CFL Update For July 8, 2024

  

Admittedly, it did not take long for me to fall behind in covering the CFL. Haven't given an update since early June.

So here goes my attempt now to fix that: 

Earlier this weekend, there were two more CFL games.

In the first game, Montréal hoped to stay undefeated after hosting the 2-1 Calgary Stampeders.

It was not easy. In fact, Calgary seemed to take over the game in the second quarter, and enjoyed a 23-12 lead by halftime. The two teams simply exchanged field goals in the third quarter, and so it appeared that the Stampders had a real chance at handing the Alouettes their first loss of the season.

However, that was when Montréal really stepped it up and acted like the defending champions. The defense was stifling, as it has been for most of this season, and as it was during last year's title run. Meanwhile, they also went on a 15-0 run, and the Stampeders were not able to answer.

And so, the Alouettes de Montréal improved to a league best 5-0 record, and are one of only two unbeaten teams remaining in the CFL. The 4-0 Saskatchewan Roughriders are the other team. 

Yesterday was the final CFL game of the weekend. The winless 0-4 Hamilton Tiger Cats were still looking for their first win of the season. They knew that it was not going to be easy trying to earn it when they hosted the 3-1 British Columbia Lions. The BC Lions had dropped their first game of the season in Toronto, but had not lost since, entering yesterday's game.

It was clear right from the start that the Lions came in quite prepared for this game. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead within the first few minutes, with incredible efficiency on offense, and an opportunistic defense that earned a quick turnover. They then added to that lead in the second quarter, and owned a 34-11 lead for halftime.

To their credit, the Ti-Cats did rally to try and make it somewhat interesting, pulling within 16 at one point in the fourth quarter. Yet the Lions responded. With time running out in the fourth quarter, they worked their way down the field with a strong drive that also ate up the clock. It culminated with an exclamation point touchdown to end all suspense in this one, assuring a blowout road victory.

With the win, the Lions improve to 4-1, and keep Hamilton winless at 0-5. Hamilton will have a bye next weekend, but the Lions will be back home in British Columbia for a huge showdown against the Undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders. 

Also next weekend, the still undefeated Alouettes will host the Toronto Argos, Winnipeg will host the Calgary Stampeders, and Edmonton will host the Ottawa Redblacks.