Stamps defence could be the difference in 2016 Grey Cup rematch

By Ryan McCracken on November 24, 2018.

Before the Western Final, the big question was which Calgary Stampeder team would show up: the one that went 12-2 or the one that swooned in October. While the Stamp offence stuttered the defence was the original. Winnipeg couldn’t score a touchdown last Sunday. That is good news for fans of the red and white because Grey Cups are usually won by the defence.

Although the words rematch and revenge are in the air, tomorrow’s combatants are quite different from the teams that met in 2016. Ottawa has two holdovers on defence, cornerback Jonathon Rose and safety Antoine Pruneau. QB Trevor Harris, receivers Greg Ellingson and Brad Sinopoli, RB William Powell and half the offensive line won the Cup two years ago. The kicking group is new.

Defensively, Calgary, minus Charleston Hughes, will field the same front four that played in 2016, Corderro Law, Micah Johnson, Junior Turner and Ja’Gared Davis who backed up Hughes the last two years and is so good he beat out his predecessor. This veteran Calgary line will be the difference maker Sunday. The linebackers and four out of five secondary members are new.

Four veterans return on the offensive line, three holdover Canadian receivers, one fullback and Bo Levi Mitchell. So Calgary has seven new starters on defence, six on offence. The Stamps have the more holdovers since 2016. Two rookies will start for Calgary, seven for Ottawa. The Stampeders are a deeper, more experienced team.

Calgary veterans are determined to atone for their losses in the last two championships. Since Day 1 of training camp they have been focused on getting back to the Grey Cup and winning it.

The Stamps were second in scoring, Ottawa, fifth, although the Redblacks gained 120 more yards. Surprisingly given the presence of William Powell in the backfield, Ottawa ranked last in rushing. Calgary was sixth. Tomorrow will feature a battle of passing attacks.

Ottawa was third in passing yardage, Calgary fourth. The Easterners led in completion percentage, Calgary was eighth. But Calgary was No. 1 in completions of over 30 yards with 44, Ottawa had 26. Bo Levi Mitchell, a big play quarterback, needs superior protection. His line allowed the fewest sacks in the league. Ottawa gave up the second most. Calgary led the CFL in passing efficiency, Ottawa was third.

Interceptions? Trevor Harris 13, Mitchell 14. The Stampeder turnover ratio was plus-13, Redblacks plus-9. Calgary was penalized 109 times, Ottawa 144. If it holds true the team that makes the fewest mistakes wins, that should be Calgary.

Offensively the teams are fairly close, although Calgary can’t match Ottawa receivers Brad Sinopoli and Greg Ellingson who together caught 207 passes for 2,462 yards and nine TDs. If they have a big day, they’ll win. And don’t forget Donte Spencer who picked up 1,007 yards on 81 receptions. He led his team with seven touchdowns. Calgary uses a committee of receivers. Sure Stamp starters include Eric Rogers, Chris Matthews and Lemar Durant. Dickenson will choose three of Markeith Ambles, Juwan Brescacin, Bakari Grant, DaVaris Daniels and Richie Sindani.

Defensively, Calgary has the CFLs best front four. They led in sacks and forced turnovers. Earlier in the week, Trevor Harris observed, “I think in general, offensive lines aren’t talked about enough because the game is won up front. If you’re able to get pressure with four (defenders) you’re going to neutralize any passing or run game.” He’s describing Sunday’s opponent.

The Western front-four can launch an all-out attack on the quarterback because they have an outstanding linebacking corps behind them, Alex Singleton, Jameer Thurman and Jamar Wall. The secondary gave up lots of yardage but only 11 touchdown passes. They are superb tacklers, as are their special team players.

The Ottawa front four is average. Kyries Hebert leads the linebackers. Jonathan Rose and DB Rico Murray are all-stars. Rose was suspended for pushing an official. His appeal can’t be heard in time so he’s playing. Referees are human. Rose will get no breaks from the zebras tomorrow. His presence will be a liability.

Trevor Harris is hot but Mitchell is more consistent. Both teams are well-coached.

With a Campbell in charge of Ottawa, most of the Commonwealth Stadium crowd won’t be cheering for Calgary. They’re used to that. Stamps defence by three.