Latest news with #Crum
Ottawa Citizen
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
What we've learned about the Ottawa Redblacks through four weeks of the CFL season
Article content So instead of potentially scoring 17 points on the three drives, Ottawa gift-wrapped 14 for Toronto. Article content But through four weeks, the Redblacks have proven that, like any other CFL team, they're in trouble without their No. 1 QB. Article content Is O-line help on the way? Article content After Crum was sacked five times (and hurried on several other occasions) in the Argos game, the Redblacks released American right tackle Darta Lee. Article content It appears Parker Moorer, a 6-foot-5, 314-pounder out of East Carolina who most recently attended a New York Giants minicamp, will take his spot on Sunday. Article content Another positive from Wednesday's practice was that it included for the first time both centre Peter Godber (hand) and right tackle Zack Pelehos (foot), albeit in a limited capacity. Again taking part was centre Eric Starczala, who continues to show progress from a concussion that has also kept him from playing in a game. Article content Article content Asked when the three Canadian players might return, Dyce said, 'That's still a ways away yet.' Article content 'Those guys are making strides,' said Dyce, adding that Godber, a veteran who was signed in the off-season, is anxious to make his Redblacks debut. 'Peter came in on our off days, and he was really just bubbling to get back out there. Even though he's limited in what he's doing, he knows he's making progress. Article content 'There's still time (before he plays). He's got to get the pin out of his finger and things like that, but he's able to get in work with his guys, which is fantastic.' Article content For one thing, injured cornerback Adrian Frye (knee) and DB Bennett Williams (shoulder) also practised Wednesday and appear ready to rejoin the game roster. Article content For another, after giving up 70 points in the first two games, the Redblacks have surrendered 41 in the last two. Against Toronto, only 15 were on the defence. Article content Article content Overall, Ottawa's defensive ranking is tied for sixth. Article content 'In the defensive room, the standards are pretty high,' said veteran tackle Cleyon Laing. 'So I think for us to be wholeheartedly happy with the performances that we've put forward, I don't think that's really in our vocabulary right now. I think our best football is still to be played, and I don't think any of us will be satisfied until that time has come.' Article content Despite only one win in the first four games, the Redblacks remain upbeat. Article content 'No one is happy with the results, but I think everyone's still hungry,' said Laing. 'Everyone still has that drive and that motivation to keep going, to not let our teammates down, and to put something together that we're proud of. There's been glimpses, certain plays that we can build on, but as a whole, I don't think we put together an entire game that we can really put our stamp on. You know, that this is Redblacks football. So I think we're still in search of finding that unit to come together and execute that as a team.'
Toronto Sun
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Opportunistic Slywka lifts Argos to first win with 29-16 decision against Redblacks
Published Jun 29, 2025 • 2 minute read Toronto Argonauts offensive lineman George Moore (56) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during first half CFL football action against the Ottawa Redblacks in Ottawa on Sunday. Photo by Spencer Colby / The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The Toronto Argonauts picked up their first win of the CFL season with an impressive 29-16 performance over the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Turnovers were the key to Toronto's success with Derek Slywka scoring two defensive touchdowns for the Argos (1-3). Argos' quarterback Nick Arbuckle had a solid outing, finishing the night 18-for-25 for 269 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Dustin Crum, making his second straight start at quarterback for Ottawa (1-3), was 20-for-30 for 235 yards and one interception., He ran the ball eight times for 60 yards and one TD. Crum endured a tough night though, taking five sacks. Lirim Hajrullahu added a 43-yard field goal in the fourth and Lewis Ward responded with his own 40-yarder to make it 31-16. After struggling in the red zone Ottawa finally gave fans something to cheer about late in the third, as Crum led a seven-play drive capped by his one-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 25-13. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ward added a 45-yard field goal midway through the third making it 25-6. On the opening drive of the second half, a blocked Redblacks' field goal attempt turned into disaster as Slywka returned it 120 yards for a touchdown, stretching the Argos' lead to 25-3. Ottawa finally got on the board with a 50-yard field goal as time expired in the half, to trail 18-3. Arbuckle marched the Argos down field and capitalized on the drive when he found Ryan Hunter alone in the end zone to take an 18-0 lead. Ottawa appeared ready to score early in the second quarter when Crum hit Kalil Pimpleton for a 15-yard gain, but as Pimpleton fought for extra yards, he fumbled at the Toronto five-yard line. Slywka scooped it up and raced the length of the field for an Argos touchdown. Toronto opened the scoring with a 36-yard field goal on its opening drive and Ottawa conceded a single to give the Argonauts a 4-0 lead after the first quarter. UP NEXT Argonauts: Host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday. Redblacks: Visit the Edmonton Elks on Sunday, July 6. Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs Opinion Sports Toronto Raptors
Hamilton Spectator
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Crum to start at QB as Redblacks set for home matchup against winless Argonauts
OTTAWA - The Ottawa Redblacks are sticking with quarterback Dustin Crum for the second straight game as they await the return of injured starter Dru Brown. Crum stepped up in a big way last week, injecting new life into the offence in a 20-12 win over the Calgary Stampeders. The Redblacks (1-2-0) will look to make it two in a row when they host the Toronto Argonauts (0-3-0) Sunday night. Brown is getting closer to returning from a hip injury suffered in the season-opener against Saskatchewan but will not dress this week. Matt Shiltz and Tyrie Adams will serve as backups. Head coach Bob Dyce is looking for his team to build off last week's success. 'We want to be consistently great,' said Dyce. 'It is important for us to make sure we're taking care of the details and focusing on everything that we need to do and play in the way we need to for 60.' Being thrown into action is nothing new for Crum. In 2023, the 26-year-old made 14 starts as a rookie and gained significant playing experience. He was mostly relegated to short-yardage duty last season but has shown he can have success in this league. 'I think that first win was a little bit of a monkey off our back and now we can just roll and try to improve week in and week out,' Crum said. 'Anyone who's been around this league knows it's about how you're playing at the end of the season and how you're stacking games and stacking weeks, and that's what it will come down to when it's all said and done.' A key factor in last week's win was the Redblacks' ability to establish the run game. Canadian running back Daniel Adeboboye, who had 10 carries for 96 yards last week, will start ahead of William Stanback. Adeboboye, who played for the Argonauts last year, looked impressive when he ran up the middle for a 52-yard gain late in the game. 'I'm super happy because it was a great moment for our team as a whole,' said Adeboboye. 'Everyone was doing their thing without the ball and with the ball as well. It was a good setup for this week going into the Canada Day weekend.' Ottawa's defence will look to make life difficult for Toronto QB Nick Arbuckle. The Redblacks defence continues to make its mark early in the season, leading the CFL with four fumble recoveries. The Redblacks have also forced a league-high seven fumbles. 'Coach (William) Fields came in from day one of training camp and talked about needing to cause turnovers, whether they be forced fumbles or interceptions,' said linebacker Adarius Pickett. 'Just getting the ball back for the offence and helping the team, you know, turnovers cause success for real.' Dyce said before the season even started, a focus for the coaching staff was to play an aggressive style that would force turnovers. 'It shows that the players know how important it is, and the coaches are continuing to stress it,' said Dyce. 'As long as you can keep creating those and we take care of the ball offensively, that's a big factor in leading to wins.' ARGONAUTS (0-3-0) AT REDBLACKS (1-2-0) MILESTONE MARK: Arbuckle will play in his 100th career game and make his first start against Ottawa. NO SOPHOMORE JINX: Redblacks sophomore defensive back Adrian Frye leads the CFL with three forced fumbles. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP: Toronto's Andrew Chatfield is tied, with BC's Dewayne Hendrix, for the CFL lead in sacks with three. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 28, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Crum to start at QB as Redblacks set for home matchup against winless Argonauts
OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks are sticking with quarterback Dustin Crum for the second straight game as they await the return of injured starter Dru Brown. Crum stepped up in a big way last week, injecting new life into the offence in a 20-12 win over the Calgary Stampeders. The Redblacks (1-2-0) will look to make it two in a row when they host the Toronto Argonauts (0-3-0) Sunday night. Brown is getting closer to returning from a hip injury suffered in the season-opener against Saskatchewan but will not dress this week. Matt Shiltz and Tyrie Adams will serve as backups. Head coach Bob Dyce is looking for his team to build off last week's success. 'We want to be consistently great,' said Dyce. 'It is important for us to make sure we're taking care of the details and focusing on everything that we need to do and play in the way we need to for 60.' Being thrown into action is nothing new for Crum. In 2023, the 26-year-old made 14 starts as a rookie and gained significant playing experience. He was mostly relegated to short-yardage duty last season but has shown he can have success in this league. 'I think that first win was a little bit of a monkey off our back and now we can just roll and try to improve week in and week out,' Crum said. 'Anyone who's been around this league knows it's about how you're playing at the end of the season and how you're stacking games and stacking weeks, and that's what it will come down to when it's all said and done.' A key factor in last week's win was the Redblacks' ability to establish the run game. Canadian running back Daniel Adeboboye, who had 10 carries for 96 yards last week, will start ahead of William Stanback. Adeboboye, who played for the Argonauts last year, looked impressive when he ran up the middle for a 52-yard gain late in the game. 'I'm super happy because it was a great moment for our team as a whole,' said Adeboboye. 'Everyone was doing their thing without the ball and with the ball as well. It was a good setup for this week going into the Canada Day weekend.' Ottawa's defence will look to make life difficult for Toronto QB Nick Arbuckle. The Redblacks defence continues to make its mark early in the season, leading the CFL with four fumble recoveries. The Redblacks have also forced a league-high seven fumbles. 'Coach (William) Fields came in from day one of training camp and talked about needing to cause turnovers, whether they be forced fumbles or interceptions,' said linebacker Adarius Pickett. 'Just getting the ball back for the offence and helping the team, you know, turnovers cause success for real.' Dyce said before the season even started, a focus for the coaching staff was to play an aggressive style that would force turnovers. 'It shows that the players know how important it is, and the coaches are continuing to stress it,' said Dyce. 'As long as you can keep creating those and we take care of the ball offensively, that's a big factor in leading to wins.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. ARGONAUTS (0-3-0) AT REDBLACKS (1-2-0) MILESTONE MARK: Arbuckle will play in his 100th career game and make his first start against Ottawa. NO SOPHOMORE JINX: Redblacks sophomore defensive back Adrian Frye leads the CFL with three forced fumbles. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP: Toronto's Andrew Chatfield is tied, with BC's Dewayne Hendrix, for the CFL lead in sacks with three. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 28, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Redblacks might add top defender Frye to lengthy IR list
Two silver linings surround the dark cloud that could take one more important player out of the Ottawa Redblacks lineup this week. First off, at least it's not another Canadian. Secondly, there's another solid replacement ready to step in for him. The next man down could be cornerback Adrian Frye, who has been a limited participant in practice the last two days because of a knee injury. If the CFL had a Defensive Player of the First Three Games award, Frye would likely be the East Division nominee up against Saskatchewan's Jameer Thurman. 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. Along with having three times the number of forced fumbles as anyone else in the league, he has a recovery of his own and 13 defensive tackles, tied for second-most on the Redblacks. Should the 26-year-old former Texas Tech Red Raider be unable to suit up for Sunday night's home tilt against the Toronto Argonauts, he will be replaced at the strong-side corner spot by Alijah McGhee, who would come off IR to make his 2025 debut. One of the best training camp battles in Kingston featured Frye and McGhee, who held down the starting strong-side corner job through most of last season. 'Adrian's a tough guy, and he wants to get out there, so he pushed it a little more today than he did yesterday,' head coach Bob Dyce said Thursday after his team's practice. 'So we'll see what happens after day three.' Last Saturday in Calgary, the Redblacks' injury lists carried 14 players, including 11 on the one-game. Particularly taxing is that they were missing 10 Canadians. Expect that Ottawa will have to deal with a similar scenario when hosting the 0-3 defending Grey Cup champs — and for Dustin Crum to make his second consecutive start at quarterback. Dru Brown wore pads and threw passes on the sidelines at Thursday's practice, but Crum was once again taking first-team reps. Dyce could offer no timetable for Brown to return from a hip injury he suffered late in the season opener. 'We just take it day by day,' said Dyce. 'And go from there.' Has the importance of having a quality backup QB ever been more evident than this season? By the end of Week 4, it looks like as many as six of the nine teams will have had to turn to their backups. Like the Canadian fill-ins on the Redblacks roster, Crum stepped up in a big way against the Stamps. While the cold, rain, and high winds in Calgary were playing havoc with thrown balls, he would have completed 16 of 22 passes had seven not been dropped by receivers. More importantly, Crum didn't commit a single turnover and showed more patience than he has in the past by looking for his second and third receiving options before taking off with the ball. 'We always ask more from everybody,' said Dyce. 'But we were very happy with what Dustin did. I thought he had great command of the offence.' Crum says he hasn't had a peek ahead to Sunday's forecast, but knows that whatever it brings will be refreshing compared to the 'ridiculous' conditions at McMahon Stadium last week, which he maintains were 'probably the roughest I've ever played in for throwing.' In making his 15th CFL start, but first in more than 600 days dating back to 2023, when he was thrown to the wolves as a starter after entering camp fourth on the depth chart, Crum discovered a comfortable level and the 'game slowed down a little bit' for him. 'You hear a lot of guys talk about quarterbacks just having a grasp of everything going on …. it felt good to be out there with the guys and get to do that and feel the game speed,' he said. 'Slowing things down and being able to see each thing for what it is, knowing where people are and when they're going to be there, that's what helps. Sometimes you cannot see when a quarterback gets a little frantic, or when the pace of the plays gets them a little bit. So to be able to almost orchestrate or know what's going on to a degree, I would say I felt probably the best I've felt up here in the league so far. 'Obviously, whenever you establish a run game the way we did, it's huge for a quarterback and helps him get into the game as well,' he added. 'So it was really in a lot of different factors to it, but it definitely felt good, and it was something to build off.' Crum did a lot of action in last season's 22-22 tie at TD Place with the Roughriders, when he entered the game after Brown was injured and completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards, but this will be his first home start since Oct. 28, 2023, when the Redblacks closed out their season with a 27-22 loss to the Argonauts. Crum's favourite target that day was Justin Hardy, who pulled in six catches for 119 yards, but last season's nominee for the most outstanding player on the Redblacks has been a non-factor in the last two weeks. Hardy's string of consecutive 100-yard games carried over from 2024 and extended to five in the season opener, but against Montreal in Week 2, he had just two catches for 20 yards, and in Calgary had just one grab for five yards. While it looks like he misses the chemistry he has with Brown, it's not a thought Hardy has entertained. 'I feel like I just need to be the security blanket that all quarterbacks want,' said the 33-year-old former Atlanta Falcon. 'Just make sure that they feel comfortable whenever they are in the game, whoever it is. Just make sure they've got somebody they can trust and know, okay, I can count on this guy. I just like to make sure I'm doing that no matter who's in.' Meanwhile, Hardy is full of praise for Crum and his development with the Redbacks over three years — the same amount of time it has taken many QBs to hit their stride in the Canadian game. 'Coming in as a rookie, he was just getting to know the rules and trying to learn how to play quarterback in the CFL, which is a little bit different down south,' said Hardy. 'So just seeing the growth now from then until now has just been tremendous. 'He's been a great player, student of the game, throws a great ball, understands the offence, understands what he's looking at. So I'm happy for him.'
