The Edmonton Elks’ 31-19 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in front of 28,365 fans was nothing short of massive for the organization. The team is trying to win back fans. It won’t be an easy process, but winning exciting games against your arch-rival is a great way to generate a buzz amongst football fans.
New owner, Larry Thompson, has committed millions to try and revive the EE. He has given President Chris Morris and his team the go-ahead to spend some money, make some changes in the facility, and re-ignite the “Eskimo” way. Morris has admitted it won’t be a quick fix, but he’s committed to building a respectable franchise again, and one that will treat the staff, coaches, players and fans with respect.
Morris did admit that winning games is the ultimate measuring stick, and Saturday’s win over Calgary has put the Elks right back in the playoff picture.
Edmonton is 4-1 in their last five games and are now tied with BC (5-7) for the cross-over spot in the East. Both the Elks and Lions are one game back of Winnipeg (6-6) for third place in the West. But a crossover spot isn’t guaranteed for either BC or Edmonton, as they are only one game ahead of both Ottawa and Toronto. And Montreal has the same record as BC and EDM. Six teams are battling for the final three playoff spots. The final third of the season has potential for some intriguing playoff races.
The EE desperately needed a win over Calgary, and they got it. Their defensive line had their best game of the season, by a large margin. They had four sacks that totalled 39 lost yards for Calgary. The D-line had amassed a paltry six sacks in the first 11 games but picked up four on Saturday. And Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith were out with injuries. Ceresna is likely done for the season, according to General Manager, Ed Hervey, while Smith has battled injuries all season. Neither has played to the level they and the organization expected when they signed them as free agents.
In their absence, Jonathon Kongbo had two sacks while Noah Taylor and Brandon Barlow had one. The defence rarely allowed Vernon Adams Jr. to get comfortable in the pocket. Edmonton hasn’t had consistent pressure on an opposing quarterback all season until Saturday.
Adams Jr. had 80 passing yards on the Stamps’ first two possessions and scored a touchdown and a field goal. He completed four of his first six passes, but after that, he only connected on 11-of-23 (47.8%) as the Elks ramped up their pressure in the final three quarters.
It was easily the best defensive effort of the season, and came in a must-win game.
RANKIN RUMBLES…
On the other side of the ball, Justin Rankin destroyed the Stamps’ run defence. Rankin had 204 yards on 16 carries, including a career-high 90-yard TD run. It was the longest rush by an Edmonton player since 1977 when Jim Germany rumbled 94 yards.
Rankin’s 90-yard run was impressive, but his second TD run of 31 yards might have been even better than his first. The original stutter step, and then the spin move were sublime.
Rankin had the two huge TD runs of 90 and 31 yards, but he also had 83 yards on his other 14 carries (5.9 yards/carry). He ran great all game.
The O-line was strong, although I felt Martez Ivey struggled. He had two holding penalties negated as the Elks didn’t convert on second down. Ivey was a West Division all-star last season, but he’s struggled to find that form this season. He needs to play better.
NEWS AND NOTES…
—- Carter O’Donnell will push for playing time on the O-line. I have to think he will get more reps this week as the Elks prepare to play Toronto.
— The Elks’ struggles on second and long continued. They were 3-for-3 on second and 1-3 yards, 4-for-4 on second and 4-6 yards, but only 3-for-13 on second and 7 or longer. I find that on second and long, they too often play it safe and throw a short pass that is caught but leaves the receiver short of the first down. Here’s what they did on second and long.
2nd and 13: Four-yard completion.
2nd and 10: Seven-yard completion.
2nd and 20: Short (about four yards) incomplete pass.
2nd and 10: Completion for three-yard loss.
2nd and 9: Fajardo five-yard run.
2nd and 9: Sack.
2nd and 14: 18-yard completion to Victor.
2nd and 9: 11-yard gain to Hilaire.
2nd and 10: Incomplete pass (around a four-yard pass).
2nd and 11: 19-yard TD pass to Julien-Grant.
2nd and 12: An 11-yard pass to Hilaire.
2nd and 8: Rankin two-yard rush. Elks kicked FG as insurance.
2nd and 12. Fajardo took a knee as the clock wound down to secure victory.
The three times they passed it past the first down marker, they connected for first downs. I’d still like to see them be more aggressive at times on second and long.
—- The playoff race for third place in the West, as well as second and third in the East, will be hotly contested over the final six games. Winnipeg, BC and Edmonton are separated by one game in the West, while Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto are one game apart in the East. And today, Edmonton and BC are tied for the crossover spot. Here’s a look at the remaining schedule for those six teams.
Winnipeg plays Edmonton, Ottawa and Montreal once.
BC plays Edmonton, Ottawa and Toronto once. They have four home games remaining.
Edmonton plays Toronto, Winnipeg and BC.
Montreal plays Ottawa twice and Toronto and BC once. They only have two home games remaining.
Toronto faces Edmonton, Montreal and BC in the next three weeks, but none after that.
Ottawa plays Montreal twice and BC and Winnipeg once.
The final stretch should be great theatre.
