Translating numbers to wins
It’s no cliché to say the REDBLACKS are looking ready to break out, having been in every game they have played this season. Heading into Week 8 action against Edmonton on Thursday night, the REDBLACKS have a -8-point differential this season, with each game decided by no more than five points.
The REDBLACKS are also at or near the top in several significant statistical categories, including sitting fourth in the CFL (and first in the East) in points scored with 194. The REDBLACKS also sit first in passing touchdowns (14), fourth in rushing yards (601) and Trevor Harris continues to sit second in the CFL in passing yards, nipping at Ricky Ray’s heels with 2,202 on the year.
Eliminate/create turnovers
While the REDBLACKS have put up big numbers in many areas this season, an obvious area for improvement remains the turnover battle. Through the first seven weeks of the season, the REDBLACKS are last in the CFL with 13 turnovers allowed. The opposition, however, has only turned the ball over eight times against Ottawa this season.
More troubling than the -5 turnover ratio is the fact that the turnovers allowed by the REDBLACKS have led to 53 points scored, compared to the 24 points the REDBLACKS have themselves scored off turnovers. It’s a trend the club will be looking to turn around on Thursday.
Photo | Marc Bourget
Next man up
Though Ottawa has dealt with its share of injuries through the first seven weeks of the season, the REDBLACKS have shown that they have talent waiting in the wings. One particular bright spot in last week’s game against Winnipeg was the emergence of defensive back Sherrod Baltimore.
The 24-year-old spent the first few weeks of the year waiting for his shot after being spotted at one of the club’s open tryouts in the US and then making the team out of camp. He made his debut in Week 5 against Toronto, turning in five defensive tackles and was one of Ottawa’s strongest defensive players with six tackles against Winnipeg.
