The LWOS CFL experts chime in with our power rankings entering week 3 of the 2014 CFL season.
Lance Keiser
1) Calgary Stampeders
Coming off of a bye the week after a masterful game plan against the Als, the Stamps are on top.
2) Winnipeg Blue Bombers
With two impressive wins in very different games, the Bombers are on their way. After a blow out against Toronto and a come from behind win against Ottawa, let’s see how this squad continues to develop.
3) Edmonton Eskimos
Another unbeaten team…so far. It may be to early to consider the Eskimos as a favorite in the west , but so far so good for the Eskies. With two quality wins in the books against BC and Hamilton, let’s see if their push continues this week.
4) Toronto Argonauts
This team completely turned around in Week 2. After being manhandled in Winnipeg, the boatmen deserve credit for disposing of the reigning Grey Cup champs so easily.
5) Saskatchewan Roughriders
After a dominating performance in the rematch of Grey Cup 101, the Riders were completely off tempo in Toronto. Head coach Chamberlain will put this squad through the wringer, and they’ll show up to play in Week 3.
6) Montreal Alouettes
This team is hard to figure out so early on, looking so lackluster in week 1 against the Stamps then putting on a defensive show against the Lions. For that reason they are locked in here.
7) Ottawa Redblacks
One week is not enough for them to show what they can do, after almost beating Winnipeg on the road in their inaugural opener. Need to see more before they can climb the ladder.
8) B.C. Lions
Back to back poor performances land the Leo’s in this spot. Week 3 is big for them: they need a win in a bad way in Regina.
9) Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The 2014 version of the Tabbies is close… just not close enough. Last in the rankings so early on seems fitting for them until they can show us something more.
Nick Di Giovanni
1) Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The fiery offence led by Drew Willy is by far the best in the league right now. Two surprise wins puts them on top of the power rankings.
2) Edmonton Eskimos
Their defence, led by head coach and former DC Chris Jones, looks great creating turnovers. This Mike Reilly-charged attack can put any defence on their heels.
3) Calgary Stampeders
We haven’t had much of a chance to see this team in action, but they looked powerful in a 29-8 win in week 1. Without Jon Cornish, they may not be this high next week.
4) Toronto Argonauts
Blow out loss, blow out win. But the Argos look to be on the right track with the win coming against the Grey Cup champs. And they have Chad Owens at his best once again.
5) Montreal Alouettes
Weak offence, without a TD through the air, is compensated by a strong defence led by John Bowman. Defence looked in control vs BC, and will have to cool down Drew Willy this week.
6) Saskatchewan Roughriders
A win vs the #8 power team then a demolishing, Rider Nation may just have reason to worry… That is, until they play the BC Lions this week.
7) Ottawa Redblacks
Give them credit for having such a high scoring offence in the franchise’s first ever game. Defence will need improvement in coming weeks to raise up power rankings.
8) Hamilton Tiger-Cats
O-line can’t make a block and Jeremiah Masoli is now their starting QB with Zach Collaros hurt. A bye week may give the defending East champs time to regroup.
9) B.C. Lions
Lions look like baby cubs without the King Mr. Travis Lulay. Kevin Glenn’s experience is not doing anything productive out West. Team just looks outright sloppy out there.
Matt Bin’s Response
The top three are tough to sort out. I can’t see Calgary on top after only one win, especially one that came at the expense of the iffy Montreal Alouettes. Edmonton is the team i would fear the most, although they haven’t yet hit any decent competition. And Winnipeg has also only played one great game, the Redblacks surely don’t count as serious opposition yet. But I’d put Winnipeg on top until we see some clashes among these undefeated sides.
In the middle third, it’s a toss up between the Argos and the Riders, both of whom have played as good as the best teams in the league, and as poorly as the worst. Montreal does deserve the number 6 hole, thought, until Troy Smith can prove he’s the real deal.
Finally, on to the low end, it’s hard to choose the best of the three, but the Redblacks do look promising. There’s no question the Ticats deserve the sewer until they show something of last year’s grit and tenacity.
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