Latest news with #CFLRundown
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Early-season growing pains glaring for some clubs in Week 1
The CFL season is already a week old, but for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the fun is just getting started. As Week 1 unfolded, the Bombers found themselves as the lone club on the sidelines, a consequence of the CFL's nine-team structure, leaving the Blue and Gold as the odd men out. Winnipeg's last Week 1 bye was back in 2017, well before their current, impressive streak of five straight Grey Cup appearances began. Inside the locker room, opinions on the early break were decidedly mixed. 'I don't like it, especially with the camp we had, you want to come out and play right away,' said offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld. 'It's a chance to get your body right,' added defensive end Willie Jefferson. MIKE SUDOMA / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers veteran defensive end Willie Jefferson likes the Week 1 bye week, saying 'it's a chance to get your body right' before the season kicks off. MIKE SUDOMA / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers veteran defensive end Willie Jefferson likes the Week 1 bye week, saying 'it's a chance to get your body right' before the season kicks off. 'I don't know. It could be a gift and a curse,' said running back Brady Oliveira. After an intense training camp, sitting idle for Week 1 would undoubtedly feel strange, particularly for those new to the CFL. Many players admitted they enjoyed watching the games, noting that Week 1 can be a bit sloppy. They hoped to capitalize on the added time to dissect film, aiming to avoid those early-season growing pains when they welcome the B.C. Lions to Princess Auto Stadium Thursday night. While a bit unusual, Week 1 byes are likely here to stay for the foreseeable future, until the CFL can finally secure a 10th team. The league has made this a clear mission in recent years, with significant efforts focused on bringing a franchise to Atlantic Canada, ultimately aiming for a true coast-to-coast presence across the three-down loop. For now, that might feel like a pipe dream. But much like East Coast weather, if expansion talk is quiet now, just wait fifteen minutes — there's always something new brewing in this beautifully chaotic league. With that in mind, let's dive into the league's top stories from the week that was in the latest edition of CFL Rundown. 1) The Montreal Alouettes, the top-ranked team in my early season power rankings, certainly didn't disappoint. Up against a Toronto Argonauts team missing their star quarterback, the Alouettes looked dominant in all three phases. The Davis Alexander era officially began, and the young pivot looked calm and collected throughout the game. Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander led Montreal to a dominant season-opening win against the Toronto Argonauts on Friday. Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander led Montreal to a dominant season-opening win against the Toronto Argonauts on Friday. Alexander didn't have to do too much, tossing for just over 200 yards in the victory. When a defence plays that well and special teams are that effective, sometimes a quarterback simply needs to get out of his own way. 2) The Saskatchewan Roughriders earned a convincing win over the visiting Ottawa Redblacks, but at first blush it appeared they suffered the greatest loss on the night. Running back A.J. Ouellette left the game late in the first quarter with a head injury, immediately casting serious doubt on his status for Week 2. However, as the Riders returned to practice this week, Ouellette was already working with the first-team offence after clearing concussion protocol. This is good news for the 29-year-old, who has struggled to stay healthy since arriving in Regina at the start of last season. Saskatchewan signed free agent Ka'Deem Carey as a backup, so it's certainly something to monitor over the weekend. 3) Heading into the 2025 campaign, one question loomed large on everyone's mind: would Nathan Rourke return to his dominating form from 2022? Well, if Week 1 was any indication, he's certainly going to do some damage this year. While the Lions offence had a slow start, Rourke came alive in the second half, leading his team to four straight touchdown drives. Rourke finished 27-for-36 passing for 324 yards and three touchdowns, along with five runs totalling 54 rushing yards. Rourke also appears to have found a new favourite target, connecting with Stanley Berryhill III for six catches, 105 yards and two TDs. 4) You can't say the same about Edmonton Elks QB Tre Ford, who struggled against the Lions in what was his first Week 1 start of his career. Ford has been given the keys to the franchise after years of parachuting into action only when the Elks were already out of playoff contention. It's still too early for definitive statements, but the early signs point to a player who can make highlight-reel plays yet struggles with routine passes. In other words, he makes the hard plays look easy and the easy plays look hard. There's still time to grow for the Canadian kid and one game won't decide the rest of the season. But if Edmonton wants to snap a years-long playoff drought, they need more from their leader behind centre. 5) Vernon Adams Jr. sure looked good in his debut in Calgary, leading the Stampeders to a win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He got off to a hot start, collecting more than 100 of his 284 total passing yards on the opening drive. Despite the Stamps putting up 38 points, Adams was without a throwing touchdown, as running back Dedrick Mills punched in a hat trick of scores to become the CFL's early touchdown leader. Adams was a major off-season pickup for Calgary, valued both for his ability on the field and his character in the locker room. So far, so good in Cowtown, where the Stamps look to make it back to the playoffs after missing out last season for the first time in 20 years. 6) As mentioned, it's not the time for definitive statements, with Week 1 often proving to be a bit of a crapshoot as clubs try to smooth out early wrinkles. But the Ticats fanbase must have a here-we-go-again feeling following the loss to Calgary. Larry MacDougal / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Hamilton Tiger-Cats were supposed to have improved in the off-season, but the club had no semblance of a run game against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. Larry MacDougal / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Hamilton Tiger-Cats were supposed to have improved in the off-season, but the club had no semblance of a run game against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. Hamilton was supposed to be improved this season, building on their league-leading offence and bolstering their talent on defence. None of that looked evident this past week, especially on offence, where 35-year-old Bo Levi Mitchell attempted 50 passes and the Ticats had no semblance of a run game. Things don't get any easier this week with Saskatchewan coming to town. 7) I'm going to end this column on a somber note. First, I want to extend my best wishes to Ticats general manager — and former Bombers assistant GM — Ted Goveia as he continues his battle with cancer. Ted is a CFL lifer, and the more we see of him around the league, the better. Also, last week, we received the devastating news of the death of Milt Stegall's son, Chase, a 20-year-old student-athlete who played on the soccer team at DePaul University. Anyone who has had a chance to meet Milt, a Blue Bomber legend, knows what a special human being he is. No one has more fun, or smiles more on the job than Milt, and my heart breaks for him and his family. I wish them nothing but the best as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. The support from Winnipeg and the broader CFL community has been incredible. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 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.
Winnipeg Free Press
04-06-2025
- 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.
