Ottawa’s offensive reboot will have to be enough

Focus was on D in the off-season

With a couple of important additions to their offence — quarterback Nick Arbuckle and an experienced offensive co-ordinator, head coach Paul LaPolice — the Ottawa Redblacks are hoping to turn around a dismal 2019 season, when their 312 points scored was by far a league worst.

The question is, with their most notable offensive signings other than the quarterback being receivers Anthony Coombs and Timothy Flanders (both are listed on the team’s roster page as running backs), have the Redblacks done enough to get the arrow pointing up again?

“One area we wanted to make sure we were getting better at is we got some players on defence,” LaPolice said. “There’s a salary cap; you can only spend so much at certain spots. Getting (defensive lineman) Cleyon Laing, one of the best national players, was an outstanding get for us.

“We re-signed (receiver) R.J. Harris. We went out and signed Anthony Coombs, we got Timothy Flanders before free agency. We like (running back John) Crockett.

“We have some pieces already there. We have a good offensive line. Our job is to score points with that crew.

“I’ve been on teams who go out and spend $250,000 on a receiver; I don’t know if that’s the best situation. Every year Calgary has a young receiver who steps up and makes plays. We might be younger on offence, but I don’t think we’re young at the offensive line spot, which is important.”

With the release of Stephane Nembot last week, it looks like the Redblacks could go with an all-Canadian offensive front again, though LaPolice said it’s still open.

“We could go with three, four or five (Canadian offensive lineman) if we want,” he said.

“We could have two (national starters on defence), we may play two (national) receivers, so we have flexibility. We like what we have; we just have to get them in the room and teach them what we think will win football games,” he added.