A brand new CFL season at all times brings a combination of hope, hype and excessive expectations. However now, with rosters finalized, is when the actual work begins.
The motion begins with the Saskatchewan Roughriders internet hosting the Ottawa Redblacks as each groups attempt to get off to a terrific begin in Week 1.
For some groups, there may be renewed optimism with a recent slate as every membership has the idea that it might make it to the Gray Cup.
It is simple to suppose a staff is on its manner up or a contender is liable to getting jumped over within the standings based mostly on the motion we see within the low season.
However Gray Cup-contending groups often take all 18 regular-season video games to determine their id. The rankings introduced in Week 1 will seemingly see motion because the season goes alongside.
With that being mentioned, right here is the place all 9 CFL groups stand heading into Week 1, based mostly on final season’s outcomes and what they did within the low season.
Simply when it appeared just like the Blue Bombers have been going to take a step again final season, they went from beginning 0-4 to ending first within the West division for a fourth straight 12 months. Shedding Kenny Lawler and Ontaria “Pokey” Wilson is a big blow to Winnipeg’s offence, however the staff nonetheless has most of its offensive core intact, led by quarterback Zach Collaros, receivers Dalton Schoen and Nic Demski, and high Canadian working again Brady Oliveira. Defensively, the Bombers nonetheless have one of many premier go rushers in Willie Jefferson main one of many high models within the league. It is robust to guess towards a staff that has made 5 straight Gray Cup appearances, regardless of shedding the final three.
Even with out beginning quarterback Chad Kelly underneath centre, the Argonauts placed on a powerful exhibiting towards the Blue Bombers within the Gray Cup. They’re anticipated to enter the season with backup Nick Arbuckle at QB as Kelly continues to recuperate from the leg harm he suffered within the East Remaining and have made it a degree to retain a majority of their offence. Whereas the Argos misplaced most of their starters on defence, they did hold the heartbeat of the unit, Wynton McManis, whereas discovering methods to stay aggressive regardless of roster turnover.
The Alouettes have been one win away from going again to the Gray Cup, however could not overcome six turnovers within the East remaining. Davis Alexander will now lead the offence after the staff determined to maneuver on from Cody Fajardo. Alexander might want to present what he can do as a full-time CFL starter, however he has a dynamic duo in receivers Tyson Philpot and Austin Mack to lean on. Defensively, that is an aggressive unit that may lean on veterans like Tyrice Beverette to maintain the staff within the hunt for one more East division title.
4. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The primary 12 months underneath head coach Corey Mace was constructive for Saskatchewan and the staff is generally intact heading into the season. The Roughriders do face a tricky job with important accidents to offensive linemen Sean McEwen and Philippe Gagnon. This can put extra stress on getting the run sport going in order that quarterback Trevor Harris is not taking pointless hits, however a leaner AJ Ouellette ought to have the ability to tackle an even bigger workload after lacking 10 video games final season. The continuity must also give the Roughriders a bonus early within the season, and the staff made positive to shore up its quarterback depth behind Harris with Jake Maier and Tommy Stevens.
Dru Brown helped Ottawa get again to the playoffs for the primary time since 2018, however the staff hopes its younger quarterback can take one other step. GM Shawn Burke added veterans Eugene Lewis and William Stanback to an already spectacular offensive unit. Defensively, the staff is hoping new defensive co-ordinator William Fields will help it attain its potential like he did with the Argos. Ottawa additionally must discover a technique to play higher on the highway if it needs to compete with the likes of Toronto and Montreal for the highest spot within the division.
There was a whole lot of pleasure concerning the Lions with the staff internet hosting the Gray Cup in 2024, however they weren’t in a position to get to the championship sport. B.C. introduced Nathan Rourke again after he was unable to crack an NFL roster and can want him to get again to his 2022 type that noticed him win Most Excellent Canadian. New head coach Buck Pierce could have his work reduce out for him with the competitors within the West solely getting harder.
If there’s a staff that has probably the most growth or bust potential going into 2025, it’s the Ticats. There isn’t any doubt this staff has probably the most explosive offence on paper with Lawler becoming a member of Tim White, Shemar Bridges and Kiondré Smith. Nevertheless, it wants to point out that it might get off to a greater begin to the season — and which means seeing a serious enchancment on the defensive aspect of the ball.
No staff was busier in free company than the Elks, who added Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, Tyrell Ford, Royce Metchie and Kaion Julien-Grant. With new head coach Mark Kilam trying to usher in a brand new period, there may be a whole lot of pleasure in Edmonton, particularly with Tre Ford having a clear-cut alternative to be the beginning quarterback. Nonetheless, whereas there’s so much to love about what the Elks have carried out, they should present what they’ll do on the sphere earlier than we will confidently say that they’re not off course.
The clock is likely to be ticking for Dave Dickenson to get the Stampeders again on monitor after ending final within the West with a 5-12-1 file, ending a powerful streak of 18 consecutive years reaching the post-season. Dickenson wasted no time making an enormous splash by buying Vernon Adams Jr. from the Lions. Nonetheless, there are a whole lot of query marks with Calgary’s defence and it appears like many groups have jumped over them within the division by way of expertise.
