Ottawa Citizen

Redblacks’ Sinopoli go-to guy on offence

Sinopoli says despite recent successes, Ottawa must stay wary of struggling foe

- KEN WARREN kwarren@postmedia.com Twitter.com/ Citizenkwa­rren

Brad Sinopoli is on yet another impressive roll, on pace to shatter a number of long-standing reception records dating back through the long history of Ottawa’s CFL clubs.

Considerin­g his receiving and running path through opposition backfields in July, including a combined 22 catches, 319 yards and two touchdowns in wins over Montreal and B.C., it only makes sense that he was named as one of the CFL’s Shaw Top Performers for the month.

Despite the recent successes for himself and the Redblacks, Sinopoli insists the team can’t afford to look past a struggling 1-5 Toronto Argonauts squad that goes into Thursday’s game with question marks everywhere from quarterbac­k to place kicking.

“Every team is dangerous, whether they’re 2-15 or haven’t won yet,” Sinopoli said. “It doesn’t matter. If you don’t show up, you’re going to lose. That’s how it is profession­ally. You’ve got to bring it every single game. Our guys know that.”

The Redblacks’ offence has generally been a hit-and-miss operation through the opening six games, with a few sparks of excitement offset by too many drives that end too early.

Sinopoli, however, remains the go-to guy for quarterbac­k Trevor Harris.

With a league-leading 45 receptions after six games, he’s on pace for 135 on the season, which would easily break the record of 96 establishe­d by Greg Ellingson in 2017.

Sinopoli also has 552 receiving yards, second only to Edmonton’s D’haquille Williams.

If the final two-thirds of the season go the way to first third went, Sinopoli would finish the year with 1,656 yards, beating Gerald Alphin’s 29-year-old mark of 1,471.

Still, Sinopoli is as frustrated as everyone else on an offence that has scored only two touchdowns during the past 14 quarters. Finding that elusive finishing touch has been an emphasis throughout the short week since Saturday’s 21-15 win over Hamilton.

“There’s always time, even after practice, always time to look over your stuff one more time, ask one more question to a coach or a player, or just think about a play one more time,” he said. “You’re always trying to fine-tune. That’s just the best way to go about it. Coach (Rick) Campbell always says the hay is never in the barn, which I really like.”

HEBERT INJURY NOT SHORTTERM: Whatever it is that is bothering middle linebacker Kyries Hebert — Campbell refused to provide specifics Wednesday — he won’t be back any time soon.

Hebert and defensive lineman Avery Ellis were both placed on the six-game injured list, which means they’ll be out at least four weeks.

With Hebert out, Avery Williams is slated to start at middle linebacker. Quentin Gause will step off the practice roster, making his CFL debut in a backup role to Williams.

“The thing about the six-game is that we can pull guys off there, so it doesn’t mean necessaril­y that they’re going to be on there for that whole time,” said Campbell.

Campbell insists the Hebert injury “isn’t anything serious.”

The Redblacks’ coach is confident that Avery Williams can step up to the challenge of starting. He also likes the work of defensive end Danny Mason, who will start in place of Ellis.

“They are physical guys,” said Campbell. “Mason does some really good things, he’s very noticeable on film. And same thing with Avery Williams. They are guys that play really hard.”

The thing about the six-game is that we can pull guys off there, so it doesn’t mean necessaril­y that they’re going to be on there for that whole time.

 ?? GRAHAM HUGHES/THE CANADIAN PRESS ?? Redblacks wide receiver Brad Sinopoli is on a record-setting pass-catching pace in terms of Ottawa’s CFL history.
GRAHAM HUGHES/THE CANADIAN PRESS Redblacks wide receiver Brad Sinopoli is on a record-setting pass-catching pace in terms of Ottawa’s CFL history.
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