POWER RANKINGS
WEEK 4
1. Calgary (1)
Swarming defence props up misfiring offence until QB Bo Levi Mitchell stops over-throwing his receivers and the ground game kicks into high gear. It’s been the Stamps’ default recipe for two of their league-high three wins, and enough to keep them in top spot as they head into a bye week.
2. Hamilton (3)
This season’s beasts from the east are still getting it done on the strength of Jeremiah Masoli’s dual-threat quarterbacking, uncanny performances from Canadian running backs and a solid defence. Though receiver Brandon Banks needs to stop the drops, he continues to flourish under head coach June Jones.
3. Edmonton (4)
The Eskimos overcame a dreadful start — sack, pick, fumble — at home against B.C. because their much-maligned defence stiffened early to mitigate the damage. Eventually, they were led to a convincing win as C.J. Gable ran all over the Lions and QB Mike Reilly counted on Kenny Stafford and Duke Williams for big gains.
4. Ottawa (2)
Ball control was a massive problem for the Redblacks in a loss to Calgary. Their athletic defence held them in for three quarters, until a lethal hat trick of drops, fumbles and turnovers on downs killed any hopes for a comeback. They wasted another great effort from RB William Powell.
5. B.C. (5)
The Lions can hang with the middle-of-the-pack crowd, but serious growing pains on defence mean they will continue to struggle against the CFL’s best. Their revamped defensive secondary, full of exEskimos, was picked apart by Edmonton, and they couldn’t stop the run again.
6. Winnipeg (7)
As gutsy as rookie QB Chris Streveler is, and there is no denying his desire to get the job done, he has much to learn about commanding a professional offence. The Bombers went 30 minutes against the Tabbies without a first down. That said, it would be great for the Bombers if the defence could tighten up and keep games closer.
7. Saskatchewan (6)
Losing to the Als is reason enough to sink a spot. The Riders have major problems at QB and with Duron Carter, who was exposed on the corner and played only a few ineffective snaps at receiver. He also took two costly penalties.
8. Toronto (8)
The Argonauts got the bye last week, which will help a team reeling from an 0-2 start and the neck injury to QB Ricky Ray that has ended his season, and possibly his career. They will hand the ball to QB James Franklin and hope he takes advantage of an unfortunate opportunity.
9. Montreal (9)
The basement still belongs to the Als, despite snapping a 13-game losing skid with a road win over the Riders. The Als more than doubled their average score by putting up 23 points behind a solid start by Drew Willy, but he was sent to the sidelines after a helmet-to-helmet hit.