[OzSome]

Ottawa RedBlacks started well in the season winning the first 2 games to equal their number of wins last season. The last two games against Edmonton Eskimos they went back to earth losing two games on a home-and-home series. RedBlacks is now 2-2 in the season while Calgary Stampeders is leading the Western Conference with 3-1 record. Stamps are not even playing their full potential yet with breakdown on defense, inconsistent offense, injuries and tons of penalties. Makes me wonder what can they do if their offense starts clicking consistently, defense cut down on their mistakes, eliminate the dumb penalties.

GAME TIME: Friday, July 24th at 5:00pm Mountain Time
TD Place Stadium (Ottawa)

TELEVISED: TSN in Canada, ESPN2 in the US

OFFENSE:

RB Jon Cornish were having a slow start in the first 3 games but finally had a great game starting in the 2nd half of last week's game vs Winnipeg. Cornish rushed for 120 yards earning him one of the Top Performer in the CFL last week. WR Eric Rogers also had a great game with 4 receptions for 71 yards with 1 TD. WR Joe West had a memorable game the last time Stamps played the Redblacks in Ottawa last season. With a heavy heart after finding out his brother got killed, he caught 4 passes for 129 yards earning his the CFL Player of the Week.

Offensive Line is having some injury problems. Edwin Harrison and Dan Federkeil already out because of the injury in the game against Toronto in Week 3. Last week, C Pierre Lavertu went down for a few series and Karl Lavoie taking his spot. A few series later after the Stamps scored a TD, Lavoie got hurt but he still stayed in the game for 2-point convert. Pierre Lavertu was forced back to the lineup when Lavoie couldn't go back anymore. Lavoie will be out for at least a few months. Hufnagel is now trying to figure out which OLine he will insert in the lineup against Ottawa. Is is National OL Paul Swiston or International OL Andre Ramsey? Having an International OLine (Garry Williams) in the lineup already all indication is Swiston will be in the lineup but during Huf's interview the other day, he mentioned that they played one International player short last week. With injury problems with OLine, Calgary signed International OL John Estes to a practice roster. Estes played as a right guard in his freshman season at University of Hawaii but switched his position as centre on his sophomore season.

DEFENSE:

Aside from the breakdown early in the game, defense actually played well during the game against Winnipeg. DE Freddie Bishop III had 3 tackles and 2 QB sacks last week vs Winnipeg. MLB jUwan Simpson then sealed the deal with an interception on Winnipeg last possession. Hopefully the defense plays in the 2nd half of the game last week will continue and give Henry Burris and company trouble. Secondary especially will have to play much better. DB Fred Bennett was back in practice this week after getting hurt in the game against Bombers.

SPECIAL TEAM:

I think we have to give the ST a lot of credit for the win. They delivered when the Stams are down by 2 TD early in the first half. Adam Berger was biggest catalyst forcing a fumble with Stamps recovering the fumble. They ended up scoring a TD and 2-point convert on that turnover. He then blocked the punt after a few series and Adam Thibault recovered the ball and ended up scoring a TD. Returner Tim Brown is now starting to get some good returns. His stat is now 10 kickoff return fr 238 yards and 15 punt returns for 134 yards. K Rene Paredes is still struggling but he made the FG agan when the team really needed it. He was good on his final FG late in the game that gave the Stamps the win.

OPPONENT:

Redblacks probably have one of the best receiving group in the CFL. They have former Stampeders Maurice Price and Brad Sinopli(23 for 243 yards and 1 TD). Former TiCats speedy receiver Chris Williams, Ellingston, Ernest Jackson. The question now is which Burris is going to quarterbacking for Ottawa, is it Hank or Frank?

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GO STAMPS GO!!!