Things to watch for as Ottawa Redblacks form CFL roster that should contend for Grey Cup
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The Ottawa Redblacks had a taste of success last season when they made the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2018.
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Now they're hungry for more.
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The team's main training camp began Sunday at Queen's University in Kingston, with the roster moulding continuing through two pre-season games — Saturday, May 24 (4 p.m.) in Montreal and a return match with the Alouettes at TD Place on Friday, May 30 (7 p.m.) — before the Redblacks open their 2025 schedule in Regina against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday, June 5 at 9 p.m. (EDT).
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Players, coaches and management are anxious to build on last year's 9-8-1 record and redeem themselves after a 58-38 loss to the Toronto Argos in the East semifinal.
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This season, the Redblacks should be considered a Grey Cup contender.
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'It's exciting whenever something new begins,' GM Shawn Burke said from his camp vantage point in Kingston. 'You're excited to see the returns on your hard work in the off-season. Coach (Bob) Dyce and his staff, and the personnel staff, did a lot to put this group together, and you're excited to get out there and see it.
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'It's the start of the 2025 Redblacks' journey,' added Burke. 'Everyone talks about previous seasons being good or bad, but the reality is, everyone in the league right now is undefeated and winless, and you just want to get out there and see what you have.'
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As is the case with every team, much will rest on the pitching arm of the No. 1 quarterback.
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Despite missing some time with injuries, Dru Brown established himself as a strong leader last season, his first as a starter.
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The 28-year-old former Winnipeg Blue Bomber backup was third in league passing yards (3,959) with a 67.2 completion rate, 18 touchdown tosses and 10 interceptions.
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Deeming him the answer to the problems they've had at the position since Trevor Harris led the team to the Grey Cup game seven years ago, the Redblacks signed Brown to a contract extension that runs through the 2026 season.
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'We have a strong belief in him,' said Burke. 'I think with him coming in now, his second year in the city, knowing the organization, knowing the offence, knowing his teammates … he expects to make strides. Dru's a very process-oriented quarterback that doesn't leave any page unturned, and we're excited to see him pick up where he left off and continue to grow.'
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