by Sean Murphy
Monday, Jun 20, 2022We're two weeks into the 2022 CFL season with the West proving superior to the East with four of five teams in that division having posted flawless records.
Here's a quick look at some key takeaways from the second week of action.
Argos 20, Alouettes 19
Toronto was fortunate to come away victorious thanks to a late missed field goal by Montreal. The Argos underrated defense controlled proceedings most of the way before the Als got loose for 10 points in the fourth quarter. The absence of Als standout RB William Stanback was key as no Montreal back was able to gain more than 20 yards on the ground. RB Andrew Harris was the Argos big offseason pick-up and he paid immediate dividends, running for 87 yards while adding three catches. The Als will get to play their home opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday as they continue to search for their first victory of the season. Toronto travels to Vancouver to face the 1-0 B.C. Lions this coming Saturday.
Blue Bombers 19, RedBlacks 12
In a rematch of Winnipeg's Week 1 victory, the Blue Bombers proved superior to the RedBlacks once again, securing a seven-point road victory. The two-time defending Grey Cup champion Bombers entered the season with high expectations and haven't disappointed through two games with their defense not surprisingly leading the charge. Offseason acquisition WR Greg Ellingson has been terrific for Winnipeg, hauling in 10 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown in each of its first two contests. Ottawa is left scratching its head after racking up plenty of yardage but only 29 points in the home-and-home set with Winnipeg. QB Jeremiah Masoli has looked comfortable running the offense, completing 51-of-82 passes for 711 yards, a touchdown and an interception through two games.
Stampeders 33, Tiger-Cats 30 (OT)
In the week's wildest, most entertaining contest, the Stamps pulled out an improbable overtime victory in Hamilton. Calgary trailed 17-0 at the end of the end of the first quarter before QB Bo Levi Mitchell was able to turn back the clock, throwing for more than 300 yards and two touchdowns in the come-from-behind victory. The Stamps will enter Saturday's showdown with the provincial rival Elks sporting a perfect 2-0 record. Hamilton has dropped consecutive games to open the season, fading late in both contests. QB Dane Evans has quite simply been asked to do too much due to a non-existent ground attack. In Saturday's loss, Evans led the team in rushing with 22 yards. Now comes a difficult road date with the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg on Friday.
Roughriders 26, Elks 16
Most pegged the Edmonton Elks as the league's worst team entering the new season and that's precisely what we've seen through two games as Edmonton has been outscored by a whopping 85-31 margin. The Elks defense hasn't proven capable of slowing opposing attacks, whether through the air or on the ground. Saskatchewan RB Jamal Morrow torched Edmonton for 126 rushing yards on 17 carries while adding a touchdown in Saturday's victory. Edmonton QB Nick Arbuckle might have a tough time keeping his starting job after tossing five interceptions compared to only one touchdown so far this season. The Elks employed a QB carousel during training camp and preseason action. Saskatchewan's defense has been dominant, recording a ridiculous 13 sacks and four interceptions on its way to a perfect 2-0 start.
Here's a quick look at some key takeaways from the second week of action.
Argos 20, Alouettes 19
Toronto was fortunate to come away victorious thanks to a late missed field goal by Montreal. The Argos underrated defense controlled proceedings most of the way before the Als got loose for 10 points in the fourth quarter. The absence of Als standout RB William Stanback was key as no Montreal back was able to gain more than 20 yards on the ground. RB Andrew Harris was the Argos big offseason pick-up and he paid immediate dividends, running for 87 yards while adding three catches. The Als will get to play their home opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday as they continue to search for their first victory of the season. Toronto travels to Vancouver to face the 1-0 B.C. Lions this coming Saturday.
Blue Bombers 19, RedBlacks 12
In a rematch of Winnipeg's Week 1 victory, the Blue Bombers proved superior to the RedBlacks once again, securing a seven-point road victory. The two-time defending Grey Cup champion Bombers entered the season with high expectations and haven't disappointed through two games with their defense not surprisingly leading the charge. Offseason acquisition WR Greg Ellingson has been terrific for Winnipeg, hauling in 10 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown in each of its first two contests. Ottawa is left scratching its head after racking up plenty of yardage but only 29 points in the home-and-home set with Winnipeg. QB Jeremiah Masoli has looked comfortable running the offense, completing 51-of-82 passes for 711 yards, a touchdown and an interception through two games.
Stampeders 33, Tiger-Cats 30 (OT)
In the week's wildest, most entertaining contest, the Stamps pulled out an improbable overtime victory in Hamilton. Calgary trailed 17-0 at the end of the end of the first quarter before QB Bo Levi Mitchell was able to turn back the clock, throwing for more than 300 yards and two touchdowns in the come-from-behind victory. The Stamps will enter Saturday's showdown with the provincial rival Elks sporting a perfect 2-0 record. Hamilton has dropped consecutive games to open the season, fading late in both contests. QB Dane Evans has quite simply been asked to do too much due to a non-existent ground attack. In Saturday's loss, Evans led the team in rushing with 22 yards. Now comes a difficult road date with the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg on Friday.
Roughriders 26, Elks 16
Most pegged the Edmonton Elks as the league's worst team entering the new season and that's precisely what we've seen through two games as Edmonton has been outscored by a whopping 85-31 margin. The Elks defense hasn't proven capable of slowing opposing attacks, whether through the air or on the ground. Saskatchewan RB Jamal Morrow torched Edmonton for 126 rushing yards on 17 carries while adding a touchdown in Saturday's victory. Edmonton QB Nick Arbuckle might have a tough time keeping his starting job after tossing five interceptions compared to only one touchdown so far this season. The Elks employed a QB carousel during training camp and preseason action. Saskatchewan's defense has been dominant, recording a ridiculous 13 sacks and four interceptions on its way to a perfect 2-0 start.
