CFL Power Rankings: Grey Cup champion Eskimos on the rise

Malcolm Kelly breaks down the balance of power in the Canadian Football League.

1. Calgary Stampeders (unchanged)

Overall Record: 12-1-1

Streak: Unbeaten in 13

Next: At Toronto

You knew the Stamps would be on an emotional high after defensive back Mylan Hicks was killed last week. The question was whether they could sustain strong play for an entire game. It was answered emphatically. Carrying heavy hearts, the White Stallions started strong, stayed strong, and finished strong. This club hasn't lost a game since Week 1. It's now Week 15. We try not to over stat these things, but sometimes it's revealing. QB Bo Mitchell (with six by backup Drew Tate) produced 402 net yards, averaged 8.3 yards on first down, 9.9 on second down, used RB Jerome Messam for 59 on the ground and 43 in the air, hit DeVaris Daniels for 123 yards, including two scores. No sacks. Only concern was the two interceptions thrown. Defence dominated, contributing nine knockdowns — unheard of.

2. B.C. Lions (unchanged)

Overall record: 9-4-0

Streak: Won 1

Next: At Winnipeg

Film Day 1: When the Leo defence sat down for video review of its victory over Ottawa this week, it couldn't have been pretty. After giving up 539 net yards and 33 points, about the only positive takeaway was the Pick 6 off a desperation throw by the Redblacks with a few seconds left on the clock. Special teams allowed 165 yards in returns, and that wasn't helpful. QB Jonathon Jennings (20-for-25, 348 yards, 3 TDS, 0 interceptions) bailed out the defenders all night with long drives that ended in lots of points. At one time, five out of six possessions resulted in a change on the scoreboard. RB Anthony Allen pounded 12 times for 82 yards, keeping things honest. Nice win, but without a better defence the playoffs will be short. Under 20K in the stands again.

3. Edmonton Eskimos (up from 5)

Overall record: 7-7

Streak: Won 2

Next: At Montreal

QB Mike Reilly has the confidence to throw into a dangerous spot and the skill to get away with it. That sideline laser to Derel Walker with 2:12 left could have been jumped if it wasn't on target and on time, resulting in a loss. It was, however, caught and run in for a wrap-up TD. That play was a metaphor for how the Eskimos came into Winnipeg, ready to perform as a Grey Cup champion should. Now a word for John White, who struggles with health because of the hard-nosed way he plays, and is great because of the hard-nosed way he plays. The RB had 104 yards (19 carries) and another 64 by air (seven catches). Team is peaking at the right time and is currently not looking at a crossover playoff berth. They're looking at second in the West.

4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (down from 3)

Overall record: 8-6

Streak: Lost 2

Next: B.C.

If you're going to be a "ball hawk" defence, always cutting underneath the receiver in hopes of picking off the throw or causing a fumble, you'd better get it right. Terrence Frederick was caught this time, going for the ball instead of tackling the receiver when Derel Walker went for the long TD that sealed this key game. The whole defence has lived on this type of play this year, but in late-season games, and playoffs, you have to be more careful. Mistakes wrecked this one – Weston Dressler fumbling on the Edmonton two, early in the second quarter, Kevin Fogg having a punt return TD called back by a dumb block in the back. The Peg fell behind early and tried to close late once again, and you must not continue this way.

5. Ottawa Redblacks (down from 4)

Overall record: 6-6-1

Streak: Lost 1

Next: Saskatchewan

Film Day 2: When the RBs sat down for video review of their loss to B.C., this week, it couldn't have been pretty. Despite one of the best attacks seen from any team this year (539 net yards, 485 in the air), Ottawa found a way to lose this game. QB Trevor Harris couldn't have done more, and his receivers were superb. Chris Williams caught five for 155 yards, with 101 after the catch. Ernest Jackson was six for 122 and 77 YAC, as two examples. Defending was much better in the second half, but giving up 27 in the opening 30 made it moot. Based on the week before, this group can play great, it's simply not consistent. Just to spread the grumpiness around, that chop block by Nolan MacMillan changed a late 3rd-and-4 field goal chance late, into a 3rd-and-19 punt.

6. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (unchanged)

Overall record: 6-8

Streak: Lost 2

Next: Bye

Being pounded by the Calgary Stampeders is hardly unusual for CFL teams this season, so you have to give a little nod to the opposition. On the other hand, the incredible collapsing offensive line kept Zach Collaros running around the first half until he ran into Charleston Hughes, smacked his head or throwing shoulder on the ground and left for the rest of the contest. (look up O Line stats). Jeremiah Masoli took over and wasn't able to do much until it was too late. Stat: Cats gave the ball to the running back just three times. There were 50 pass attempts – the defence knows that's coming so it just drops back and waits, resulting in nine knockdowns. That's more than most teams get in three games. Must diversify this offence.

7. Montreal Alouettes (up from 9)

Overall record: 4-9

Streak: Won 1

Next: Edmonton

The Jacques Chapdelaine era in Montreal (as long as it lasts) started nicely when the new coach sent QB Rakeem Cato out with a game plan he could handle, leading the youngster to his best-ever pro outing. Cato threw four touchdown passes on a day he only tried 23 passes, completing 18 of them. Larks also ran 20 times (led by Tyrell Sutton's 83 yards), for a total of 139 in a crushing victory over a collapsing Toronto opponent. Especially impressive was a three-drive section in the third quarter that produced a field goal and two majors on 19 total plays. Amazing what you can do with just 270 net yards, if every one of them counts towards points. Defence allowed 399 net, but did not give up a touchdown. Als took just six penalties, and had zero giveaways. 

8. Saskatchewan Roughriders (unchanged)

Overall record: 3-10

Streak: Won 2

Next: At Ottawa

Best news of the week happened at the corner of Elphinstone Street and the railway tracks, where New Mosaic Stadium opened its doors for a test event featuring U. of Saskatchewan and U. of Regina. Passed with flying colours. This ties in with the current Riders because they are coming out of the bye playing much better football – keep that up and everything from 2016 will be forgotten. Five games left, go 3-2 (or even 2-3) and momentum will carry the day. Meanwhile, Chris Jones (uber boss) continued to tinker, releasing returner Kendial Lawrence and signing receiver Jeff Fuller, the latter with three Calgary years on his belt before a try at the NFL didn't work out. Waiting an announcement if QB Darian Durant (concussion) can start this week. 

9. Toronto Argonauts (down from 7)

Overall record: 5-9

Streak: Lost 3

Next: Calgary

Coach Scott Milanovich said on Sunday that some players were not stepping up and changes needed to be made. On Monday he cut four international receivers, including Vidal Hazelton (361 yards) and Tori Gurley (509 yards). A frustrating thing for any coaching staff is when you're doing all the things you believe to be right and worked before, and it's not working now. QB Drew Willy's offence rolled up 399 net yards, including 165 on the ground, and still couldn't find a touchdown. A defence deservedly under critical fire allowed just 270 net yards to Montreal, but almost all of them turned up gold for the Larks. What's killing this team especially is lack of discipline – finally getting some yards on returns, for example, they took five penalties to wipe it all out.