POWER RANKINGS
(previous ranking in parentheses)
1. B.C.
LIONS (4)
A simply dominating performance at McMahon Stadium that silenced plenty of naysayers. Defence was terrific, Travis Lulay was calm and composed and his receiving corps and Andrew Harris overwhelmed the Stampeder defence.
2. HAMILTON
TIGER-CATS (5)
That 0-2 start is being left behind in the rear-view mirror. So many weapons on offence, which is a good thing because that defence gives up an awful lot of points. But when it counted, in the fourth quarter in Regina last Saturday, the D buckled down.
3. TORONTO
ARGONAUTS (6)
The Argos are coming off one of their most significant regular-season wins in recent franchise history. Winning, in Montreal — even against a faltering Alouettes team — is a huge boost between the ears and another example of the greatness of Ricky Ray.
4. SASKATCHEWAN
ROUGHRIDERS (3)
Two massive fourth-quarter collapses in as many weeks should be cause for concern, but the fact remains that most of the tools are there for the Riders to be a successful team. The past two weeks should serve as valuable teaching opportunities for Corey Chamblin.
5. EDMONTON
ESKIMOS (1)
CFL’s best defence is once again let down by its offence. You have to feel bad for Steven Jyles, who has grabbed away the goat’s horns from Kevin Glenn for the most glaring QB mistake of the season. But at the end of the day, he didn’t do enough early in the game, either.
6. CALGARY
STAMPEDERS (2)
Probably the team that needed the bye week more than any other in the CFL, just to take a breath and collect its thoughts. Priority No. 1: figure out why the run game is stalled, and Jon Cornish said what everybody is thinking: it starts up front.
7. MONTREAL
ALOUETTES (7)
7. Montreal (7) — At home to the Argos traditionally was a free square on the bingo card for the Als. But no longer. This team looks old, tired and, too often, unoriginal, particularly on defence. Can’t be an easy time for Anthony Calvillo.
8. WINNIPEG
BLUE BOMBERS (8)
Well, yes, it was a win, but make no mistake: the Eskimos lost that game more than the Bombers won it. But it’s about baby steps, and there’s something to be said for Alex Brink getting some on-the-job training.