Sixth months ago the Ottawa Redblacks shocked the world when they upset the Calgary Stampeders in the 104th Grey Cup. The Stampeders had put together one of the greatest seasons in CFL history only to fall just short on the biggest stage. Training camp will mark the beginning of a new season for Calgary and the other eight CFL teams. Here is a look at each team from the CFL West division entering training camp.
Calgary Stampeders
Can the Stampeders mentally overcome the demons that linger after last year’s stunning Grey Cup loss? Calgary is absolutely loaded with talent on both sides of the football. However, they enter training camp understanding that they produced one of the best seasons in CFL history a year ago and it didn’t end with a championship. Redemption should be a popular theme at Stampeders camp and it will be interesting to see if there is any Grey Cup hangover. Calgary will get back linebacker Deron Mayo after he was injured last season so that should provide a boost on defense. Meanwhile, Bo Levi Mitchell will have an excellent cast of weapons to spread the ball around to in 2017. If the Stampeders can get over the mental hurdles of last year’s Grey Cup disappointment, they could take care of unfinished business this season.
BC Lions
The Lions showed flashes of their immense potential with quarterback Jonathon Jennings leading the way last season. Now the focus is on whether he can put them over the top and help BC contend for a Grey Cup in 2017. Jennings won’t be able to do it alone and consistency on offense should help with many familiar faces back in training camp. However, the Lions will have some important holes to fill on defense including the loss of Adam Bighill to the NFL. Wally Buono will need some of his young players to step up in camp and fill in the gaps on the defensive side of the football. If the defense can hold its own and Jennings can put the offense over the top then BC will be a contender in the West division this season.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Winnipeg took a substantial step forward under head coach Mike O’Shea last season. Now the Blue Bombers need to take another major step in order to contend in the West division. Matt Nichols is the opening day starter for Winnipeg and the offense has the potential to be pretty good. However, the Blue Bombers definitely need more out of a defense that wasn’t nearly consistent enough last season. Khalil Bass signed with the Redblacks this offseason and that has left a major hole at the middle linebacker spot that will need to be filled. Meanwhile, Bruce Johnson, Chris Randle, Chance Casey and Kevin Fogg are all battling for an opportunity in the Winnipeg secondary. The Blue Bombers undoubtedly have some talented pieces in place. They will need to make strides on the defensive side of the football in order to take another step forward as a team in 2017.
Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos offense has the potential to be one of the best in the CFL this season. The question is whether or nor the defense can improve enough to help Edmonton contend for a Grey Cup. The Eskimos defense ranked fourth-worst in the CFL last season when they allowed 375.5 yards per game. The Eskimos brought in veterans Cory Greenwood, Euclid Cummings and Forrest Hightower with the hope that they can help shore up the defense. Edmonton will also need to replace Derel Walker, with Vidal Hazelton, Bryant Mitchell and others competing for a starting role at wide receiver. The Eskimos has the talent to contend this season. It will be very interesting to see how things play out in Jason Maas’ second season as head coach.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
The absence of veteran quarterback Darian Durant has created a much different atmosphere in Saskatchewan. That might also have something to do with the fact the Vince Young is at Roughriders training camp. The 34-year-old former Heisman winner and NFL Pro Bowl quarterback is listed fourth on Saskatchewan’s depth chart. However, there is no way he would have come to Canada if he didn’t think he has an opportunity to play this season. CFL veteran Kevin Glenn has the inside track at the starting quarterback job for the Roughriders. However, Young expects to get his chance in Saskatchewan eventually and nobody will be shocked if he wins the starting job out of training camp.
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