Latest news with #BoLeviMitchell
CTV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Calgary Stampeders seek turnaround in 2025 with quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.
Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., right, hands the ball off to Jeshrun Antwi during first half CFL preseason football action against the Edmonton Elks in Calgary, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh) The 2025 CFL season will be a proving ground for the Calgary Stampeders. The Stampeders want to show themselves and their fans that the team has what it takes to get back into the playoffs after falling short of the post-season for the first time in 19 years. There will be unprovens in starting jobs for the Stampeders from the defensive backfield to the return game to punting to offensive short-yardage situations. Players have the chance to make a name for themselves and raise their CFL stock. 'We've got maybe a different type of athlete,' said head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, who enters his third season in the dual roles. 'We do have more size. We've got to find playmakers. It does feel like the guys believe that we have the pieces in place. It's about going out winning games and if we can put it together on that field on that new turf, we'll be a happy group.' Calgary opens at home Saturday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who won two Grey Cups and two CFL Most Outstanding Player awards as a Stampeder. Vernon Adams Jr. makes his Stampeder debut Saturday. Calgary acquired the 32-year-old quarterback in a trade with the B.C. Lions, a month after the Stampeders closed out their dismal 2024 campaign. 'He understands that he is on the pedestal and all eyes are on him,' Stampeders receiver Reggie Begelton said. 'But at the same time, we win or lose as a team. In that locker room, we have his back no matter what.' Adams led the CFL in passing yards in 2023 (4,769) and ranked second in touchdowns (31). He was in the MOP conversation in 2024 with B.C. before he was sidelined with injury in August. Jake Maier, who replaced Mitchell and is now with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, didn't have much success in Calgary with 11 wins over two seasons. But Calgary's defence was also the worst at stopping the rush and 537 points against was the second-worst in 2024. 'First thing for the offence, we've got to not turn the ball over as much,' Dickenson said. 'We had too many of those interceptions and costly ones, and for a multitude of reasons though, not necessarily just quarterback play. 'Defensively, we've got to stop the run. Then special teams, to me, just effort and execution. The execution maybe needs to be better.' The latter department falls to Dickenson's older brother Craig, who was Saskatchewan's head coach for four years. He takes over for Mark Kilam, who, after 15 years as Calgary's special teams co-ordinator, is Edmonton's head coach. Bob Slowik was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive co-ordinator after Brent Monson was hired by Hamilton. Pat DelMonaco starts his sixth season as offensive co-ordinator. But seven new position coaches on Calgary's staff represent a seismic shift for a football club known for coaching continuity and retaining position coaches for multiple years. But finishing last in the CFL prompted the shake-up of a franchise accustomed to playing high-stakes games in November. 'We've had to put it behind us. It's easier because there's really not a lot of guys here from that team,' Dickenson said. 'We don't even really talk about it. We understand history is history and it's certainly something that'll always be there for the guys that were (here) in 2024, but it's certainly a big-time different team. 'We're just a young team and also an inexperienced team, so every day, you have to make it count. What I mean by that is every practice, every meeting really has to count.' Begelton, who signed a contract extension that would make him a Stampeder for a ninth season in 2026, feels the Stampeders are ready for a turnaround in 2025. 'Energy, vibes, you can't deny something when you feel it,' Begelton said. 'There's belief here. 'We know what it takes. We've got a lot of veterans on this team that have been here and been on winning teams, and they know what it takes.' 2024 record: 5-12-1, fifth, West Division Did you know?: New quarterbacks coach Dakota Prukup played for Oregon the year after Vernon Adams Jr. did. Key additions: QB Vernon Adams Jr.; REC Dominique Rhymes; REC Tevin Jones; RB Jeshrun Antwi; DL Folarin Orimolade; LB Gary Johnson Jr.; LB Derrick Moncrief; DB Damon Webb. Key losses: QB Jake Maier (Saskatchewan); QB Tommy Stevens; OL Sean McEwan (Saskatchewan); Punter Cody Grace (Edmonton); LB Micah Awe (B.C.); LB Cam Judge (Toronto); DL Mike Rose (Saskatchewan). Players to watch: Dominique Rhymes has chemistry with Adams Jr. from the season and a half they were teammates with the B.C. Lions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025. Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Road to the Grey Cup could be shaped by these storylines as CFL season kicks off
A new Canadian Football League season has arrived, bringing a familiar wave of optimism across the country. For fans, this is the time of year when past heartbreaks are replaced with the hopes of a bright future, fuelled by training camp buzz and pre-season highlights, as all team's Grey Cup aspirations feel within reach. From seasoned vets eyeing another championship to fresh-faced rookies eager to make their mark, excitement is palpable. Every roster move is dissected, every snap analyzed, as we all try to figure out who's poised for a breakout. CFL Rundown will run again all season long, analyzing the league's top stories and breaking down the action, while offering up our best takes. We'll be with you every week, covering the three-down loop from every angle. With this fresh start in mind, no better way to setup the new season by posing a pressing question for each of the nine CFL clubs. These aren't easy questions, either; they could very well shape each team's 2025 season. Let's get into it. Ticats fans, let's talk defence. We all know what QB Bo Levi Mitchell and that high-powered offence are capable of. But a prolific attack simply won't be enough to get Hamilton into the playoffs if the defence continues to struggle. PETER POWER / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell will need help on the defensive side of the field to succeed this season. PETER POWER / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell will need help on the defensive side of the field to succeed this season. Enter Brent Monson, the new defensive co-ordinator, who has aggressively re-tooled the defensive line in hopes of generating more turnovers. Julian Howsare is back after spending the last two seasons in Calgary, and Casey Sayles, who led the team in sacks in 2024, inked an extension. With these two veterans anchoring the unit, complemented by newcomers TyJuan Garbutt and Miles Fox, there's significant potential for a turnaround year. Last season, only Winnipeg (26) recorded fewer quarterback sacks than Hamilton's 32. Monson's aggressive scheme and this blend of talent are intriguing, even if they don't feel all that dangerous on paper. The Ticats need this unit to be more than just flashes. If they can achieve that, the playoffs are a real possibility. The Alouettes have made a definitive statement heading into the new season: Davis Alexander is their guy. Indeed, they've gone all-in on the young pivot, handing him the keys with a three-year extension, a move that led to veteran Cody Fajardo's trade to Edmonton. For most teams, moving on from a championship-winning quarterback might raise eyebrows. However, Alexander is different. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Montreal Alouettes have backed quarterback Davis Alexander as this season's starting pivot. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Montreal Alouettes have backed quarterback Davis Alexander as this season's starting pivot. Head coach Jason Maas has promised him a long leash, showing immense organizational trust in the 26-year-old. Alexander possesses a quiet confidence mature beyond his years and, most importantly, a track record of getting the job done in the CFL. In 2024, he went a perfect 4-0 as a starter, passing for 1,347 yards and six touchdowns against two interceptions. His teammates already see him as a veteran leader, and that locker-room buy-in will be important as they transition to a new era under centre. Elevating Alexander feels less like a roll of the dice and more like a logical step towards the club's long-term vision. After years of pain at TD Place, 2024 finally offered legitimate glimmers of hope for the Ottawa Redblacks. They compiled a franchise-best 7-1-1 home record, making up the bulk of their nine total wins. Quarterback Dru Brown, when healthy, showed real promise. General manager Shawn Burke has surrounded Brown with a wealth of playmakers, including receivers Justin Hardy, Eugene Lewis and Kalil Pimpleton, all capable of 1,000-yard seasons. William Stanback should also boost a run game that was non-existent at times last year. Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dru Brown, when healthy, dominates in the throwing game. Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dru Brown, when healthy, dominates in the throwing game. Yet, a familiar concern looms over the nation's capital like a storm cloud: Can the Redblacks finally put together a complete, consistent season? Because those flashes of brilliance from 2024, as encouraging as they were, mean little if they don't translate into significant steps forward this year. The offensive line, despite veterans like Peter Godber and Liam Dobson, has been a persistent Achilles' heel, plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Brown can't work his magic if he's running for his life, and Stanback needs holes to break through. This unit's ability to stay healthy and perform consistently, particularly in crucial road games, will be critical. Now, it's time to see if they can shake off their inconsistency and truly compete week in and week out. The Argos hoisted the Grey Cup last season, largely due to quarterback Chad Kelly's stellar play. Kelly built on his MOP-winning 2023 campaign, leading the club to the championship despite his Grey Cup absence. Kelly's broken tibia and fibula from November remain a significant concern, even though he was recently cleared to practice. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie has wisely preached caution, putting Kelly's status for Week 1 in serious doubt. While a steady veteran backup in Nick Arbuckle has proven he can win under pressure, losing Kelly for any significant time would be catastrophic. Kelly's unique ability to extend plays and deep-ball accuracy unlocks a different offensive dimension in Toronto. There's also the risk of re-injury if he returns too soon. While Arbuckle is a proven winner, their championship aspirations are tied to Kelly's return to full health. The sooner their star quarterback is slinging the ball without hesitation, the better their odds of repeating as Grey Cup champions. The Bombers have dominated for five seasons, but heading into 2025, can this aging veteran squad make one last Grey Cup push? Quarterback Zach Collaros, 36, is coming off a career year for passing yards, yet his ability to continue defying Father Time is a growing concern. Offensive line stalwarts Stanley Bryant (39) and Patrick Neufeld (36) have been reliable, but another full season feels like a big ask. Defensively, Willie Jefferson (34) remains elite, but even his impact has a shelf life. An injury to any key veteran would significantly impact their performance, highlighting the inherent risks of an older roster. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros continues to defy Father Time. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros continues to defy Father Time. Despite these concerns, counting out this team would be foolish. Mike O'Shea has fostered an unparalleled winning culture and championship pedigree. Shrewd off-season acquisitions like Jerreth Sterns and Dillon Mitchell, plus a healthy Dalton Schoen, provide Collaros with ample weapons. Reigning MOP Brady Oliveira is also in his prime. While age presents a challenge, the Bombers' experience, strong leadership and smart additions offer a realistic path to an impressive sixth straight Grey Cup. Hosting only adds further motivation. Seeing them lift the trophy at home would be a storybook ending for many veterans, solidifying their legacy. The window is closing, but it's not shut, and this could be their most compelling opportunity yet. Nathan Rourke's return as the Lions' undisputed starter is the main headline, but his success under new head coach and offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce will depend heavily on his supporting cast. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The B.C. Lions have high hopes for new head coach Buck Pierce. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The B.C. Lions have high hopes for new head coach Buck Pierce. While established talent like Justin McInnis (registering a league-leading 1,469 yards in 2024) and Keon Hatcher remain high-end threats, and Jevon Cottoy provides a proven Canadian target, the real test is consistent production beyond these few. Dynamic running back James Butler's dual-threat ability is also a huge asset, capable of alleviating pressure and keeping defences honest. However, new players like Ayden Eberhardt or Stanley Berryhill III must quickly build chemistry with Rourke. Pierce's system demands they adjust quickly if the Lions are to compete in the tough West Division, making their integration a major factor. Ultimately, for the Lions to truly thrive, Rourke needs trustworthy options at every turn. For years, the Stampeders epitomized consistency and an explosive offence, but a rough 2024 season saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in two decades, making change clear. Leading that charge, and shouldering immense expectations, is quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. Adams, affectionately known as 'Big Play VA,' is a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback, a stark departure from the pocket passer Stampeders fans have grown accustomed to with Jake Maier in recent years. His reunion with receiver Dominique Rhymes, with whom he has proven chemistry, is a huge asset, complemented by talents like Reggie Begelton and Jalen Philpot. While Adams' pre-season play is promising, for a true Stamps resurgence his presence must be felt off the field. He brings much-needed new energy and is already walking the talk — from initiating off-season workouts to fostering bonding sessions, actively building rapport and accountability. For a franchise hungry to return to contention, Adams might just be the spark they desperately need, both under centre and in the locker room. The Elks are betting big this season. After years of struggles, they've poured over $2 million into free agency, completely overhauling their roster. On defence, they shelled out big bucks for Canadian defensive linemen Robbie Smith ($270,000) and Jake Ceresna ($235,000) to build a dominant pass rush. The secondary also received a significant facelift with high-priced Canadian talent like Tyrell Ford ($235,000) and Royce Metchie ($145,000). Offensively, they secured all-star centre David Beard ($197,000) and added veteran receivers Steven Dunbar Jr. and Kaion Julien-Grant to give young quarterback Tre Ford more weapons. Individual talent is undeniable, but the CFL demands cohesion, especially on defence where communication is paramount. This challenge is magnified with head coach Mark Kilam in his first year. Installing new schemes while integrating so many new faces and establishing leadership will take time. The speed at which these additions transform into a cohesive, winning unit will determine if the Elks can finally shake off their perennial struggles and become legitimate playoff contenders in the competitive West. It's a high-stakes bet, but a much-needed change of scenery. Rider Nation is more than a fanbase; it's an identity, spread passionately across Saskatchewan. Heading into the 2025 CFL season, fan excitement was palpable. After a stellar 2024 campaign, reaching the Western Final under rookie head coach Corey Mace, the table was set for something special this year. A healthy Trevor Harris back under centre, a solid core of hungry veterans, and impactful playmakers like running back A.J. Ouellette — all signs pointed to legitimate Grey Cup aspirations. Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace will have to contend with injuries on the O-line this season. Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace will have to contend with injuries on the O-line this season. However, while the hype train was rolling, a significant detour emerged, threatening to derail the Riders' offensive line rebuild. Key free-agent signings — like centre Sean McEwen (torn ACL) and guard Philippe Gagnon (torn bicep) — are likely out for the year. These O-line woes create a glaring vulnerability, directly threatening Harris's health and jeopardizing his ability to operate the offence. Their potent run game could also be stifled. So, while Rider Nation's passion is unwavering, perhaps tempered expectation is in order. The true test for the Roughriders isn't just meeting initial lofty goals, but whether they can withstand this immediate adversity, adapt their schemes, and protect their franchise quarterback. Only then will we know if the pressure proves too great, or if this team has the mettle to overcome unexpected challenges and still chase the Grey Cup. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
