Overall record: 5-1
Streak: Won 4
Ties here are broken by imagining what the teams would do against each other head-to-head right now, and conveniently the White Stallions took care of that on Friday night. The late-arriving crowd at McMahon Stadium was still juggling its hot dogs and beer by the time it was 16-0 for the home side. Riders had nothing for Jon Cornish and he rumbled for 175 and four big TDs, including one off the direct snap. Offensive line played an excellent contest. Head coach John Hufnagel and his staff game-planned this one nicely.
Overall record:5-1
Streak: Lost 1
The Riders were going to go boom one of these weeks, and it's just one loss. Still, the club looked nervous in the early going and paid for it in errors. Once they found their legs again things began to improve. The previously impenetrable offensive line was beaten up for four sacks, and we'll see how they react to that. Zero run defence. Kory Sheets ran for 133 yards (a stunning 845 overall now), and as long as he's healthy other teams have a huge nut to crack. Now comes the trap game at home to Montreal as the Green play four straight against the second division.
Overall record: 4-2
Streak: Won 3
Things turned out Devine in Montreal for the Argos. That would be Noel, who handed them a Christmas present of three big fumbles including one on the opening kickoff (led to a touchdown) and another seven minutes later (led to a touchdown). As a good team will, Toronto took advantage and cruised to a victory. QB Ricky Ray looked good back from his game off due to a knee injury, and the big lead at the half meant they could pull him for a rest after he took a late hit. Nice to see Chad Owens run one back to boost a slow start by the return team this year. John Chiles looks like a find at receiver..
Overall record: 4-2
Streak: Won 1
After hosting the Stampeders this week, the schedule turns much in the favour of the Lions for a while. So, a win over Calgary would be a great setup. Strange when you consider a team of QB Travis Lulay, RB Andrew Harris and all those receivers, but the defence is actually carrying this group to a large extent. They could use more pass rush, but otherwise the D is doing just fine. More takeaways and less giveaways would help everyone. The offence still needs work on finishing its drives. An injury plagued offensive line is plugging along.
Overall record:2-4
Streak: Won 1
As the Cats begin to get healthier, they are starting to play better. Still pretty beaten up, especially on special teams, but the kitties have a pair with the Bombers and this would be a good time to make a real statement under new head coach Kent Austin. QB Henry Burris is doing a nice job throwing the ball but he's also the club's leading rusher and that's awful. No defence has given up as many points, but Hamilton has had a tough schedule so far. They must improve there, however.
6. MONTREAL ALOUETTES[Down from 5]
Overall record: 2-4
Streak: Lost 1
Jim Popp, now boss on and off the field, was hoping to see some positives this week after firing coach Dan Hawkins after just five games. This was after finding out RB Brandon Whitaker may be out up to a month and WR Jamel Richardson is gone for the year. Well, he positively can't have Noel Devine fumble twice in the opening quarter, both leading to scores. He can't have the corners being taken advantage of (same as last year). He can't have the defence tackling with their arms. Aw heck, he can't have this kind of ineptitude anywhere. QB Anthony Calvillo was working from the old playbook more this game, and that will be good in the long term.
Overall record: 1-5
Streak: Lost 4
They hate it out west when the east gets all the headlines, so to one-up Montreal's sacking of the head coach the Bombers dumped GM Joe Mack, and CEO Garth Buchko quit. Or was fired. Or is on paid leave. Depending on what inside leak is passing you little brown envelopes. With ex-Bomber Wade Miller now the interim CEO, it seems the on-field folks will be allowed to make their own decisions on who to play and when. It's now back-to-back with Hamilton and the Blue and Gold cannot lose both or it will be time to think about 2014 because the two after that are with Saskatchewan. Says here they should all just enjoy the fab new digs and work on next year now.
Overall record: 1-5
Streak: Lost 4
Hey, they've finished putting all the new seats in at Commonwealth Stadium, and they look great on TV. Now to do something for the folks who pay to sit in them. Linebacker J.C. Sherritt, who owes no one an apology, has been the stand-up guy telling fans the defence will do better. That's what leaders do. Over the bye week, the Eskies have been working on A) stopping the rush, so QB Mike Reilly doesn't get killed, and B) stopping the run, so they have a chance to win. This club spends the next month up in the first division (Argos, Riders, two with Stamps). Tough sledding ahead.
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