To open up the Ottawa Redblacks preseason, they held on for an 18-14 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on a chilly Monday evening in the Capital. Here are some takeaways that we got from Ottawa’s first preseason game of the season.
Ottawa Redblacks Preseason: Week A Takeaways
William Powell Injury
William Powell suffered a lower body injury, left the game, and never returned to it. However, he was seen on crutches a bit later into the game on the sidelines. Redblacks head coach Rick Campbell did not know at the time how serious the extent of Powell’s injury was, but the team is preparing for the worst. With that in mind, Ottawa is back to searching for another starting back. Running back Travon Van, did impress today, thought, running for 38 yards on seven carries. Van was impressive at running routes on the outside of the line, but we did not see him running on the inside of the line and attempting to find holes to run through. Ottawa faces a tough decision: go next man up, or try and find and sign another running back to fit into the roster.
Defence Continues to Shine
The big key that kept Ottawa in this game was the defense and it continues to shine. After arguably being a top three defence in the league last season up there with Edmonton and Hamilton, and despite the departures of some big players, this defence looks to still not miss a beat. Holding a team to just 14 points in a game is impressive itself. Defense has always been a strong point with the Redblacks and they certainly showed that in this game. Despite losing their sack leader from last season, Justin Capicciotti, they were still able to get to the quarterback a few times. It does take time to get used to the changes on the roster, but the defense does indeed look to shine for the long term and keep the team in games when needed.
Fifth Wide Receiver Debate
The Redblacks maintained their big four receiving corps from last season with Greg Ellingson, Chris Williams, Ernest Jackson, and Brad Sinopoli. All four receivers had over 1,000 yards last season and they look to continue that chemistry into the 2016 season. Maurice Price was the team’s fifth wide receiver last season, but he was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the off-season and he later retired. The fifth wide receiver spot is back open for the Redblacks and it will most likely come down to Jake Harty or Khalil Paden. Both receivers impressed in the first preseason game, Harty with 36 yards on two catches and Paden with 72 yards on three catches. It will be tight race for that roster spot and the second preseason game in Hamilton upcoming on Friday will be huge for both players.
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