How long will the painfully slow-starting Ottawa Redblacks be without No. 1 QB Dru Brown?
Before the Ottawa Redblacks take the field at TD Place on Friday night, they might want to consider blasting the old but still good as gold hit single 'Urgent' off Foreigner's album '4' in the locker room.
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If they're going to have any chance of salvaging their season, they can not continue to sleepwalk through the first quarter of their games.
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More on that below, but it is the message head coach Bob Dyce pounded home to players in his own words before Monday's back-to-work practice, after which he updated the media on the story of the day — the injury status of quarterback Dru Brown.
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Coming off a career-high five-touchdown pass performance the week before, Brown was helped off the field after making a spectacular Patrick Mahomes-like play midway through the third quarter of Thursday's 30-27 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
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While Dustin Crum finished the game, Brown was present for practice four days later, although he wasn't wearing a helmet or participating in any drills, and he was limping.
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Dyce referred to the knee injury as 'somewhat serious' and said Brown is getting some time off to get healthy.
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'I'd say it's not likely (he'll play) this week, and we'll go from there,' surmised Dyce.
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After Friday's game at home against the Edmonton Elks, the Redblacks will have their second bye week before hosting the B.C. Lions on Sept. 5.
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Could Brown be ready to return for that one?
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'Again, I'm not a doctor,' said Dyce, 'but we've just got to give them some time to get back up to 100 per cent.'
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So expect Crum to start against the Elks, with Matt Shiltz as his backup and Tyree Adams dressing as the third-string QB.
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'Dustin's trajectory continues to go up,' said Dyce. 'He goes out there and is running the offence just like (offensive co-ordinator) Tommy (Condell) wants to run it. I thought he did some good things (in Winnipeg), and made some really good throws and some great decisions.'
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Crum entered Thursday's game with the Redblacks trailing 20-3 and, in completing 11 of 17 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 21 yards and a second major, almost completed another 'Crum-back.'
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In their 10 games to date, they have a grand total of 21 first-quarter points.
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Two touchdowns — a one-yard keeper by Crum in their opener and a 10-yard pass from Brown to rookie Keelan White in Week 6 — along with a pair of converts and two field goals from Lewis Ward, and a single off a wide, 36-yard three-point attempt by Ward in Week 10.
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At the same time, they've also given up 69 first-quarter points.
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It goes a little further.
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The Redblacks have also been outscored 143-94 through two quarters and have held the lead just three times at the half.
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'It's my job to make sure they recognize the urgency of the situation,' said Dyce, probably taking on more than his fair share of the blame. 'At the end of the day, we're all tied together and that's part of my job — to make sure they recognize the urgent situation we're in, within the course of the game and the course of the season. Right now, we can not afford lapses. We can't afford dead periods. We've got to be moving forward at all times. We've got to be playing our best football at all times.'
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What's the reason for the slow starts?
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'We've shown over a few games that we can perform at a high level,' said Dyce, citing a couple of examples. 'But we have to bring the same urgency throughout the course of the game. The offence did a great job (in Winnipeg) with their opening drive, getting the ball down there to the one (before a turnover in downs), but we have to finish those opportunities because those are momentum-changing type situations. We've done that a number of times, come out with a good first drive, but we have to back that up and be consistent. Defensively, we've got to do a little bit better job of limiting touchdowns against us that really stretch the lead. You don't like the aspect of playing from behind as much. And so it's a combination of everything. Special teams, we've got to be consistently winning the field position battle. It's just a matter of being consistent in all three phases and a greater sense of urgency, to not put us in a position where we're traveling by 17 or 21.'
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In discussing the scoring patterns of the games, Crum said, 'Football is a weird game; momentum is a weird thing.
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'It's like when things are going good, plays just constantly stack,' he added. 'But you kind of just put it as far out of your mind as you can and take it one play at a time, especially when you hit those bigger holes. Obviously, there are no 14- or 17-point plays, so you're just trying to avoid the mindset of rushing. And I think we've done that to degree. I think that's why we've been able to play our way back into some of those games where we got off on the wrong foot, because guys take it one play at a time.
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Vancouver Sun
10 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
How long will the painfully slow-starting Ottawa Redblacks be without No. 1 QB Dru Brown?
Before the Ottawa Redblacks take the field at TD Place on Friday night, they might want to consider blasting the old but still good as gold hit single 'Urgent' off Foreigner's album '4' in the locker room. If they're going to have any chance of salvaging their season, they can not continue to sleepwalk through the first quarter of their games. More on that below, but it is the message head coach Bob Dyce pounded home to players in his own words before Monday's back-to-work practice, after which he updated the media on the story of the day — the injury status of quarterback Dru Brown. The good news for the Redblacks is it's not as bad as some feared. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Coming off a career-high five-touchdown pass performance the week before, Brown was helped off the field after making a spectacular Patrick Mahomes-like play midway through the third quarter of Thursday's 30-27 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. While Dustin Crum finished the game, Brown was present for practice four days later, although he wasn't wearing a helmet or participating in any drills, and he was limping. Dyce referred to the knee injury as 'somewhat serious' and said Brown is getting some time off to get healthy. 'I'd say it's not likely (he'll play) this week, and we'll go from there,' surmised Dyce. After Friday's game at home against the Edmonton Elks, the Redblacks will have their second bye week before hosting the B.C. Lions on Sept. 5. Could Brown be ready to return for that one? 'Again, I'm not a doctor,' said Dyce, 'but we've just got to give them some time to get back up to 100 per cent.' So expect Crum to start against the Elks, with Matt Shiltz as his backup and Tyree Adams dressing as the third-string QB. 'Dustin's trajectory continues to go up,' said Dyce. 'He goes out there and is running the offence just like (offensive co-ordinator) Tommy (Condell) wants to run it. I thought he did some good things (in Winnipeg), and made some really good throws and some great decisions.' Crum entered Thursday's game with the Redblacks trailing 20-3 and, in completing 11 of 17 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 21 yards and a second major, almost completed another 'Crum-back.' But for the Redblacks to sneak into the playoffs from their current 3-7 record, they'll likely need to win at least five of their remaining eight games. And for that to happen, their best chances rest with Brown. They're four points back of a spot in the post-season, but they did get a break with the way the rest of Week 11 unfolded when the other three East Division teams lost in a clean sweep by the West. No longer should standings watchers in Ottawa be concerned about their team falling victim to the crossover format, where the fourth-place team would play in the Eastern semifinal by finishing with more points than the third-place team in the East. Suddenly, Ottawa's best path to the playoffs could be by finishing at least second on its own side. That spot is currently held by the Montreal Alouettes, who are 5-5 and, because of injuries, are down to their fourth-string quarterback. The Als have lost three games in a row and play the Redblacks twice near the end of the schedule. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-4) are also coming back to earth with consecutive losses, including Saturday's 29-9 undressing by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. As for the West, the B.C. Lions (5-5) and appear to be getting their act together with a couple of consecutive victories, and even the fifth-place Elks (3-6) could move ahead of Ottawa with a win on Friday. Yes, the West is best, again. Receiver Bralon Addison, who is having a strong season, was a limited participant in Monday's practice because of an injury to his ribs. If he can't play on Friday, Andre Miller is expected to come off the practice roster to take his spot. And then there's the issue on defence. Dyce said both safeties Bennett Williams and Justin Howell will be out for 'quite some time' with hamstring injuries suffered in Winnipeg. Counting a pre-camp retirement, the Redblacks have now lost five players at the position. Up next is expected to be halfback Deandre Lamont, who Dyce praised for his performance as a fill-in on Thursday. Lamont, who moved over from the halfback spot, is comfortable with the transition, noting that he played every position in the secondary while both in high school and college. 'It's just another opportunity to show my versatility,' he said. Linebacker Davion Taylor (hamstring) is also expected to miss Friday's game. On a positive note, cornerback Alijah McGhee (ankle) was a full participant in Monday's practice. The numbers are staggering. In their last four outings, they have scored a combined total of one first-quarter point. That's right, just one point in what amounts to 60 minutes over four games. In their 10 games to date, they have a grand total of 21 first-quarter points. Two touchdowns — a one-yard keeper by Crum in their opener and a 10-yard pass from Brown to rookie Keelan White in Week 6 — along with a pair of converts and two field goals from Lewis Ward, and a single off a wide, 36-yard three-point attempt by Ward in Week 10. At the same time, they've also given up 69 first-quarter points. It goes a little further. The Redblacks have also been outscored 143-94 through two quarters and have held the lead just three times at the half. 'It's my job to make sure they recognize the urgency of the situation,' said Dyce, probably taking on more than his fair share of the blame. 'At the end of the day, we're all tied together and that's part of my job — to make sure they recognize the urgent situation we're in, within the course of the game and the course of the season. Right now, we can not afford lapses. We can't afford dead periods. We've got to be moving forward at all times. We've got to be playing our best football at all times.' What's the reason for the slow starts? 'We've shown over a few games that we can perform at a high level,' said Dyce, citing a couple of examples. 'But we have to bring the same urgency throughout the course of the game. The offence did a great job (in Winnipeg) with their opening drive, getting the ball down there to the one (before a turnover in downs), but we have to finish those opportunities because those are momentum-changing type situations. We've done that a number of times, come out with a good first drive, but we have to back that up and be consistent. Defensively, we've got to do a little bit better job of limiting touchdowns against us that really stretch the lead. You don't like the aspect of playing from behind as much. And so it's a combination of everything. Special teams, we've got to be consistently winning the field position battle. It's just a matter of being consistent in all three phases and a greater sense of urgency, to not put us in a position where we're traveling by 17 or 21.' In discussing the scoring patterns of the games, Crum said, 'Football is a weird game; momentum is a weird thing. 'It's like when things are going good, plays just constantly stack,' he added. 'But you kind of just put it as far out of your mind as you can and take it one play at a time, especially when you hit those bigger holes. Obviously, there are no 14- or 17-point plays, so you're just trying to avoid the mindset of rushing. And I think we've done that to degree. I think that's why we've been able to play our way back into some of those games where we got off on the wrong foot, because guys take it one play at a time. 'But I think it's just something we've got to address. Whether it's just mental mistakes or kind of getting in our own way with little assignment things, getting going sooner will definitely. In this league, games are so tight. They say it's a game of inches. You don't have room for those kinds of errors.' Punter Richie Leone will be playing in his 150th CFL career. After his first two seasons with the Lions, the 33-year-old from Roswell, Georgia, has been with Ottawa since 2018.
Ottawa Citizen
10 hours ago
- Ottawa Citizen
How long will the painfully slow-starting Ottawa Redblacks be without No. 1 QB Dru Brown?
Article content Before the Ottawa Redblacks take the field at TD Place on Friday night, they might want to consider blasting the old but still good as gold hit single 'Urgent' off Foreigner's album '4' in the locker room. Article content If they're going to have any chance of salvaging their season, they can not continue to sleepwalk through the first quarter of their games. Article content Article content More on that below, but it is the message head coach Bob Dyce pounded home to players in his own words before Monday's back-to-work practice, after which he updated the media on the story of the day — the injury status of quarterback Dru Brown. Article content Article content Coming off a career-high five-touchdown pass performance the week before, Brown was helped off the field after making a spectacular Patrick Mahomes-like play midway through the third quarter of Thursday's 30-27 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Article content While Dustin Crum finished the game, Brown was present for practice four days later, although he wasn't wearing a helmet or participating in any drills, and he was limping. Article content Dyce referred to the knee injury as 'somewhat serious' and said Brown is getting some time off to get healthy. Article content 'I'd say it's not likely (he'll play) this week, and we'll go from there,' surmised Dyce. Article content After Friday's game at home against the Edmonton Elks, the Redblacks will have their second bye week before hosting the B.C. Lions on Sept. 5. Article content Could Brown be ready to return for that one? Article content Article content 'Again, I'm not a doctor,' said Dyce, 'but we've just got to give them some time to get back up to 100 per cent.' Article content So expect Crum to start against the Elks, with Matt Shiltz as his backup and Tyree Adams dressing as the third-string QB. Article content 'Dustin's trajectory continues to go up,' said Dyce. 'He goes out there and is running the offence just like (offensive co-ordinator) Tommy (Condell) wants to run it. I thought he did some good things (in Winnipeg), and made some really good throws and some great decisions.' Article content Crum entered Thursday's game with the Redblacks trailing 20-3 and, in completing 11 of 17 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 21 yards and a second major, almost completed another 'Crum-back.' Article content In their 10 games to date, they have a grand total of 21 first-quarter points. Article content Two touchdowns — a one-yard keeper by Crum in their opener and a 10-yard pass from Brown to rookie Keelan White in Week 6 — along with a pair of converts and two field goals from Lewis Ward, and a single off a wide, 36-yard three-point attempt by Ward in Week 10. Article content At the same time, they've also given up 69 first-quarter points. Article content It goes a little further. Article content The Redblacks have also been outscored 143-94 through two quarters and have held the lead just three times at the half. Article content 'It's my job to make sure they recognize the urgency of the situation,' said Dyce, probably taking on more than his fair share of the blame. 'At the end of the day, we're all tied together and that's part of my job — to make sure they recognize the urgent situation we're in, within the course of the game and the course of the season. Right now, we can not afford lapses. We can't afford dead periods. We've got to be moving forward at all times. We've got to be playing our best football at all times.' Article content Article content What's the reason for the slow starts? Article content 'We've shown over a few games that we can perform at a high level,' said Dyce, citing a couple of examples. 'But we have to bring the same urgency throughout the course of the game. The offence did a great job (in Winnipeg) with their opening drive, getting the ball down there to the one (before a turnover in downs), but we have to finish those opportunities because those are momentum-changing type situations. We've done that a number of times, come out with a good first drive, but we have to back that up and be consistent. Defensively, we've got to do a little bit better job of limiting touchdowns against us that really stretch the lead. You don't like the aspect of playing from behind as much. And so it's a combination of everything. Special teams, we've got to be consistently winning the field position battle. It's just a matter of being consistent in all three phases and a greater sense of urgency, to not put us in a position where we're traveling by 17 or 21.' Article content Article content In discussing the scoring patterns of the games, Crum said, 'Football is a weird game; momentum is a weird thing. Article content 'It's like when things are going good, plays just constantly stack,' he added. 'But you kind of just put it as far out of your mind as you can and take it one play at a time, especially when you hit those bigger holes. Obviously, there are no 14- or 17-point plays, so you're just trying to avoid the mindset of rushing. And I think we've done that to degree. I think that's why we've been able to play our way back into some of those games where we got off on the wrong foot, because guys take it one play at a time. Article content
Calgary Herald
10 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
How long will the painfully slow-starting Ottawa Redblacks be without No. 1 QB Dru Brown?
Article content Before the Ottawa Redblacks take the field at TD Place on Friday night, they might want to consider blasting the old but still good as gold hit single 'Urgent' off Foreigner's album '4' in the locker room. Article content If they're going to have any chance of salvaging their season, they can not continue to sleepwalk through the first quarter of their games. Article content Article content More on that below, but it is the message head coach Bob Dyce pounded home to players in his own words before Monday's back-to-work practice, after which he updated the media on the story of the day — the injury status of quarterback Dru Brown. Article content Article content Coming off a career-high five-touchdown pass performance the week before, Brown was helped off the field after making a spectacular Patrick Mahomes-like play midway through the third quarter of Thursday's 30-27 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Article content While Dustin Crum finished the game, Brown was present for practice four days later, although he wasn't wearing a helmet or participating in any drills, and he was limping. Article content Dyce referred to the knee injury as 'somewhat serious' and said Brown is getting some time off to get healthy. Article content 'I'd say it's not likely (he'll play) this week, and we'll go from there,' surmised Dyce. Article content After Friday's game at home against the Edmonton Elks, the Redblacks will have their second bye week before hosting the B.C. Lions on Sept. 5. Article content Could Brown be ready to return for that one? Article content Article content 'Again, I'm not a doctor,' said Dyce, 'but we've just got to give them some time to get back up to 100 per cent.' Article content So expect Crum to start against the Elks, with Matt Shiltz as his backup and Tyree Adams dressing as the third-string QB. Article content 'Dustin's trajectory continues to go up,' said Dyce. 'He goes out there and is running the offence just like (offensive co-ordinator) Tommy (Condell) wants to run it. I thought he did some good things (in Winnipeg), and made some really good throws and some great decisions.' Article content Crum entered Thursday's game with the Redblacks trailing 20-3 and, in completing 11 of 17 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 21 yards and a second major, almost completed another 'Crum-back.' Article content In their 10 games to date, they have a grand total of 21 first-quarter points. Article content Two touchdowns — a one-yard keeper by Crum in their opener and a 10-yard pass from Brown to rookie Keelan White in Week 6 — along with a pair of converts and two field goals from Lewis Ward, and a single off a wide, 36-yard three-point attempt by Ward in Week 10. Article content At the same time, they've also given up 69 first-quarter points. Article content It goes a little further. Article content The Redblacks have also been outscored 143-94 through two quarters and have held the lead just three times at the half. Article content 'It's my job to make sure they recognize the urgency of the situation,' said Dyce, probably taking on more than his fair share of the blame. 'At the end of the day, we're all tied together and that's part of my job — to make sure they recognize the urgent situation we're in, within the course of the game and the course of the season. Right now, we can not afford lapses. We can't afford dead periods. We've got to be moving forward at all times. We've got to be playing our best football at all times.' Article content Article content What's the reason for the slow starts? Article content 'We've shown over a few games that we can perform at a high level,' said Dyce, citing a couple of examples. 'But we have to bring the same urgency throughout the course of the game. The offence did a great job (in Winnipeg) with their opening drive, getting the ball down there to the one (before a turnover in downs), but we have to finish those opportunities because those are momentum-changing type situations. We've done that a number of times, come out with a good first drive, but we have to back that up and be consistent. Defensively, we've got to do a little bit better job of limiting touchdowns against us that really stretch the lead. You don't like the aspect of playing from behind as much. And so it's a combination of everything. Special teams, we've got to be consistently winning the field position battle. It's just a matter of being consistent in all three phases and a greater sense of urgency, to not put us in a position where we're traveling by 17 or 21.' Article content Article content In discussing the scoring patterns of the games, Crum said, 'Football is a weird game; momentum is a weird thing. Article content 'It's like when things are going good, plays just constantly stack,' he added. 'But you kind of just put it as far out of your mind as you can and take it one play at a time, especially when you hit those bigger holes. Obviously, there are no 14- or 17-point plays, so you're just trying to avoid the mindset of rushing. And I think we've done that to degree. I think that's why we've been able to play our way back into some of those games where we got off on the wrong foot, because guys take it one play at a time. Article content
