P O WE R RANKINGS
1 ( 1) EDMONTON
The Eskimos (4- 0) are not overwhelming, but their record cannot be ignored. Edmonton is the CFL’s only undefeated team despite having outscored its opposition by only 12 points over four games ( 107- 95). The key for Edmonton is making plays when it counts. Nobody does that better than quarterback Mike Reilly.
2 ( 2) B.C.
The Lions have won four in a row since losing their season opener. A quarterback change, the result of a shoulder injury to Jonathon Jennings, has improved the offence. Travis Lulay has thrown for 436 and 404 yards in place of Jennings, looking very much like the 2011 most outstanding player version.
3 ( 3) CALGARY
The Stampeders reasserted their dominance Saturday by defeating the visiting Roughriders 27-10. The score actually flattered the losing side. Calgary flattened Saskatchewan, which registered only three first downs and allowed five sacks in the first half, after which the Stampeders led 17-0. Jerome Messam looked like he did last season while rushing for 135 yards.
4 ( 5) TORONTO
The Argonauts are a surprising 3- 2, which is good for first in the East Division, after edging the visitors from Ottawa 27- 24 on Monday. The West is still the far stronger division, as evidenced by the first three picks, but Toronto is enjoying a solid season thanks to the presence of 37-year- old quarterback Ricky Ray and learned head coach Marc Trestman. Defensive co- ordinator Corey Chamblin has been a huge addition.
5 (4) WINNIPEG
The Blue Bombers were the Blow Bombers on Friday, squandering a 42- 25 fourth- quarter lead and losing 45- 42 to B.C. in a game that was a classic advertisement for the CFL. It was also a showcase for the flawed decision- making of Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea, who OK’d an ultimately unsuccessful fake punt that gave the Lions a gift-wrapped touchdown in the fourth quarter.
6 ( 6) MONTREAL
The Alouettes’ offence is a puzzle. Montreal is averaging only 20.2 points per game and is coming off a 24-19 loss in Ottawa. Montreal quarterback Darian Durant piled up the passing yards (452) in that game. Near the goal- line, however, the Als are a different team.
7 ( 8) OTTAWA
The defending Grey Cup champions simply cannot buy a break. The Redblacks’ four losses have been by a combined 10 points. A treacherous schedule — Monday’s game against Toronto was Ottawa’s third in 11 games — hasn’t helped, either.
8 ( 7) SASKATCHEWAN
A 37- 20 win over Hamilton on July 8 buoyed optimism that the Chris Jones- led Roughriders were poised for a breakthrough. Then came Saturday’s repeated breakdowns against Calgary.
9 ( 9) HAMILTON
The Tiger- Cats were impressive for a considerable portion of Thursday’s home game against Edmonton. Hamilton carried a 25-13 lead into the fourth before being outscored 18-3.