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.
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