1. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Beat the Argos in Torontoville. Trevor Harris is probably better than Henry Burris at quarterback.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Like last year the Eskimos keep winning. Mike Reilly passed for a ton of yards against Winnipeg this last week so that and him not being injured is a positive.
3. Calgary Stampeders
Didn't play, but that also means no injuries. Jerome Messam looks to be having a monster year.
4. BC Lions
The Lions were behind the Riders when I stopped watching the game and then roared back to win against the hapless Riders. I didn't think the Lions would be good at all this week, but turns out they are.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The first half was poor, but they pulled ahead in the second half despite the mediocrity of backup Jeremiah Masoli. Banks is back this season doing his special teams thing, Maher kicked extraordinarily well and the defence looks good, especially Tracy. Collaros could be back soon too.
6. Toronto Argonauts
Mediocre. Not terrible, but not good either. I thought their defence would be better, but it will probably improve as the season goes on.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Are they better than last year? I guess.
8. Montreal Alouettes
Kevin Glenn better come back, otherwise it is going to be another bad season for Montreal.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Have to win a game to get out the power rankings basement. With Durant injured I suppose they are potentially worse.
Showing posts with label cfl power rankings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cfl power rankings. Show all posts
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
2015 CFL Week 5 Power Rankings
1. Toronto Argonauts
I really didn't expect Toronto to be here at this point before the season started, but here they are. One can make a pretty strong argument that Trevor Harris is a better quarterback at this point in time than Ricky Ray even when healthy. The Argos have won a lot of games on the road (including their pseudo home opener in Fort Mac). That's impressive in a league with a big home field advantage.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Cats bounced back with a big road win over Saskatchewan. Sure the Riders are in last place, but they have been in most games. The Cats are 2 and 2 on the road, which as I mentioned previously in a league with as big a home field advantage is impressive. The Cats actually discovered a running game with the return of CJ Gable who is a big upgrade on Holley at running back. Eric Norwood returned at defensive end and the return of receiver Luke Tasker is imminent.
3. Calgary Stampeders
Calgary lost on the road to the REDBLACKS. Jon Cornish got injured and Bo Levi Mitchell didn't look that great without him. Between injuries and losses to the NFL, the Calgary line isn't that great. The Stamps are still a good team, but not nearly as good as last year's team.
4. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos demolished the Bombers, but was probably most promising was that the Eskimos did most of the demolishing in the second half with James Franklin as quarterback instead of Matt Nichols. With Mike Reilly still out, Franklin emerging really helps Edmonton out.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Montreal didn't play, so at least they didn't pick up any more injuries. The Alouettes are lucky Rakeem Cato emerged out of the fifth string role at quarterback to become a successful starter. Cato looks better than Crompton has, so maybe even when Crompton returns, Cato will keep the starting job.
6. Ottawa REDBLACKS
So maybe the REDBLACKS are for real after winning a close one against Calgary and coming on in the second half at home. Receiver Chris Williams got a ton of yards, and the receiving corps mostly did well, although there were a lot of drops in the first half. Looks like Henry Burris can still get it done at 40 in some games.
7. BC Lions
The Lions lost a close one at home to the Argos. The Lions are a decent team and Travis Lulay at least isn't hurt, but he hasn't been dominant either.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Quarterback Drew Willy keeps getting injured in games and then the Bombers fall apart. It happened again last game, which makes one wonder about the quality of the Bombers offensive line. The backup is one time wunderkind Brian Brohm, who is no longer particularly young and not particularly wonderous.
9. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
The Riders are 0 and 5. Sure you can argue they've lost some heartbreakers, but at some point, they have to win a game.
I really didn't expect Toronto to be here at this point before the season started, but here they are. One can make a pretty strong argument that Trevor Harris is a better quarterback at this point in time than Ricky Ray even when healthy. The Argos have won a lot of games on the road (including their pseudo home opener in Fort Mac). That's impressive in a league with a big home field advantage.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Cats bounced back with a big road win over Saskatchewan. Sure the Riders are in last place, but they have been in most games. The Cats are 2 and 2 on the road, which as I mentioned previously in a league with as big a home field advantage is impressive. The Cats actually discovered a running game with the return of CJ Gable who is a big upgrade on Holley at running back. Eric Norwood returned at defensive end and the return of receiver Luke Tasker is imminent.
3. Calgary Stampeders
Calgary lost on the road to the REDBLACKS. Jon Cornish got injured and Bo Levi Mitchell didn't look that great without him. Between injuries and losses to the NFL, the Calgary line isn't that great. The Stamps are still a good team, but not nearly as good as last year's team.
4. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos demolished the Bombers, but was probably most promising was that the Eskimos did most of the demolishing in the second half with James Franklin as quarterback instead of Matt Nichols. With Mike Reilly still out, Franklin emerging really helps Edmonton out.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Montreal didn't play, so at least they didn't pick up any more injuries. The Alouettes are lucky Rakeem Cato emerged out of the fifth string role at quarterback to become a successful starter. Cato looks better than Crompton has, so maybe even when Crompton returns, Cato will keep the starting job.
6. Ottawa REDBLACKS
So maybe the REDBLACKS are for real after winning a close one against Calgary and coming on in the second half at home. Receiver Chris Williams got a ton of yards, and the receiving corps mostly did well, although there were a lot of drops in the first half. Looks like Henry Burris can still get it done at 40 in some games.
7. BC Lions
The Lions lost a close one at home to the Argos. The Lions are a decent team and Travis Lulay at least isn't hurt, but he hasn't been dominant either.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Quarterback Drew Willy keeps getting injured in games and then the Bombers fall apart. It happened again last game, which makes one wonder about the quality of the Bombers offensive line. The backup is one time wunderkind Brian Brohm, who is no longer particularly young and not particularly wonderous.
9. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
The Riders are 0 and 5. Sure you can argue they've lost some heartbreakers, but at some point, they have to win a game.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
2015 CFL Power Rankings Week 2
A pretty confusing week of games in terms of power rankings.
1. Hamilton
After demolishing Winnipeg and almost beating Calgary, despite having a number of injuries, Hamilton has to be considered the top team right now. Having Collaros and an excellent receiving corps, plus an incredibly aggressive defence is a good combination, especially in a league missing a lot of starting quarterbacks. Hamilton is lucky they have a bye week this week and could get back some of their injured players.
2. Calgary
I'm not about to write off Calgary despite an ugly road loss in Montreal. Bo Levi Mitchell is going to have a bad game occasionally, although perhaps Calgary's offensive line isn't as decent as last year (after losing centre Brett Jones to the NFL). They still have Jon Cornish although he hasn't done a lot in the first two games. Calgary should bounce back.
3. Toronto
You can't really argue with two wins, although both teams they faced didn't have their starters the entire time. Trevor Harris has emerged as a surprisingly good quarterback and Chad Owens is in good form. What the Argos do against better teams is a question, although who the better teams in the league are, is is also a question.
4. Winnipeg
The good news is that apparently quarterback Drew Willy is coming back this week to play, otherwise the Bombers would be farther down the list. With Willy they are a decent team, without him as shown last week against Hamilton, they aren't that great. The Winnipeg defence wasn't great against Hamilton, which is a negative.
5. Ottawa
The REDBLACKS have managed to win their first two games. I'm still not certain that it is for real, hence sticking them in the middle. They are certainly playing better than they did in the pre-season. With all the quarterback injuries, Henry Burris actually isn't looking too bad.
6. Montreal
Montreal loses their first two quarterbacks and then settles on Rakeem Cato to start at quarterback and he has a great game against Calgary. The Alouettes have a good defence. Whether Cato can continue to be successful is a good question.
7. Saskatchewan
The Riders aren't as bad as last season when they lost Darian Durant as their starting quarterback, having Kevin Glenn, but they haven't won a game either. The Riders don't appear to be among the elite teams in the CFL this year.
8.BC
They have only played one game this year and they lost to Ottawa with Lulay, which isn't a good sign.
9. Edmonton
The Eskimos are a good team with Mike Reilly at quarterback, who unfortunately is now gone for some time. They haven't been as good a team with Nicholls as pivot. Hopefully Reilly comes back soon.
1. Hamilton
After demolishing Winnipeg and almost beating Calgary, despite having a number of injuries, Hamilton has to be considered the top team right now. Having Collaros and an excellent receiving corps, plus an incredibly aggressive defence is a good combination, especially in a league missing a lot of starting quarterbacks. Hamilton is lucky they have a bye week this week and could get back some of their injured players.
2. Calgary
I'm not about to write off Calgary despite an ugly road loss in Montreal. Bo Levi Mitchell is going to have a bad game occasionally, although perhaps Calgary's offensive line isn't as decent as last year (after losing centre Brett Jones to the NFL). They still have Jon Cornish although he hasn't done a lot in the first two games. Calgary should bounce back.
3. Toronto
You can't really argue with two wins, although both teams they faced didn't have their starters the entire time. Trevor Harris has emerged as a surprisingly good quarterback and Chad Owens is in good form. What the Argos do against better teams is a question, although who the better teams in the league are, is is also a question.
4. Winnipeg
The good news is that apparently quarterback Drew Willy is coming back this week to play, otherwise the Bombers would be farther down the list. With Willy they are a decent team, without him as shown last week against Hamilton, they aren't that great. The Winnipeg defence wasn't great against Hamilton, which is a negative.
5. Ottawa
The REDBLACKS have managed to win their first two games. I'm still not certain that it is for real, hence sticking them in the middle. They are certainly playing better than they did in the pre-season. With all the quarterback injuries, Henry Burris actually isn't looking too bad.
6. Montreal
Montreal loses their first two quarterbacks and then settles on Rakeem Cato to start at quarterback and he has a great game against Calgary. The Alouettes have a good defence. Whether Cato can continue to be successful is a good question.
7. Saskatchewan
The Riders aren't as bad as last season when they lost Darian Durant as their starting quarterback, having Kevin Glenn, but they haven't won a game either. The Riders don't appear to be among the elite teams in the CFL this year.
8.BC
They have only played one game this year and they lost to Ottawa with Lulay, which isn't a good sign.
9. Edmonton
The Eskimos are a good team with Mike Reilly at quarterback, who unfortunately is now gone for some time. They haven't been as good a team with Nicholls as pivot. Hopefully Reilly comes back soon.
Friday, October 24, 2014
2014 CFL Power Rankings Week 17
1. Calgary Stampeders
Calgary just keeps winning and Bo Levi Mitchell is back. No doubt after clinching the top seed in the West and the bye, the Stamps will let up some. They will still be the best team though.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
It was close versus the Riders and they were down at the half, but ultimately the Eskimos prevailed.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Sure it was against the REDBLACKS and they only won by ten, but it was a really windy game and the Cats mostly outplayed the REDBLACKS. Injuries are becoming a little concerning for the Ticats especially at running back, although surprisingly Sinkfield and Carter had well over 100 yards rushing between them.
4. Montreal Alouettes
This was a really important game for the Alouettes and they came in to Dead Ted's Dome (may he burn in the fires of expensive mobile bills) and beat the Argos, mostly with good defence, although Crompton's completion percentage was an excellent 70% (although his yards per pass attempt honked at 7.4 yards, indoors).
5. Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Ray didn't look very good in this game and it was at home. The Argos defence was OK, but ultimately failed to stop Crompton when they had to. The Argos pretty much have to win this week against Hamilton, or they are screwed out of a playoff spot.
6. BC Lions
Didn't play so there's not a lot to evaluate them with. Apart from blasting Ottawa, haven't looked good of late. 7. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders were ultimately better with Kerry Joseph as quarterback as opposed to Sunseri or Doege. However they're not good enough at this point in the season, despite probably having the best team besides the quarterback position.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
At least the Bomber didn't get blown out at home. Is former high school wunderkind Brohm out for the season after playing an OK game? Looks like the Bombers will not be in the playoffs again.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Only allowed the Cats to score 16 points at home, albeit on a windy night. On the other hand the REDBLACKS only scored six themselves and didn't look at all dangerous on offense. Maybe it is time for the REDBLACKS to look at some other quarterbacks. Henry Burris is a known quantity. Maybe some kid has some talent.
Calgary just keeps winning and Bo Levi Mitchell is back. No doubt after clinching the top seed in the West and the bye, the Stamps will let up some. They will still be the best team though.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
It was close versus the Riders and they were down at the half, but ultimately the Eskimos prevailed.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Sure it was against the REDBLACKS and they only won by ten, but it was a really windy game and the Cats mostly outplayed the REDBLACKS. Injuries are becoming a little concerning for the Ticats especially at running back, although surprisingly Sinkfield and Carter had well over 100 yards rushing between them.
4. Montreal Alouettes
This was a really important game for the Alouettes and they came in to Dead Ted's Dome (may he burn in the fires of expensive mobile bills) and beat the Argos, mostly with good defence, although Crompton's completion percentage was an excellent 70% (although his yards per pass attempt honked at 7.4 yards, indoors).
5. Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Ray didn't look very good in this game and it was at home. The Argos defence was OK, but ultimately failed to stop Crompton when they had to. The Argos pretty much have to win this week against Hamilton, or they are screwed out of a playoff spot.
6. BC Lions
Didn't play so there's not a lot to evaluate them with. Apart from blasting Ottawa, haven't looked good of late. 7. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders were ultimately better with Kerry Joseph as quarterback as opposed to Sunseri or Doege. However they're not good enough at this point in the season, despite probably having the best team besides the quarterback position.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
At least the Bomber didn't get blown out at home. Is former high school wunderkind Brohm out for the season after playing an OK game? Looks like the Bombers will not be in the playoffs again.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Only allowed the Cats to score 16 points at home, albeit on a windy night. On the other hand the REDBLACKS only scored six themselves and didn't look at all dangerous on offense. Maybe it is time for the REDBLACKS to look at some other quarterbacks. Henry Burris is a known quantity. Maybe some kid has some talent.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
2014 CFL Power Rankings Week 14
A week of upheaval as the West lost three games versus the East and won another in overtime against the lowly REDBLACKS. Remember also Tigercatatonia's philosophy on power rankings: it is what the teams would do this upcoming week (including injuries) not what they would do at the Grey Cup.
1. Calgary Stampeders
Losing to Montreal is somewhat ignoble for Calgary, however they don't have Bo Levi Mitchell so that hurts. Drew Tate is actually decent by CFL backup standards (as I long time Ticat fan, I can remember Billy "the Skid" Mitchell backing up Danny McManus), however Mitchell does seem superior. Calgary has a good overall team, so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt this week.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Lost to the Ticats and actually didn't look particularly good apart from capitalizing on mistakes from the Ticats. Still they've got Mike Reilly back and seemingly healthy and that's a lot in the West with quarterbacks dropping like flies.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Crazy as it might seem, the Tiger-Cats are a decent team now. Collaros is pretty much the best quarterback playing right now (with Mitchell injured, Reilly being thoroughly outplayed last week and Ray not the Ray of a few years ago) and the Cats have deep receiving corps. The defence is also looking excellent, and although Bulcke is injured for the season on the defensive line, Justin Hickman is back to play defensive end.
4. Toronto Argonauts
The Argos manhandled the Lions on the road last week and almost beat Calgary the week before. Amongst CFL quarterbacks Ray is both decent and consistent. The Argos have also seemed to get past their receiver problems and their defence is OK. Scott Milanovich as head coach also means the offense should be good with the proper personnel.
5. BC Lions
Lulay is gone it seems for the year and the Lions will be going with Kevin Glenn. Who hasn't played particularly well since Lulay was reinjured, including a loss at home against the Argos. BC has also suffered some injuries that have hurt them besides Lulay. The Lions don't look to be competitive with the top Western teams.
6. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Sure the Riders were the only Western team to win last week, however it was in overtime versus the REDBLACKS. Durant is gone and the Riders have Sunseri as their man, who doesn't look particularly great. The Riders do have a good team besides their quarterback, so all isn't lost.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
This assumes the Bomber are at the moment Willyless, which they appear to be at this juncture. The Bombers are pretty much the worst of the Western teams even with Willy healthy having a 500 record. Without their Willy, the Bombers aren't a good team even compared to some Western teams. Maybe the Bombers can overcome not having a Willy as their pivot, but I'm skeptical.
8. Montreal Alouettes
They beat Calgary, but I'm not totally convinced at Crompton's abilities as a quarterback. Sure he's better than who the Alouettes had earlier (Troy Smith?), but that's not saying a lot. Still the Alouettes have a decent defence and have a shot at second in the East and making the playoffs.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Almost won and doubled their win total. But in the end they didn't. What can you say about this team? They're terrible, that's what you can say.
1. Calgary Stampeders
Losing to Montreal is somewhat ignoble for Calgary, however they don't have Bo Levi Mitchell so that hurts. Drew Tate is actually decent by CFL backup standards (as I long time Ticat fan, I can remember Billy "the Skid" Mitchell backing up Danny McManus), however Mitchell does seem superior. Calgary has a good overall team, so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt this week.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Lost to the Ticats and actually didn't look particularly good apart from capitalizing on mistakes from the Ticats. Still they've got Mike Reilly back and seemingly healthy and that's a lot in the West with quarterbacks dropping like flies.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Crazy as it might seem, the Tiger-Cats are a decent team now. Collaros is pretty much the best quarterback playing right now (with Mitchell injured, Reilly being thoroughly outplayed last week and Ray not the Ray of a few years ago) and the Cats have deep receiving corps. The defence is also looking excellent, and although Bulcke is injured for the season on the defensive line, Justin Hickman is back to play defensive end.
4. Toronto Argonauts
The Argos manhandled the Lions on the road last week and almost beat Calgary the week before. Amongst CFL quarterbacks Ray is both decent and consistent. The Argos have also seemed to get past their receiver problems and their defence is OK. Scott Milanovich as head coach also means the offense should be good with the proper personnel.
5. BC Lions
Lulay is gone it seems for the year and the Lions will be going with Kevin Glenn. Who hasn't played particularly well since Lulay was reinjured, including a loss at home against the Argos. BC has also suffered some injuries that have hurt them besides Lulay. The Lions don't look to be competitive with the top Western teams.
6. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Sure the Riders were the only Western team to win last week, however it was in overtime versus the REDBLACKS. Durant is gone and the Riders have Sunseri as their man, who doesn't look particularly great. The Riders do have a good team besides their quarterback, so all isn't lost.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
This assumes the Bomber are at the moment Willyless, which they appear to be at this juncture. The Bombers are pretty much the worst of the Western teams even with Willy healthy having a 500 record. Without their Willy, the Bombers aren't a good team even compared to some Western teams. Maybe the Bombers can overcome not having a Willy as their pivot, but I'm skeptical.
8. Montreal Alouettes
They beat Calgary, but I'm not totally convinced at Crompton's abilities as a quarterback. Sure he's better than who the Alouettes had earlier (Troy Smith?), but that's not saying a lot. Still the Alouettes have a decent defence and have a shot at second in the East and making the playoffs.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Almost won and doubled their win total. But in the end they didn't. What can you say about this team? They're terrible, that's what you can say.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
2014 CFL Power Rankings Week 9
1. Calgary Stampeders
Cornish is coming back and they're 7 and 1 after demolishing the REDBLACKS on the road. One can make an argument that Mitchell is the best pivot in the league and their defence rocks too.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
While not quite as good as Calgary you can't argue the fact they are a 7 and 1 team. Beat Toronto, who are not a terrible team. The next two games will prove if they're for real.
3. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Beat BC on the road and did it on guaranteed Lion win night (I'm assuming a lot of the fans at the game were Roughrider supporters who won't be particularly enthused by a free ticket to a non-Rider Lions game). If they were to get Dressler back, they would be better, but I'm not sure they have the salary cap for it.
4. BC Lions
Lost at home on guaranteed win night. Still a good CFL team and if Lulay ever comes back they will have a nice problem to have in having two decent quarterbacks.
5. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Managed to win at home against an Eastern opponent. That's not much. We'll see how they do in their back to back games against the Riders.
6. Toronto Argonauts
Somebody has to be the best in the East. Acquitted themselves decently on the road against the Eskimos.
7. Montreal Alouettes
On the road and within a TD of the Bombers. At least they aren't starting Troy Smith anymore.
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
They didn't play, but that didn't change the fact they are down to Jeremiah Masoli as quarterback and someone named McGee as the backup. One wouldn't have thought the Cats would have one win at this point in the season, but there you go.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Stomped by the Stamps. At home. I honestly thought the REDBLACKS would be a little better at this point in the year especially with Henry Burris, but apparently not. Ponying up a dump truck to Weston Dressler might not be a bad move. Assuming the REDBLACKS are near the salary cap, evidently some of those players need to be released.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
2014 CFL Power Rankings Week 3
1. Calgary Stampeders
Easily beat Toronto and still looking like the class of the CFL. No thanks to Drew Tate.
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Although it was close against Montreal, you can't argue with undefeated. Drew "Slick" Willy is doing better than I would have thought.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
Also undefeated. Looks like Mike Reilly has a team around him this year.
4. Toronto Argonauts
The best of the 1 and 2 teams. This is quite arbitrary, although their last loss was against the Stamps, so that's somewhat understandable.
5. Montreal Alouettes
It was tight against the Eskimos. And they have a good defence. That's enough to be fifth.
6. BC Lions
They beat the Riders and maybe after three games Kevin Glenn is getting comfortable with the BC offense.
7. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
After dismantling the Ticats at home, it has been all downhill for the Green Riders. Thinks can't be pleasant in Regina.
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Zach Collaros is injured and the Cats are going with Masoli. Maybe coming off a bye week will help them out.
9. Ottawa Redblacks
No wins and still an expansion team. I'm continuing my policy of putting them last until they win a game.
Easily beat Toronto and still looking like the class of the CFL. No thanks to Drew Tate.
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Although it was close against Montreal, you can't argue with undefeated. Drew "Slick" Willy is doing better than I would have thought.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
Also undefeated. Looks like Mike Reilly has a team around him this year.
4. Toronto Argonauts
The best of the 1 and 2 teams. This is quite arbitrary, although their last loss was against the Stamps, so that's somewhat understandable.
5. Montreal Alouettes
It was tight against the Eskimos. And they have a good defence. That's enough to be fifth.
6. BC Lions
They beat the Riders and maybe after three games Kevin Glenn is getting comfortable with the BC offense.
7. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
After dismantling the Ticats at home, it has been all downhill for the Green Riders. Thinks can't be pleasant in Regina.
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Zach Collaros is injured and the Cats are going with Masoli. Maybe coming off a bye week will help them out.
9. Ottawa Redblacks
No wins and still an expansion team. I'm continuing my policy of putting them last until they win a game.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
2013 CFL Power Rankings Week 18
1. Calgary Stampeders
You can't argue with continued success. In a game that was meaningless to the standings but meaningful for the power rankings, the Stamps beat the Riders at home. Also Cornish outgained Sheets in rushing yards.
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders are right now the second best team, but they can't beat Calgary. So they're stuck in number two.
3. Toronto Argonauts
Back to back wins over the Bombers after back to back losses to the Tabbies. More importantly Ray is back and isn't showing any signs of injury, putting up ridiculous pass completion percentages. Kackert and Owens contributing or not doesn't really seem to matter, showing the Argos are a team that is more than the sum of their parts.
4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
After a terrible outing the previous week against the Als, Hamilton bounced back with third string quarterback playing a ton executing a wildcat offense and thoroughly perturbing television commentators everywhere by beating Montreal with it. Even with Burris in a funk, the Cats have options at quarterback. The Ticats defence was better this week, even if it was against media favourite, but mediocre quarterback Troy Smith.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Fabulous defence that almost never allows yards after the catch. New quarterback in Troy Smith who isn't totally terrible. S.J. Green making unbelievable catches. Meh. Good enough for fifth.
6. BC Lions
They beat Edmonton but allowed them to score 29 points. I'm assuming that Lulay isn't presently available (and I'm wondering if he's coming back for the playoffs). They have Stefan Logan back, but I'm not sure he's the player he was four years ago with BC. Somewhat of a missed opportunity season for BC. Anything can happen in the playoffs.
7. Edmonton Eskimos
Why better than Winnipeg? I'll say quarterback Mike Reilly and excellent slotback (and Humpty's pitchman) Fred Stamps. Crappy, crappy defence.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Hall seems to be an OK quarterback and maybe gives hope for the future. The Bombers just can't seem to win games. Maybe next year they can improve to six victories.
You can't argue with continued success. In a game that was meaningless to the standings but meaningful for the power rankings, the Stamps beat the Riders at home. Also Cornish outgained Sheets in rushing yards.
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders are right now the second best team, but they can't beat Calgary. So they're stuck in number two.
3. Toronto Argonauts
Back to back wins over the Bombers after back to back losses to the Tabbies. More importantly Ray is back and isn't showing any signs of injury, putting up ridiculous pass completion percentages. Kackert and Owens contributing or not doesn't really seem to matter, showing the Argos are a team that is more than the sum of their parts.
4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
After a terrible outing the previous week against the Als, Hamilton bounced back with third string quarterback playing a ton executing a wildcat offense and thoroughly perturbing television commentators everywhere by beating Montreal with it. Even with Burris in a funk, the Cats have options at quarterback. The Ticats defence was better this week, even if it was against media favourite, but mediocre quarterback Troy Smith.
5. Montreal Alouettes
Fabulous defence that almost never allows yards after the catch. New quarterback in Troy Smith who isn't totally terrible. S.J. Green making unbelievable catches. Meh. Good enough for fifth.
6. BC Lions
They beat Edmonton but allowed them to score 29 points. I'm assuming that Lulay isn't presently available (and I'm wondering if he's coming back for the playoffs). They have Stefan Logan back, but I'm not sure he's the player he was four years ago with BC. Somewhat of a missed opportunity season for BC. Anything can happen in the playoffs.
7. Edmonton Eskimos
Why better than Winnipeg? I'll say quarterback Mike Reilly and excellent slotback (and Humpty's pitchman) Fred Stamps. Crappy, crappy defence.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Hall seems to be an OK quarterback and maybe gives hope for the future. The Bombers just can't seem to win games. Maybe next year they can improve to six victories.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
2013 CFL Power Rankings Week 16
1. Calgary Stampeders
You can't really argue with 12 and 3. They've done it with a combination of different quarterbacks, which even strengthens their power ranking as they are more resilient to the traditional bugaboo of a good football team, starting quarterback injury. They've still been successful without receiver Nik Lewis as well, but having Jon Cornish as your starting running back means the passing game isn't as important. Throw in an excellent front defensive four and you have a team that wins a lot.
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders are a far better team now that running back Kory Sheets is healthy. Without him, quarterback Darian Durrant is mediocre, with him, he's significantly better as is the entire team. Sure the Riders barely managed to beat the Eskimos, but good teams are going to win close games occasionally rather than blowing out teams every week. The Riders certainly aren't looking as invincible as earlier in the season.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Cats have won two straight over their arch rivals, the Toronto Argonauts and now have a chance at winning the East overall. The Cats have basically the only elite quarterback who has started all year (sorry Mike Reilly) and so many quality receivers that injuries don't matter. C. J. Gable is emerging as one of the better backs in the CFL and is arguably the best at receiving. The defence is no longer terrible either as they were earlier in the season.
4. Toronto Argonauts
Strangely the Argos were on top of the world, winning four straight on the road against some of the CFL's best teams without starting quarterback Ricky Ray. Then they played two games against the Ticats and lost both. Ricky Ray was back in the last game and was good statwise, but still had a bit of rust. Likely after playing a game, Ray will be better this week, plus the Argos still have a solid defence (although that wasn't evident in the last two games).
5. BC Lions
Uh, is Travis Lulay coming back? DeMarco is OK as a quarterback, but at this point in the season he's not good enough yet to compete with the best teams in the league. Andrew Harris is having a good season, but not as good as last year. The rest of the Lion receivers are kind of meh. The defence is still respectable, but if the Lions want to do anything in the playoffs, Lulay will have to come back and play well.
6. Montreal Alouettes
By losing to the lowly Bombers at home and the Ticats winning, the Alouettes have pretty much crapped the bed at their chance to catch Hamilton and have a home playoff game. Now they have to not totally suck to hold off the semi-surging Blue Bombers for the last playoff spot in the East. Kind of embarrassing, but that's what happens when Anthony Calvillo's head is scrambled.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
With a win, the Bombers are firmly out of the basement of the power rankings. Beating the Alouettes at home almost warrants the Bombers up a further spot, but they've only won three games in 2013, which obviously isn't much. Is Hall the real deal in Winnipeg at the quarterback position? Who knows. However their offense didn't suck enough to trash a good outing by their defence so maybe there's hope for next year.
8. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos lost yet another close game, this one on the road to Saskatchewan. Edmonton has had some moral victories, but not a lot of victories. Will Kavis Reed get the boot at the end of the year? Probably. Will Edmonton lose out the season. Probably.
You can't really argue with 12 and 3. They've done it with a combination of different quarterbacks, which even strengthens their power ranking as they are more resilient to the traditional bugaboo of a good football team, starting quarterback injury. They've still been successful without receiver Nik Lewis as well, but having Jon Cornish as your starting running back means the passing game isn't as important. Throw in an excellent front defensive four and you have a team that wins a lot.
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders are a far better team now that running back Kory Sheets is healthy. Without him, quarterback Darian Durrant is mediocre, with him, he's significantly better as is the entire team. Sure the Riders barely managed to beat the Eskimos, but good teams are going to win close games occasionally rather than blowing out teams every week. The Riders certainly aren't looking as invincible as earlier in the season.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Cats have won two straight over their arch rivals, the Toronto Argonauts and now have a chance at winning the East overall. The Cats have basically the only elite quarterback who has started all year (sorry Mike Reilly) and so many quality receivers that injuries don't matter. C. J. Gable is emerging as one of the better backs in the CFL and is arguably the best at receiving. The defence is no longer terrible either as they were earlier in the season.
4. Toronto Argonauts
Strangely the Argos were on top of the world, winning four straight on the road against some of the CFL's best teams without starting quarterback Ricky Ray. Then they played two games against the Ticats and lost both. Ricky Ray was back in the last game and was good statwise, but still had a bit of rust. Likely after playing a game, Ray will be better this week, plus the Argos still have a solid defence (although that wasn't evident in the last two games).
5. BC Lions
Uh, is Travis Lulay coming back? DeMarco is OK as a quarterback, but at this point in the season he's not good enough yet to compete with the best teams in the league. Andrew Harris is having a good season, but not as good as last year. The rest of the Lion receivers are kind of meh. The defence is still respectable, but if the Lions want to do anything in the playoffs, Lulay will have to come back and play well.
6. Montreal Alouettes
By losing to the lowly Bombers at home and the Ticats winning, the Alouettes have pretty much crapped the bed at their chance to catch Hamilton and have a home playoff game. Now they have to not totally suck to hold off the semi-surging Blue Bombers for the last playoff spot in the East. Kind of embarrassing, but that's what happens when Anthony Calvillo's head is scrambled.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
With a win, the Bombers are firmly out of the basement of the power rankings. Beating the Alouettes at home almost warrants the Bombers up a further spot, but they've only won three games in 2013, which obviously isn't much. Is Hall the real deal in Winnipeg at the quarterback position? Who knows. However their offense didn't suck enough to trash a good outing by their defence so maybe there's hope for next year.
8. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos lost yet another close game, this one on the road to Saskatchewan. Edmonton has had some moral victories, but not a lot of victories. Will Kavis Reed get the boot at the end of the year? Probably. Will Edmonton lose out the season. Probably.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
CFL Week 3 2012 Power Rankings
1. BC Lions
Sure they lost to the Riders, but it was on the road and it was close. I'm not willing to cede the top spot to the Riders quite yet.
2. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Can't argue with three straight wins. Durant is back and the defence is solid.
3. Montreal Alouettes
The Alouettes only beat Calgary because of Kevin Glenn's stupidity, but good teams find ways to exploit other teams' fuckups. Calvillo is starting to look his age, but he still has a lot of weapons available and quarterbacks are starting to drop like flies in the CFL.
4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Ticats are back, baby! Sure Toronto may have outplayed them apart from special teams, but multiple special team TDs in a single game is impressive. Chris Williams is a weapon the Cats need to exploit if they want to move up.
5. Toronto Argonauts
Have looked reasonable the past couple games and the offence is satisfactory now. Ray is looking good amongst some of the wankier CFL quarterbacks. Toronto has the added bonus this week of facing the Blue Bombers at home.
6. Calgary Stampeders
Well Drew Tate is done for the year and making an attempt to be Buck Pierce 2, Electric Boogaloo. Kevin Glenn can be an effective quarterback at times and as he demonstrated last week can really pooch things with a ridiculous pick. Does the team rally around Glenn, or give up after week three?
7. Edmonton Eskimos
Smashed Winnipeg, but that doesn't say much. Steven Jyles still hasn't proved he can be a consistent quarterback and GM Eric Tillman is ruing the day he traded Ricky Ray.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Pierce is in, then out, then in again, then out again, almost like he's doing the hokey-pokey. Was last season's performance an aberration and the team is reverted to the sulkiness they had in previous seasons? Looks like it right now.
Sure they lost to the Riders, but it was on the road and it was close. I'm not willing to cede the top spot to the Riders quite yet.
2. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Can't argue with three straight wins. Durant is back and the defence is solid.
3. Montreal Alouettes
The Alouettes only beat Calgary because of Kevin Glenn's stupidity, but good teams find ways to exploit other teams' fuckups. Calvillo is starting to look his age, but he still has a lot of weapons available and quarterbacks are starting to drop like flies in the CFL.
4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Ticats are back, baby! Sure Toronto may have outplayed them apart from special teams, but multiple special team TDs in a single game is impressive. Chris Williams is a weapon the Cats need to exploit if they want to move up.
5. Toronto Argonauts
Have looked reasonable the past couple games and the offence is satisfactory now. Ray is looking good amongst some of the wankier CFL quarterbacks. Toronto has the added bonus this week of facing the Blue Bombers at home.
6. Calgary Stampeders
Well Drew Tate is done for the year and making an attempt to be Buck Pierce 2, Electric Boogaloo. Kevin Glenn can be an effective quarterback at times and as he demonstrated last week can really pooch things with a ridiculous pick. Does the team rally around Glenn, or give up after week three?
7. Edmonton Eskimos
Smashed Winnipeg, but that doesn't say much. Steven Jyles still hasn't proved he can be a consistent quarterback and GM Eric Tillman is ruing the day he traded Ricky Ray.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Pierce is in, then out, then in again, then out again, almost like he's doing the hokey-pokey. Was last season's performance an aberration and the team is reverted to the sulkiness they had in previous seasons? Looks like it right now.
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