Steinauer’s defence earning rave reviews
THURSDAY
Hamilton at Montreal, 5: 30 p. m., TSN: Orlondo Steinauer’s name was prominent in the discussion when the B. C. Lions went looking for a head coach last year to replace the fired Mike Benevides. While he remains the Ticats’ defensive coordinator, Steinauer’s star continues to rise, with his intelligent, meticulous and laid- back approach inspiring his players to be league- leading take- away terrors. “He’s the one behind all this production we’re having,” says defensive tackle Ted Laurent. The job of trying to make headway against Steinauer’s defence falls to Montreal rookie quarterback Rakeem Cato, who will be missing receiver Cody Hoffman. Pick: Tiger- Cats
FRIDAY
Edmonton at Ottawa, 5 p. m., TSN: The honeymoon phase is still in evidence at TD Place Stadium, but that sweetness could start to fade if the Redblacks are exposed again as they were in last Thursday’s 46- 17 loss to the Esks at Commonwealth Stadium. While having to view the horror show all over again in the video room, the Redblacks got a glimpse of one of the few things they did right: defensive tackle Zach Evans picking off a Matt Nichols shovel pass and rambling 66 yards for a touchdown. That was an outrageous gaffe in an otherwise competent performance by Mike Reilly’s replacement. Pick: Eskimos B. C. at Saskatchewan, 8 p. m., TSN: Corey Chamblin is one of only four coaches to have taken the Roughriders to a Grey Cup title. But, in the what- have- you- done- for- me- lately world of Saskatchewan football, he typically is feeling the heat for an 0- 3 start. If ever there was doubt that it’s a game of inches, Chamblin’s preference to go with a quarterback sneak, instead of punting the ball away, cost the Riders a probable win last Friday over the Lions. The decision was the right one. It was the execution that was lacking. The ‘ Riders should rebound this week. If they don’t, Chamblin might be scramblin’ for the nearest bunker. Pick: Roughriders
SATURDAY
Winnipeg at Calgary, 7 p. m., TSN: Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, ranked the league’s No. 1 player in a TSN preseason poll of CFL pundits, hasn’t always looked the part in the Stampeders’ unconvincing start. On Monday, however, he produced a 25- 20 win over the Argos after losing both of his starting offensive tackles. Struggles on the O- line were expected, with the loss of centre Brett Jones to the New York Giants and tackle Stanley Bryant to the Blue Bombers through free agency. Thus, getting past a dangerous Argonaut team through guts and guile speaks well of Calgary’s resiliency. Now, if only running back Jon Cornish can get in gear ... Pick: Stampeders Bye: Toronto Last Week: 4- 0 Season: 6- 6