While the Ottawa REDBLACKS will have to wait another couple of weeks for their CFL playoff matchup with the Toronto Argonauts, it may as well be a playoff game today at BMO Field.
When toe hits leather at 3:00pm, Ottawa will look to keep their hopes of hosting the East Division Semi-Final alive, needing a win against those same Argos to do so, and on a short week no less.
Fans can tune in live on CTV to catch all the action, in a crucial game for both teams. AJ Jakubec and Jeff Avery will have the radio call beginning on 580 CFRA, before moving to TSN 1200 at 5:00pm.
It was a disappointing outing for the REDBLACKS on Thanksgiving Monday, where penalties were their downfall in a narrow 19-12 loss at Percival Molson Stadium.
The good news for the REDBLACKS is that after six weeks of dealing with a rash of injuries, the cavalry appears to have arrived. Returning for Ottawa today are quarterback Dru Brown, top receivers Justin Hardy and Bralon Addison, left tackle Drake Centers, along with linebackers Jovan Santos-Knox and Lucas Cormier.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
An argument can be made that since the REDBLACKS thrashed the Argos 41-27 at TD Place six weeks ago, the Boatmen have been the hottest team in the CFL. Toronto has won two straight, including a huge 14-11 win in Winnipeg over the Blue Bombers, last week.
While Chad Kelly was held to 203 yards and a touchdown at pivot, the Argonauts defence stood tall to earn the win. Folarin Orimolade led the way with a pair of sacks and an interception, as the Toronto defence brought Zach Collaros down a staggering eight times.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Bob Dyce, Head Coach, on the REDBLACKS’ approach to cleaning up their penalties: “We have a lot of passionate guys, and sometimes when you’re passionate, you want something so bad that if your emotions aren’t in check, it carries you past. This is a very emotional game, and so what we talk about is channeling and positively focusing our emotions. You have to be disciplined and dedicated, and there are certain ramifications (ie penalties). You want to get away from the selfish stuff, you know, because at the end of the day, you’re hurting the unit and you’re hurting the team. »
Dru Brown, quarterback, on facing Toronto’s defence: “They’re well-built, front to back. Some of the things they do with the guys they have on the back end are smart, and I understand why they do it, especially when they have the front that they do. There’s not technically a weak point in what they do, so we’re going to have to out-execute them.”
Jovan Santos-Knox, linebacker, on what the REDBLACKS need to do to end their losing streak: “We’ve just got to eliminate the stupid penalties and turnovers, and we need to take the ball away more. It’s as simple as that. Football really is a simple game. I think in the last couple of weeks, we have lost the penalty battle, which has hurt us. But we’re working to change that.”
BROADCAST INFORMATION
3:00 PM ET | TV (ENG): CTV | CFL+ | Radio: EN: 580 CFRA moving to TSN 1200 at 5:00pm ET, SiriusXM (ch. 167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
