories in consecutive weeks in two tough places to win. First they exorcised their demons on the west coast, grabbing an elusive win Vancouver, and then they were the team to finally end Hamilton’s unbeaten record at home. This is a team poised to climb up the ladder. They have B.C. next, this time at home, and if the Als can rally around Jim Popp this squad will have a legit shot at a playoff position.
6. Ottawa Redblacks
The Redblacks absolutely hammered on Saskatchewan last week; the problem is, it’s Saskatchewan, not too many brownie points will be handed out to a team that can beat up on the CFL’s lovable losers this season. Ottawa will be on a bye week for the Labour Day festivities, taking a good look at rivalries, while Redblacks fans will ask, why on earth is Montreal playing B.C. on a rivalry weekend and not us?
7. B.C. Lions
The Lions may be the most dysfunctional of the squads on the power ladder. Featuring an offence that can’t put up points and a special teams squad that is anything but special, they will limp into Montreal. Coach Tedford had a extra week to come up with game plan, but question is, when the plan stops working will they finally make adjustments and come up with a new one? This is the half way point, let’s see if this team will Mann up or shut up. (See what I did there?)
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Bombers have a daunting task this Sunday in Regina: end the losing streak on Labour Day and avoid being the first team to go down at the hands of the Riders. Brian Brohm will likely be leading the charge, which does not spell good news for the Blue and Gold. But remember 2004? No? Neither do Bomber fans.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Having fired their Head Coach and GM, and subsequently releasing Tino Sunseri, the Riders have made one thing clear: Brett Smith is their future. Gone are the shackles of old school thinking and the win now, sacrifice the future, which is why the Riders are in this position in the first place. Regina will be loud on Sunday, it’s Labour Day weekend, the pilsners will be flowing early and often.
That’s all for our half way, Labour Day, make ’em pay power rankings. Agree, Disagree? Leave a comment below.
