Power Rankings, 1st Edition 2009, Part 1

Since a popular web cliché for sports content is the power rankings, I figured I would start in off season. During the season, I'll probably do it weekly, however up to then, I'll probably do it every couple of weeks, based on pretty much nothing except minor signings blown out of proportion and what I'm feeling that day. These rankings aren't based on who will win the Grey Cup, but rather which ever team has a higher ranking would win against a lower ranked team on a hypothetical neutral field. Probably too much will be based on the quarterbacks, but that's CFL football (i.e. if Jason Maas is your starter, prepare to suck).

1. Calgary
Defending champs, proven starting quarterback in Henry Burris, surprisingly good young offensive line loaded with Canadian talent makes filling out the rest of the roster easier. Haven't really paid much attention to their offseason moves.

2. BC
This was tough, but they still have relative strength at QB with Pierce and Jackson. Losing Cam Wake, the leading sack guy in the league last year to big NFL money will definitely hurt, but they still have nonimport Brent Johnson, who had 10 sacks last year. They also lost Rob Murphy on the line which should also hurt. Basically I'm giving them the two spot due to coaching, however I could see BC scratching for a playoff spot.

3. Montreal
Well coached now with Mark Trestman, the Alouettes are still a team to be reckoned with. I'd put them above BC, but I still wonder if this is the year age catches up with Calvillo. If so, they're in trouble. Plus their offensive line is a getting a wee bit crotchety.

4. Edmonton
I don't really like Edmonton, but the teams below are just that bad. Ricky Ray is definitely a good QB, but he tends to put up gaudy passing numbers rather than wins. They added Canadian bobsleigh champion Jesse Lumsden. We'll see how that works out.

Tomorrow, the bottom four. Wow do they smell. And not just the Ticats for a change.