CFL Update for October 10, 2022

     

Let's take a look at the CFL action from this week, including the game from earlier today:

Hamilton 18, Saskatchewan 14 - Both of these teams would need some help for any chance at making it into the playoffs. But the Tiger-Cats, who have made it to the past two Gray Cups (losing both times to Winnipeg) managed to pull this one out, although it was a close, competitive game. The Roughriders actually led through the first half, 14-9. But Hamilton's defense stepped up in a big way in the second half, shutting out Saskatchewan the rest of the way, and the offense produced just enough to secure a big win that, for now, keeps their playoff hopes alive. The Tiger-Cats improved to 5-10 on the year with the win, while Roughriders fell to 6-10 on the season thus far.

Winnipeg 48, Edmonton 11 - The Blue Bombers have now secured the best record in the CFL for this season with a second straight lopsided win. No surprise, really, since they not only won the prior two Gray Cups, but also were clearly the best team in the CFL from the very beginning this season. Last week, they dominated Saskatchewan. This week, they blew out the Edmonton Elks, who were clearly overmatched and not up to the task of making this even a remotely close game. With this win, the Blue Bombers improve to 14-2 on the season, and mathematically have secured the best record in the league. Edmonton, meanwhile, drop their second straight game and fall to 4-12 on the year, which is currently now the worst record in the league. 

Toronto 23, British Columbia 20 - The Lions and Argonauts both needed this win, but it was the Argos who got it, to cement themselves as the top team in the East, and now, with this win, arguably one of the elites in the entire CFL. Toronto won a tight one against one of the better teams in the CFL, in a game with some high stakes. The Argonauts suddenly felt a lot of pressure with Montreal surging of late, and pulling to within a game (until they lost to Ottawa this week). As for British Columbia, they needed to win to try and maintain any hopes, however unlikely, they had of catching Winnipeg in the West, as well as staying ahead of Calgary for second place. But in a battle of wills, it was Toronto who managed to earn this important win, improving to 9-6, and now two games ahead of Montreal. As for British Columbia, they fall to 10-5, and are now tied with Calgary for second place in the West. 

Ottawa 24, Montreal 18 - Seems like the Redblacks are intent on playing the spoiler. Having suffered through a miserable season which saw them literally with the worst record in the CFL entering this week of play, Ottawa nevertheless managed to upset the Alouettes and end the hot streak that Montreal had been on. It looked like the Alouettes were well on their way to victory through the first half. But the second half belonged to Ottawa, as they completely outplayed Montreal in the second half, outscoring them 17-3. This win, coupled with Toronto's loss, once again puts Montreal at a distance from Toronto or first in the East Division, and with time clearly running out on the season. The Argonauts are now 9-6, while the Alouettes fell to 7-8 with this loss.