A rainy, windy afternoon in Calgary is the setting, Saturday, as the Ottawa REDBLACKS look to get into the win column against the 2-0 Stampeders in a 4:00pm ET kickoff.
Dustin Crum gets the nod under centre for Ottawa, as Dru Brown works his way back from a hip injury suffered in Week 1. It’s the first time that Crum returns to Calgary as the REDBLACKS starting quarterback since his second ever start in 2023, when he led the team to a thrilling overtime victory.
Injuries have been the story early in the season for the REDBLACKS, whose banged-up squad dropped their home opener by a 39-18 score to the Montreal Alouettes, last week. Matt Shiltz connected with Bralon Addison for a touchdown strike, while Crum snuck in a score of his own in the effort, but turnovers and penalties ultimately cost the home side, despite an interception by CJ Coldon, and Adarius Pickett hopping on a fumble forced by Bennett Williams.
The injury bug continues to bite Ottawa, who lost Will linebackers Davion Taylor and Lucas Cormier in last week’s game. Fortunately for William Fields’ defence, veteran playmaker Frankie Griffin slides into the lineup in their stead, for the first time this season.
A pair of REDBLACKS are on milestone watch; with William Stanback just 52 rushing yards away from 5,000 on his career, and Justin Hardy 79 away from 3,000 career receiving yards.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Ottawa is not alone in their early-season injury woes. A hard-fought 29-19 road victory against the Toronto Argonauts in Week 2 came at a steep price for Calgary, who lost star receiver Reggie Begelton, middle linebacker Marquel Lee, and long snapper Aaron Crawford to long-term injuries in the game.
Nevertheless, the Stamps picked up a second straight stellar victory. Vernon Adams threw for 301 yards, and rushed for a touchdown alongside Dedrick Mills. Jalen Philpot, and former REDBLACK Dominique Rhymes paced the receiving corps with 117, and 98 yards, respectively.
On defence, Canadian cornerback Adrian Greene was the story, recording two interceptions, and a pick six.
On a day forecasted for 40 to 80mm of rain, and wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h, both teams will need to be sharp to come away with a victory on Saturday afternoon.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
BOB DYCE, HEAD COACH, ON DUSTIN CRUM’S PROGRESSION:
“Dusty has really grown in his processing of the offence. I think he’s much more patient in how he sees things. It’s easy if you watch his eyes when he drops back now. Normally, after his first read, he was inclined to just take off with the ball because he’s had great success…but he’s grown so much in that regard. Whether it’s a drop-back or RPO (run-pass option), his eyes are always downfield now. He’s figured out the coverage and he’s moving forward. He’s done an outstanding job in that area.”
DUSTIN CRUM, QUARTERBACK, ON HIS SKILLSET: “I definitely want to prove myself as a passer. I think a lot of people see me right now as a guy that, from what I’ve done, can run the ball and hurt you with my legs. But to be able to take a team down the field with your arm is an important aspect of playing quarterback in this league.”
BROADCAST INFORMATION
WATCH: TSN | RDS2 (FR) | CBSSN
STREAM: CFL+
LISTEN: TSN 1200, 104,7 FM Outaouais (FR), SiriusXM (ch.167)
