No kicker to Ward’s all-time record

Lewis Ward has already shattered two records, but is he still short of a third, one that some people say is the record? The CFL has gone out of its way to explain that the 45 consecutive field goals by the Ottawa Redblacks kicker is the longest streak ever. The Redblacks rookie has already broken the previous league record of 39 by the Calgary Stampeders’ René Paredes over two seasons (2012-13) and the professional record of 44 set by Adam Vinatieri of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. Up for debate, though, is the fact that Paredes actually ran his streak to 47, including playoffs. The CFL is making clear, however, that the records do not include playoffs. Here’s the explanation: “The CFL and all other major leagues including the NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB have never mixed regularseason and post-season records — primarily because only a portion of the teams get to the playoffs and the natural reset at the start of the post-season. Including post-season would lead to disparities in games played between players. “Examples: If Mike Reilly’s team is eliminated, would he still be the leading 2018 passer if Trevor Harris passes him with playoff yardage? Anthony Calvillo’s 23-game TD pass streak would be only 17 games because he did not throw a TD pass in the 2012 East final. Or perhaps Doug Flutie’s all-time single-season passing record of 6,619 yards in 1991 was surpassed by Kent Austin in 1992 (6,225 + 468 for a total of 6,693).” Then there’s this CFL zinger: “Only an less-informed statistician would suggest mixing regular season with playoffs would create a relevant record book.” Ward can make it all a moot point with a few more field goals, perhaps as early as Saturday in Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats.