Birds chirping and warmer weather means CFL football is just around the corner. A new season brings a positive mindset for all nine organizations. It also allows everyone to see how new players from free agency to rookies will perform. Here are some of the top story lines to keep an eye on as CFL training camp progresses forward to the kickoff in less than a month.
Stories Ahead of CFL Training Camp
The Redemption of Zach Collaros
Collaros was beyond awful last year. It does not matter the circumstances of which he or the team was in at the time. What made things worst was the organization experienced a massive resurgence with the hiring of June Jones and backup pivot Jeremiah Masoli at the forefront. A fresh start in Saskatchewan under Chris Jones could be the perfect remedy for the young 29-year-old.
At one point, Collaros was considered the best quarterback in Canada and was one bad holding call away from a Grey Cup. There’s no reason why the signal caller can’t get back to that elite play. His confidence and swagger maybe be at an all time low, but with the help of the Roughriders elite receivers, Duron Carter and Naaman Roosevelt to name a few and the other elite offensive pieces, Collaros could be the favourite for the Most Outstanding Player award come November.
If things go south for the highest paid player, Jones is not afraid to make drastic changes. He has Brandon Bridge nipping at the opportunity of starting. The Canadian displayed flashes of franchise quarterback numerous times last season.
Will Josh Freeman survive?
There may not be a more intriguing situation heading into the 2018 campaign than Freeman in Montreal. The 30-year-old was a massive prospect coming out of Kansas State in 2009. He had the size standing at 6’6, the powerful arm and the athleticism. Those were the reasons the Tampa Bay Buccaneers handed him the keys to the franchise with the 17th overall pick. The relationship though, lasted less than four years.
After a two-year absence from football, the last start coming with the Indianapolis Colts in 2015, he’s back. The transition from the NFL game to the CFL is not an exaggeration especially for quarterbacks.
The game clock is shorter by 20 seconds, there’s an extra defender to take into consideration, and most importantly the field is wider. The reason why the third one could be an issue for Freeman is because he is not an accurate passer at times. He completed less than 58% of his throws during his time in the NFL. The wider fielder also gives defenders a bit more time to jump routes and adjust.
This is not saying Freeman is going to fall flat on his face. He was brilliant in his second season down south, completing 61.4% for almost 3,500 yard and 25 touchdowns to just six interceptions. The problem was his ball security the following season posting 38 interceptions in just 31 games. Training camp and preseason will be a good measuring stick on his possible growth.
History is not on his side. The players who were successful in the CFL and NFL aka Doug Flutie, Warren Moon, Jeff Garcia and Joe Theisman made their impact up north before transition across the border. Compared to the likes of Cleo Lemon.
It will be interesting to see if fellow CFL freshmen and Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman can help blossom Freeman into the player many pro scouts thought he would be.
Adam Bighill Possible Destination
All things point to Bighill returning to the BC Lions after the New Orleans Saints released him. Of course it is the obvious pick heading into training camp. The 29-year started his career there, was a four-time CFL All-Star, took home CFL’s Top Defensive Player award and captured a Grey Cup.
But, what if he goes somewhere else? The Lions cap space could be limited and unable to sign a player with Bighill’s status to the years or dollars. The linebacker position is pretty crowded out west as well with Solomon Elimimian, Bo Lokombo, and Dyshawn Davis on the roster. In addition to Micah Awe possibly making a return after a short stint with the New York Jets. Awe and Bighill both play outside linebackers and it’s hard to see BC being able to afford the two of them.
Either way, one of the biggest and most impactful players from 2014 to 2016 is available. Whatever team lands his signature on the dotted line will improve significant defensively.
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