Another season, another end-of-year wrapup. As cliché as it is to write this, the CFL genuinely did leave their best for last, with a barn-burner of a Grey Cup game that provided all of us with a thrilling ending! Before the recap, we’ll lead off with the final round of league news for 2021:

• In league-wide meetings preceding Grey Cup Week last week, CFL franchise owners agreed in principle to a revenue-sharing plan for the upcoming season, which I think is a very positive change if we really do want to see this league gradually dig itself out of the financial hole caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Toronto Argonauts VP of football ops John Murphy, who was suspended last week by the team due to his involvement in a postgame brawl between players and fans in the stands at BMO Field after the East Final, has been let go by the team. It’ll be interesting to see if he does manage to resurface somewhere in the league – I wouldn’t necessarily rule it out at this point.
• Montreal parted ways with special teams coordinator Mickey Donovan earlier this week; they have no hired a replacement as of yet. Donovan, who joined the Alouettes’ coaching staff in 2018, was previously head coach at Concordia University in Montreal from 2014-17.
• BC promoted Ryan Phillips to defensive coordinator for 2022; with head coach Rick Campbell having also doubled as DC last season, a reduced workload for Campbell will likely be a wise choice for the Lions. Phillips previously served as defensive backs coach, and he’ll continue to work extensively with the secondary while also calling defensive plays.
• The 2021 CFL award winners were also announced on Friday, December 10th, in advance of the Grey Cup game.
  • Most Outstanding Player: QB Zach Collaros, WPG
  • Most Outstanding Defensive Player: LB Adam Bighill, WPG
  • Most Outstanding Canadian: LB Bo Lokombo, BC
  • Most Outstanding Lineman: OL Stanley Bryant, WPG
  • Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: PR/KR DeVonte Dedmon, OTT
  • Most Outstanding Rookie: LB Jordan Williams, BC
  • Coach of the Year: Mike O’Shea, WPG
  • Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award: Dr. Dhiren Naidu and Dr. Bob McCormack, CFL Chief Medical Officers
  • Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award (player best portraying positive qualities found in members of the Canadian Armed Forces): OL Chris Van Zeyl, HAM
  • Tom Pate Memorial Award (for community service and sportsmanship): DB Mike Daly, HAM
• The CFL released its list of league all-stars on Wednesday, which you can check out here. There were no Edmonton or Saskatchewan players named to the list, which will make all the right people very salty.
• Finally, the league announced a new partnership with Genius Sports Limited, a US- and UK-based company specializing in data analytics specifically relating to sports betting. As a result of this partnership, Genius Sports will gain a minority stake in the CFL’s new commercial arm, titled CFL Ventures; the deal is expected to be finalized in January 2022 and will have a significant impact on expanding the CFL’s reach into the global sports gambling market.

Onto the game!

108th GREY CUP RECAP

 (1W) Winnipeg 33 vs. (2E) Hamilton 25 (OT)

It was a windy day on Lake Ontario, with temperatures around 4 degrees… far warmer than normal for this time of year. No major absences for injuries on either side save for Hamilton’s star defensive lineman Ted Laurent, who had an emergency appendectomy earlier in the week and thus was forced to miss the game.

First Quarter

Winnipeg won the coin toss and elected to defer, and Hamilton received to start the game. A few two-and-outs to kick off the game; Hamilton forced a turnover when punt returner Janarion Grant fumbled and the ball went off special-teamer Felix Garand-Gauthier; on the very next play, DE Willie Jefferson tipped Dane Evans’ pass, and DB Alden Darby picked off the tipped ball. Winnipeg couldn’t turn the turnover into a touchdown, but did get on the board with a 38-yard field goal from Sergio Castillo. Marc Liegghio added a punt single a few minutes later… but certainly not an offensive showcase through 15 minutes.

Second Quarter

Sergio Castillo added another field goal from 34 yards out to make it 7-0 Bombers early in the quarter. A few drives later, Dane Evans was hit by Willie Jefferson and had Jackson Jeffcoat pile on soon afterwards; he was down with a neck injury, and Jeremiah Masoli stepped in to replace him midway through the drive. Masoli quickly found his legs, getting a drive together to get Michael Domagala in range to kick a 13-yarder to get Hamilton on the board. On Hamilton’s next drive, Masoli found Steven Dunbar in the end zone, tying the game at 10 apiece.

Halftime

Arkells honestly gave a fucking phenomenal halftime show. I’ve been a fan since they dropped their debut album all the way back in 2008… and even though they’ve moved more towards the pop side of things… they remain one of the finest things the city of Hamilton has ever exported to the rest of the world. The Lumineers and k.flay were also featured… but full props to putting together one of the best Grey Cup halftime shows of all time. (Three thumbs up for a full horn section to complement section. That’s the quickest way to my heart every time.)

Third Quarter

With the wind continuing to be a factor, the Bombers elected to kick, forcing a quick Hamilton two-and-out to start the quarter. Zach Collaros had a couple of deep shots to Rasheed Bailey and Darvin Adams, setting them up for a fantastic red zone opportunity. Unfortunately for Winnipeg, the Ti-Cats put up some strong D, forcing the Bombers to settle for a chip shot field goal to tie things back up at 10. The Blue Bombers had a chance to make some waves on offense when Winston Rose sacked Jeremiah Masoli, turning the ball over on downs, but two plays later, Ti-Cats DB Kameron Kelly picked off Zach Collaros. Kelly jumped the receiver’s route to set up Hamilton with good field position on a 47-yard return. Masoli found Brandon Banks in the end zone a few minutes later, giving the home side a 17-10 lead. And the craziness didn’t stop there… Kelly had his second pick of the game on the very next drive. Collaros, to this point, was not looking good. The Bombers conceded a safety to end the quarter… and desperately needed to get to the fourth quarter to get the wind back in their favour.

Fourth Quarter

With the Ti-Cats getting the ball to start the fourth quarter, the offence had another promising drive deep into the red zone; RB Don Jackson got popped hard on 2nd and 4 to give the Bombers a chance to limit the damage. Michael Domagala connected on another chip-shot field goal to give Hamilton a 22-10 lead. Winnipeg put together a promising drive, highlighted by an incredible catch by Rasheed Bailey as he was already down on his back. Unfortunately, after an OPI call on Kenny Lawler on 2nd and 10 in the endzone, Winnipeg had to settle for a field goal, cutting Hamilton’s lead to nine. After Hamilton went two-and-out, Nic Demski had a fantastic catch and run for a 29-yard TD, cutting back on his route to beat double coverage, cutting Hamilton’s lead to just two points, and setting up a dramatic finish! On the kickoff afterwards, Sergio Castillo’s kick bounced off the hands of return man Tim White, setting up a…

ROUGE!

Hamilton had a costly penalty on their next drive when OL Jordan Murray was called for unnecessary roughness, shoving Winston Rose after the whistle. With the fifteen yards tacked on, the Ti-Cats’ drive went nowhere, and Winnipeg was set up at midfield with just under four minutes to play… and they had the wind at their backs.

Winnipeg almost had their drive stall out on Hamilton’s 50, but thanks to some good QB sneaking by Sean McGuire… and not to mention a questionable offside call on Hamilton… the drive was kept alive. Sergio Castillo was good from 45 yards out through the strong wind, and the Bombers finally had the lead back with just under two minutes to play. After adding another single point on a deep kickoff from Sergio Castillo that Tim White took a knee on, it was do-or-die time for the Tiger-Cats.

And wow, what a finish.

On their final drive of the game, Hamilton’s looked really good, driving all the way to the Winnipeg 5. Don Jackson was wrapped up on first down, and Jaelon Acklin couldn’t corral the pass on second down. With six seconds left, Michael Domagala hit another field goal.

Overtime football. For all the marbles.

Overtime

Hamilton won the toss and elected to start on D, with the wind at Winnipeg’s back… Andrew Harris ran hard, picking up two key first downs to keep the offense on the field. On 2nd and 10, Zach Collaros found Darvin Adams in the end zone. Touchdown. With CFL OT rules, teams had to go for two… and Rasheed Bailey got free, snagging Collaros’ pass to put the Bombers up 33-25.

On Hamilton’s possession, star OL Brandon Revenberg got called for a hold, moving the Ti-Cats back to first and 20. And on the very next pass… a twice-tipped ball… and an interception to clinch it for Winnipeg! A heartbreaking end in overtime for the home side, but an absolutely fantastic game to end off a memorable 2021 season.

Aftermath

With the dramatic victory, Winnipeg becomes the first team to repeat as Grey Cup champions since the 2009 and 2010 Montreal Alouettes, who were led to victory by the legendary Anthony Calvillo. And, despite throwing two potentially crippling interceptions, Zach Collaros was named Grey Cup Most Outstanding Player, while receiver Nic Demski was named Most Outstanding Canadian.

Hamilton’s now lost two straight Grey Cups, which always stings; with Winnipeg’s victory in 2019, the Ti-Cats took over as the franchise with the longest Grey Cup drought. Their last championship came back in 1999… and it looks like fans will have at least another year to wait before the Tabbies have another shot at redemption.

SEASON RECAP & STATS

East Division Standings

West Division Standings

x – clinched playoff spot
y – clinched division
e – eliminated from playoff contention

All stats indicated in italics denote the season leader in that category.

BC Lions

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 6-8

Season Record: 5-9 (7th of 9, 4th in West; missed playoffs)

Home Record: 2-5 (7th)

Away Record: 3-4 (T-5th)

Divisional Record: 2-7 (T-7th)

Total Points For: 312 (T-4th)

Total Points Against: 351 (7th)

Total Passing Yards:  4037 (1st)

Total Passing TDs:  17 (T-3rd)

Total Rushing Yards:  1041 (9th)

Total Rushing TDs:  12 (2nd)

Total Turnovers: 22 (T-3rd)

Leading Passer: M. Reilly (13 GP, 3283 yards, 276-400 pass attempts, 69.0% completion rate, 14 TD, 6 INT, 99.2 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher: J. Butler (11 GP, 497 yards, 101 carries, 4.9 yards per carry, 2 TD)

Leading Receiver: B. Burnham (14 GP, 965 yards, 67 catches, 14.4 yards per catch, 5 TD)

Leading Kick returner: C. Rainey (9 GP, 514 yards, 25 returns, 22.5 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Punt returner: C. Rainey (9 GP, 170 yards, 28 returns, 6.1 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Tackler: J. Williams (14 GP, 97)

Leading Pass interceptor: T. Lee (14 GP, 4)

Leading Sacker: T. Bonner (13 GP, 5)

Leading Field goal kicker: J. Camacho (9 GP, 14/20, 70.0%, longest 49 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• Michael Reilly is still a very good QB, but at around $700,000 per season, he’s also the most expensive player in the entire CFL. He’s signed through next season… but with Nathan Rourke showing promise as a CFL starter, is it worth the cap hit to bring him back?
• The run game last year was atrocious. How can the front office find the right personnel to get the offence more balanced… and will the coaching staff have confidence/incentive to call more runs, particularly if they have such an expensive QB leading the offence?

Calgary Stampeders

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 9-5

Season Record: 8-6 (T-3rd of 9, 3rd in West; lost in West semifinal to SSK)

Home Record: 3-4 (5th)

Away Record: 5-2 (1st)

Divisional Record: 6-4 (3rd)

Total Points For: 315 (3rd)

Total Points Against: 263 (3rd)

Total Passing Yards: 3847 (2nd)

Total Passing TDs: 15 (7th)

Total Rushing Yards: 1126 (8th)

Total Rushing TDs: 9 (T-4th)

Total Turnovers: 22 (8th)

Leading Passer: B. Mitchell (11 GP, 2594 yards, 211-325 pass attempts, 64.9% completion rate, 10 TD, 13 INT, 83.0 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher:  K. Carey (13 GP, 869 yards, 164 carries, 5.3 yards per carry, 7 TD)

Leading Receiver:  K. Jorden (11 GP, 767 yards, 53 catches, 14.5 yards per catch, 4 TD)

Leading Kick returner:  M. Henry (9 GP, 513 yards, 42 returns, 22.7 yards per return, 1 TD)

Leading Punt returner:  M. Henry (9 GP, 435 yards, 38 returns, 11.4 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Tackler:  D. Sankey (14 GP, 98)

Leading Pass Interceptor:  J. Moxey (13 GP, 2)

Leading Sacker:  S. Lemon (11 GP, 8)

Leading Field goal kicker: R. Paredes (14 GP, 44/48, 91.7%, longest 52 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• Bo Levi Mitchell has had extended absences due to injury in each of the past two seasons. When he’s on, he’s on… but he also appears to be off his game, perhaps as a result of having to battle back after getting hurt. He’s won multiple Grey Cups and league MOP awards while acting as the face of the franchise… but might it worth considering selling high on him while you still have the chance?
• Calgary lost their playoff game against the Riders largely in part due to Rene Paredes having a one-off poor game… overall, the roster isn’t projected to change much and the Stamps are likely to lock up another playoff berth next season. That said, how can they avoid another slow start next year – and what specific parts need to be brought in to try and keep pace with Winnipeg?

Edmonton Elks

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 6-8

Season Record: 3-11 (9th of 9; 5th in West; missed playoffs)

Home Record: 0-7 (9th)

Away Record: 3-4 (T-5th)

Divisional Record: 2-7 (T-7th)

Total Points For: 246 (8th)

Total Points Against: 378 (8th)

Total Passing Yards: 3546 (5th)

Total Passing TDs: 16 (6th)

Total Rushing Yards: 1437 (3rd)

Total Rushing TDs: 5 (T-8th)

Total Turnovers: 34 (7th)

Leading Passer: T. Cornelius (9 GP, 1795 yards, 143-247 pass attempts, 57.9% completion rate, 9 TD, 13 INT, 70.8 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher: J. Wilder, Jr. (11 GP, 770 yards, 142 carries, 5.4 yards per carry, 2 TD)

Leading Receiver: G. Ellingson (10 GP, 687 yards, 47 catches, 14.6 yards per catch, 1 TD)

Leading Kick returner: T. Williams (9 GP, 493 yards, 27 returns, 18.3 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Punt returner: T. Williams (9 GP, 240 yards, 34 returns, 7.1 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Tackler: N. Morgan (13 GP, 72)

Leading Pass Interceptor: T. Washington (14 GP, 5)

Leading Sacker: T. Costigan (11 GP, 6)

Leading Field goal kicker: S. Whyte (14 GP, 28/32, 87.5%, longest 52 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• With the entire coaching and front office staff canned after this year, the team will be rebuilding completely… rumours have Chris Jones, currently a defensive consultant in Toronto, returning to the organization where he won a Grey Cup as HC in 2015. Will he be given the dual GM/HC role he landed in Saskatchewan if he makes his return?
• If indeed Chris Jones does return, what’s to prevent him from jumping ship to the NFL like he did while in Saskatchewan (where he joined the Browns as a QB coach just days after signing a contract extension with the Riders)?
• With bonafide CFL starting QB Trevor Harris now gone to Montreal, who becomes the number one guy next year? Taylor Cornelius and Dakota Prukop were playing in a tough situation last year but still don’t inspire a lot of confidence. The previous front office traded for Nick Arbuckle from Toronto, who signed him to a rich deal in hopes he’d seize the reins there as a starter… but failed to do so. Or will a new front office bite the bullet on the extension Arbuckle signed and jettison all three players and just start fresh?

Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 9-5

Season Record: 9-5 (T-2nd of 9, 2nd in West, lost in West final to WPG)

Home Record: 5-2 (T-2nd)

Away Record: 4-3 (T-2nd)

Divisional Record: 7-3 (T-3rd)

Total Points For: 290 (7th)

Total Points Against: 284 (4th)

Total Passing Yards: 3273 (8th)

Total Passing TDs: 14 (8th)

Total Rushing Yards: 1302 (5th)

Total Rushing TDs: 7 (6th)

Total Turnovers: 22 (T-3rd)

Leading Passer: C. Fajardo (13 GP, 2970 yards, 281-404 pass attempts, 69.6% completion rate, 14 TD, 11 INT, 90.9 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher: W. Powell (13 GP, 733 yards, 168 carries, 4.4 yards per carry, 3 TD)

Leading Receiver: K. Moore (11 GP, 585 yards, 64 catches, 9.1 yards per catch, 3 TD)

Leading Kick returner: J. Morrow (8 GP, 586 yards, 26 returns, 22.5 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Punt returner: J. Morrow (8 GP, 330 yards, 30 returns, 11.0 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Tackler: M. Teitz (13 GP, 71)

Leading Pass Interceptor: E. Gainey (12 GP, 3)

Leading Sacker: A. Leonard (11 GP, 11)

Leading Field goal kicker: B. Lauther (14 GP, 40/47, 85.1%, longest 54 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• Cody Fajardo is the best quarterback Saskatchewan has had since Darian Durant, but even then, the offence didn’t exactly tear it up last season. Bringing in Duke Williams was a strong midseason move, but are the offensive issues in Saskatchewan more to do with a lack of weapons, or is it due to inconsistent O-line play? (Star lineman Brandon LaBatte sat out all of 2021 and it’s likely fair to say his presence was missed.)
• What else does Saskatchewan need to do if they hope to keep pace with their hated rival Winnipeg? The Blue and Gold humiliated them twice last year in the regular season, and clawed out a playoff win despite giving up six turnovers. Is there anything that can even be done to win a championship?

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 8-6

Season Record: 11-3 (1st of 9; 1st in West; won Grey Cup vs. HAM)

Home Record: 7-0 (1st)

Away Record: 4-3 (2nd)

Divisional Record: 8-1 (1st)

Total Points For: 361 (1st)

Total Points Against: 188 (1st)

Total Passing Yards: 3438 (7th)

Total Passing TDs: 21 (2nd)

Total Rushing Yards: 1676 (2nd)

Total Rushing TDs: 14 (1st)

Total Turnovers: 20 (T-1st)

Leading Passer: Z. Collaros (13 GP, 3185 yards, 243-346 pass attempts, 70.2% completion rate, 20 TD, 6 INT, 111.0 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher: A. Harris (7 GP, 623 yards, 116 carries, 5.4 yards per carry, 3 TD)

Leading Receiver: K. Lawler (13 GP, 1014 yards, 64 catches, 15.8 yards per catch, 6 TD)

Leading Kick returner: J. Grant (6 GP, 283 yards, 12 returns, 23.6 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Punt returner: J. Grant (6 GP, 375 yards, 34 returns, 11.0 yards per return, 1TD)

Leading Tackler: A. Bighill (14 GP, 70)

Leading Pass Interceptor: D. Alford (14 GP, 4)

Leading Sacker: J. Jeffcoat (12 GP, 9)

Leading Field goal kicker: A. Mourtada (4 GP, 8/15, 53.3%, longest 43 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• With two Grey Cup victories in a row, it’s a pretty fantastic time to be this organization. Can the front office keep the roster mostly intact for another run next year, or will it be financially impossible?
• Head coach Mike O’Shea has been one of the most important factors in Winnipeg’s success as a team since his arrival in 2013, and he has one more year left on his contract next year. With teams like Edmonton looking for a potential GM/HC dual role, would O’Shea even consider leaving the Bombers organization if it meant more money or control elsewhere?

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 9-5

Season Record: 8-6 (5th of 9, 2nd in East; lost in Grey Cup to WPG)

Home Record: 5-2 (T-3rd)

Away Record: 3-4 (T-5th)

Divisional Record: 4-4 (6th)

Total Points For: 312 (T-4th)

Total Points Against: 244 (2nd)

Total Passing Yards: 3574 (4th)

Total Passing TDs: 17(T-3rd)

Total Rushing Yards: 1407 (4th)

Total Rushing TDs: 9 (T-4th)

Total Turnovers: 20 (T-1st)

Leading Passer: J. Masoli (9 GP, 2445 yards, 188-271 pass attempts, 69.4% completion rate, 10 TD, 6 INT, 100.6 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher: S. Thomas-Erlington (12 GP, 356 yards, 70 carries, 5.1 yards per carry, 4 TD)

Leading Receiver: T. White (13 GP, 774 yards, 56 catches, 13.8 yards per catch, 2 TD)

Leading Kick returner: F. Williams (8 GP, 463 yards, 20 returns, 23.1 yards per return, 1 TD)

Leading Punt returner: F. Williams (8 GP, 459 yards, 45 returns, 10.2 yards per return, 1 TD)

Leading Tackler: S. Lawrence (14 GP, 73)

Leading Pass Interceptor: C. Brooks (12 GP, 5)

Leading Sacker: J. Davis (13 GP, 6)

Leading Field goal kicker: T. Bertolet (9 GP, 23/34, 67.6%, longest 55 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• Head coach Orlondo Steinauer has had rumours linking him to the vacancy at defensive coordinator at the University of Washington, which would be quite a promotion for him… and it would also allow him to return to his roots in the Seattle area. Is there a succession plan if Steinauer does indeed leave the team?
• Both Jeremiah Masoli and Dane Evans hit free agency this year. Both have had stretches of play where they looked like they could clearly be star quarterbacks… to go along with some frustratingly inconsistent stretches as well. Do the Ti-Cats let them both walk, or do they keep one? If option B… which one do they keep?

Toronto Argonauts

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 7-7

Season Record: 9-5 (T-2nd of 9, 1st in East; lost in East Final to HAM)

Home Record: 6-1 (2nd)

Away Record: 3-4 (T-5th)

Divisional Record: 6-2 (2nd)

Total Points For: 309 (6th)

Total Points Against: 318 (6th)

Total Passing Yards: 3664 (3rd)

Total Passing TDs: 17 (T-3rd)

Total Rushing Yards: 1272 (8th)

Total Rushing TDs: 10 (3rd)

Total Turnovers: 37 (T-8th)

Leading Passer: M. Bethel-Thompson (10 GP, 2303 yards, 203-306 pass attempts, 66.3% completion rate, 12 TD, 11 INT, 86.8 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher: J. White (10 GP, 450 yards, 92 carries, 4.9 yards per carry, 1 TD)

Leading Receiver: R. Collins, Jr. (12 GP, 642 yards, 55 catches, 11.7 yards per catch, 0 TD)

Leading Kick returner: C. Worthy (9 GP, 613 yards, 27 returns, 22.7 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Punt returner: C. Worthy (9 GP, 455 yards, 47 returns, 9.7 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Tackler: D. McCoil, Sr. (11 GP, 69)

Leading Pass Interceptor: C. Edwards (14 GP, 3)

Leading Sacker: S. Oakman (13 GP, 6)

Leading Field goal kicker: B. Bede (12 GP, 28/33, 84.8%, longest 54 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• The Argos won the East by a game, despite having a negative point differential. Is this a legitimately good team, or did they just happen to get extremely lucky in 2021?
• The front office spent a ton of money in the offseason to bring in free agents. Some were pretty good (Shawn Oakman, Shane Ray, Ricky Collins, Jr.)… and some were atrociously bad (Martavis Bryant, Charleston Hughes, Nick Arbuckle)… with attendance continuing to be a problem (while also acknowledging that COVID definitely contributed to woes), how much faith does the front office have in this core roster? Moreover, regardless of their own analysis of the team, will they still be directed to shed salary as a result of not winning last year?

Ottawa REDBLACKS

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 5-9

Season Record: 3-11 (8th of 9, 4th in East; missed playoffs)

Home Record: 1-6 (8th)

Away Record: 2-5 (9th)

Divisional Record: 1-7 (9th)

Total Points For: 224 (9th)

Total Points Against: 384 (9th)

Total Passing Yards: 2725 (9th)

Total Passing TDs: 8 (9th)

Total Rushing Yards: 1284 (7th)

Total Rushing TDs: 5 (T-8th)

Total Turnovers: 37 (T-8th)

Leading Passer: C. Evans (7 GP, 1279 yards, 108-182 pass attempts, 59.3% completion rate, 5 TD, 9 INT, 69.4 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher: T. Flanders (8 GP, 385 yards, 88 carries, 4.4 yards per carry, 0 TD)

Leading Receiver: R. Harris (14 GP, 595 yards, 46 catches, 12.9 yards per catch, 0 TD) 

Leading Kick returner: D. Dedmon (11 GP, 1223 yards, 49 returns, 20.5 yards per return, 1 TD)

Leading Punt returner: D. Dedmon (11 GP, 737 yards, 48 returns, 15.4 yards per return, 2 TD)

Leading Tackler: A. Williams (13 GP, 89)

Leading Pass Interceptor: B. Dandridge (8 GP, 4)

Leading Sacker: 3 players (4)

Leading Field goal kicker: L. Ward (13 GP, 30/36, 83.3%, longest 52 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• Who’s going to be the new GM? We still have no insider information on who the frontrunners are for the position… which I suppose is indicative of an incredibly rigorous hiring process, I hope.
• None of the QBs looked very good last year for Ottawa, though Caleb Evans is still 23 years old. Who will they bring in during the offseason to win the job?
• The O-line was absolutely dreadful. Will they be able to shore it up? Moreover, will they be given the budget they need to fix their pocket protection?

Montreal Alouettes

The Maestro’s Pre-Season Prediction: 8-6

Season Record: 7-7 (6th of 9, 3rd in East; lost in East semifinal to HAM)

Home Record: 3-4 (T-5th)

Away Record: 4-3 (T-2nd)

Divisional Record: 5-3 (4th)

Total Points For: 346 (2nd)

Total Points Against: 305 (5th)

Total Passing Yards: 3447 (6th)

Total Passing TDs: 25 (1st)

Total Rushing Yards: 2023 (1st)

Total Rushing TDs: 6 (7th)

Total Turnovers: 28 (5th)

Leading Passer: V. Adams, Jr. (8 GP, 1949 yards, 142-239 pass attempts, 59.4% completion rate, 14 TD, 9 INT, 89.4 efficiency rating)

Leading Rusher: W. Stanback (12 GP, 1176 yards, 193 carries, 6.1 yards per carry, 3 TD)

Leading Receiver: E. Lewis (13 GP, 964 yards, 62 catches, 15.5 yards per catch, 9 TD)

Leading Kick returner: A. Pickett (7 GP, 415 yards, 21 returns, 19.8 yards per return, 0 TD)

Leading Punt returner: M. Alford (5 GP, 268 yards, 17 returns, 15.8 yards per return, 1 TD)

Leading Tackler: C. Ackie, (14 GP, 48)

Leading Pass Interceptor: N. Murray (10 GP, 3)

Leading Sacker: D. Menard (14 GP, 8)

Leading Field goal kicker: D. Cote (13 GP, 32/39, 82.1%, longest 49 yards)

Major questions for next season:

• With Vernon Adams, Jr. suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, will he able to return to form next year and get the most of his embarrassment of riches at receiver and running back?
• While Montreal’s defence has improved year-over-year since 2019, they continue to lag behind their offence. Which area of the D will get prioritized in the offseason to try and bring this roster into balance – and return to more consistent overall play?

***

Thanks for reading the CFL Beat for the 2021 season! I look forward to returning in May of 2022 with all of the important football news we have to offer north of the 49th parallel. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your December, and keep your eyes peeled for my new off-season series beginning in January! Cheers.