Redblacks vs. Eskimos
1.
Protection by Ottawa’s offensive line.
So far in three games, QB Trevor Harris has been sacked nine times. It’s a long season and the Redblacks can’t afford to have their No. 1 guy taking a pounding. Said offensive lineman Sir Vincent Rogers: “We’re out here working hard. I can assure you we’re not avoiding people and just letting guys run. We make no excuses, though. We’re going to keep trying to get better.”
2.
The Trevor Harris-Greg Ellingson connection.
Ellingson has been Harris’ goto guy so far this season — with 25 catches for 369 yards in three games. Thirty-four times, Ellingson has been a target. If Edmonton decides it wants to play a little closer attention to Ellingson, Brad Sinopoli already has 266 yards in catches and it makes sense that the Redblacks would want to get the ball more often into the hands of Diontae Spencer, who has 162 yards on just 10 catches.
3.
The new guys.
With the release of cornerback A.J. Jefferson, the Redblacks will get Corey Tindal and Adrian James into the lineup. Explosive receiver Daje Johnson, who broke several big plays during training camp, could get a shot. For Edmonton, two key defenders — J.C. Sherritt and Cory Greenwood — are already out for the season. Running back John White is also gone. Defensive back Johnny Adams is the latest casualty. Marcus Howard was on the six-game injured list, but has been activated to play, replacing Phillip Hunt, who goes to the six-game list.
4.
The Ottawa connection
There are several of them on the Eskimos roster, some of them won’t play. DB Forrest Hightower and OL Colin Kelly are both on the six-game injured list. WR Scott Macdonell and DL Mike Moore are on the practice roster. But Travon Van is the Eskimos’ starting RB, Brandyn Thompson is a DB starter and Danny O’Brien is the third-string QB. Former Carleton Ravens star receiver Nate Behar is on the roster, but could also be a game-time scratch.
5.
The A.J. Factor
In a bit of a surprising move on Monday, the Redblacks released cornerback A.J. Jefferson. GM Marcel Desjardins said while Jefferson’s performance against Toronto last week was the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” the decision was based on the total body of work. The Redblacks liked what they’ve seen from Corey Tindal and decided to give him the opportunity to start.
THE KEY MATCHUP
Redblacks defence vs. Eskimos QB Mike Reilly
No question, Reilly is one of the CFL’s top guns. In 2016, he lead the CFL in passing yards, with 5,554. Said Eskimos GM Brock Sunderland: “He’s got a linebacker mentality at quarterback. He’s tough as nails and has the skill set and intelligence to be the best quarterback in this league.”
With just four sacks in three games, the Redblacks need to put some heat on the QB.
“We have to be conscious about keeping him in the pocket so our DBs can cover their receivers and we can get after him a little more,” said Redblacks defensive lineman Zack Evans. “If we can even get some pressure, get in his face, it shakes him up a little bit. If you get close to a quarterback, if you push your O lineman into him, he feels that. It gets him off his game. No quarterback wants to get touched, he doesn’t want to get hit. He starts getting frustrated … .”
PREDICTION:
Ottawa 37, Edmonton 36
I went back and forth on this. I was going to take Edmonton by eight points, with the thought that the 8 o’clock start in Edmonton (10 p.m. in Ottawa) could wear on the Redblacks, who won in overtime here a year ago. But Edmonton has suffered too many devastating injuries on defence. This should be a huge day for Trevor Harris and the Redblacks offence, which also get RB William Powell back.