CFL Halfway Point: 9 Thoughts On All 9 Teams

As we hit the halfway mark of the CFL season, it's time to dive deep into the state of each team. So, guys, buckle up as we explore nine key thoughts about all nine teams in the league. This is where we separate the contenders from the pretenders, and there’s a lot to unpack!

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Are They Unstoppable?

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have been the gold standard in the CFL for the past few seasons, and this year is no exception. They’ve built a reputation for being a dominant force on both sides of the ball, making them a team that opponents dread facing. One of the biggest reasons for their continued success is their consistency at quarterback. Zach Collaros has proven to be a reliable and efficient leader, capable of making all the throws and managing the game effectively. But it’s not just Collaros; the entire offense seems to be clicking on all cylinders. The running game, led by Brady Oliveira, provides a crucial balance, keeping defenses honest and opening up opportunities in the passing game. The receiving corps is also stacked with talent, featuring guys like Dalton Schoen and Nic Demski, who consistently make big plays. Defensively, the Bombers are just as impressive. Their defensive line is relentless in getting after opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary is excellent in coverage. The linebacking corps, led by Adam Bighill, is the backbone of the defense, providing both run-stopping prowess and pass coverage ability. What’s even more impressive is the Bombers' ability to win close games. They have a knack for making the key plays when it matters most, a testament to their coaching and leadership. Mike O’Shea has instilled a winning culture in Winnipeg, and it shows in every aspect of their game. Looking ahead, the question isn't whether the Bombers will make the playoffs, but whether anyone can actually beat them. They have a target on their back, but they also have the talent and experience to handle the pressure. The rest of the league will be watching closely to see if anyone can rise to the challenge and dethrone the kings of the CFL.

2. Toronto Argonauts: Can They Maintain Their Momentum?

The Toronto Argonauts have emerged as a serious contender this season, showcasing a blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience that has caught the attention of the entire league. After a few seasons of ups and downs, the Argos seem to have finally found their stride, and a big part of their resurgence can be attributed to their dynamic quarterback, Chad Kelly. Kelly has brought an exciting and unpredictable element to the Argos’ offense, making them a threat to score from anywhere on the field. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs keeps defenses guessing, and he’s quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch in the CFL. But it’s not just Kelly; the Argos have built a strong supporting cast around him. The receiving corps is loaded with talent, featuring players like DaVaris Daniels and Kurleigh Gittens Jr., who have the speed and skill to stretch the field and make contested catches. The running game, led by Andrew Harris, provides a solid ground attack, giving the Argos the balance they need to control the tempo of games. Defensively, the Argos have been equally impressive. Their defensive line is aggressive and disruptive, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The secondary is ball-hawking and opportunistic, creating turnovers that give the offense extra possessions. The linebacking corps is also solid, providing a physical presence in the middle of the field. One of the keys to the Argos’ success has been their ability to perform well in all phases of the game. They’re not just relying on their offense to outscore opponents; they’re playing tough, physical football on both sides of the ball. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie has done a great job of instilling a winning mentality in the team, and it’s showing in their performance on the field. The big question for the Argos is whether they can maintain this momentum throughout the rest of the season. The CFL is a league of ebbs and flows, and it’s tough to stay at the top for an extended period. However, if the Argos can stay healthy and continue to play with the same intensity and focus, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run.

3. BC Lions: Are They for Real?

The BC Lions have been one of the most intriguing teams in the CFL this season, showing flashes of brilliance that have fans wondering if they are true contenders. After a few years of rebuilding, the Lions appear to have turned a corner, thanks in large part to the dynamic play of their quarterback, Vernon Adams Jr. Adams has brought a new level of excitement to the Lions’ offense, with his ability to make big throws and extend plays with his legs. He’s quickly become a fan favorite in Vancouver, and his presence has given the team a much-needed boost. The Lions’ offense is not just about Adams, though. They have a talented group of receivers, including players like Alexander Hollins and Justin McInnis, who have the speed and skill to make plays downfield. The running game, led by Taquan Mizzell, provides a solid complement to the passing attack, giving the Lions the balance they need to keep defenses honest. Defensively, the Lions have been solid, but they need to be more consistent. Their defensive line has the potential to be disruptive, but they haven’t always been able to generate consistent pressure. The secondary has shown flashes of brilliance, but they’ve also had some lapses in coverage. The linebacking corps is solid, but they need to do a better job of stopping the run. One of the biggest challenges for the Lions has been their inconsistency. They’ve shown they can beat the top teams in the league, but they’ve also had some disappointing losses against weaker opponents. To be a true contender, they need to find a way to bring their A-game every week. Head coach Rick Campbell has been working to instill a culture of accountability and discipline, and the team has shown improvement in this area. However, there’s still work to be done. The Lions have the potential to be a playoff team, but they need to continue to improve and find a way to play with more consistency. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether they are truly for real.

4. Calgary Stampeders: Can They Fix Their Offensive Woes?

The Calgary Stampeders, a perennial powerhouse in the CFL, have faced some unexpected challenges this season, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Stamps have a rich history of offensive excellence, but this year they’ve struggled to find consistency and generate the same level of production that fans have come to expect. One of the main issues has been the performance of their quarterback, Jake Maier. While Maier has shown flashes of potential, he’s also had some struggles with accuracy and decision-making. The Stampeders need Maier to step up and play with more consistency if they want to turn their season around. But it’s not just the quarterback; the entire offense needs to improve. The running game has been inconsistent, and the receiving corps has struggled to create separation and make big plays. The offensive line has also had some issues with pass protection, which has made it difficult for Maier to operate. Defensively, the Stampeders have been solid, but they can’t carry the team on their own. The defense has done a good job of keeping the Stamps in games, but they need the offense to start pulling their weight. Head coach Dave Dickenson is known for his offensive acumen, and he’s been working hard to find solutions to the team’s offensive woes. The Stamps have made some changes to their coaching staff and their roster in an attempt to spark the offense, but it remains to be seen whether these moves will pay off. The Stampeders have a proud tradition and a winning culture, and they’re not ready to give up on this season. They have the talent and the coaching to turn things around, but they need to find a way to fix their offensive problems quickly. The next few weeks will be critical for the Stamps as they try to climb back into contention.

5. Saskatchewan Roughriders: Is Cody Fajardo the Answer?

The Saskatchewan Roughriders entered this season with high expectations, but their performance has been a mixed bag so far. The Riders have shown flashes of brilliance, but they’ve also had some disappointing losses, leaving fans wondering if they have what it takes to compete for a championship. A big question mark for the Riders has been the play of their quarterback, Cody Fajardo. Fajardo has been a solid player for the Riders, but he hasn’t always been able to elevate his game to the next level. He’s had some strong performances, but he’s also had some games where he’s struggled with turnovers and accuracy. The Riders need Fajardo to be more consistent if they want to make a deep playoff run. But it’s not just Fajardo; the entire offense needs to be more productive. The running game has been inconsistent, and the receiving corps has struggled to make big plays downfield. The offensive line has also had some issues with pass protection, which has made it difficult for Fajardo to operate. Defensively, the Riders have been one of the better teams in the league. Their defensive line is aggressive and disruptive, and their secondary is solid in coverage. The linebacking corps is also strong, providing a physical presence in the middle of the field. However, the defense can’t do it all on their own. The Riders need their offense to start scoring more points and taking some pressure off the defense. Head coach Craig Dickenson has been working to find the right balance on offense, but he hasn’t been able to find a consistent formula for success. The Riders have made some changes to their coaching staff and their roster in an attempt to spark the offense, but it remains to be seen whether these moves will pay off. The Riders have a passionate fan base and a strong desire to win, but they need to find a way to put it all together on the field. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Riders as they try to solidify their playoff positioning.

6. Edmonton Elks: What’s the Plan?

The Edmonton Elks have struggled mightily this season, and it’s fair to say that things haven’t gone according to plan. The Elks have faced numerous challenges on both sides of the ball, and they’ve struggled to find any consistency or momentum. One of the biggest questions surrounding the Elks is what their long-term plan is. The team has gone through several changes in recent years, both in terms of coaching and personnel, and it’s not clear what direction they’re headed. The Elks need to establish a clear vision for the future and start building a foundation for sustained success. Offensively, the Elks have struggled to score points. They’ve had issues with quarterback play, and their running game has been inconsistent. The receiving corps has also had trouble creating separation and making big plays. The offensive line has had some issues with pass protection, which has made it difficult for the quarterbacks to operate. Defensively, the Elks have had some bright spots, but they’ve also had some lapses. Their defensive line has shown flashes of potential, but they haven’t been able to generate consistent pressure. The secondary has had some struggles in coverage, and the linebacking corps needs to be more consistent in stopping the run. Head coach Chris Jones is trying to instill a new culture in Edmonton, but it’s going to take time. The Elks need to find a quarterback who can lead the team, and they need to build a stronger offensive line. They also need to add some playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Elks have a long road ahead of them, but they need to start making progress towards building a competitive team. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Elks as they try to evaluate their roster and develop a plan for the future.

7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Can They Turn It Around?

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a team with a proud tradition and a passionate fan base, have had a disappointing season so far. The Ti-Cats entered the year with high expectations, but they’ve struggled to find consistency and have had trouble stringing together wins. One of the big questions for the Ti-Cats is whether they can turn their season around. They have the talent on their roster to be a competitive team, but they need to start playing with more urgency and focus. Offensively, the Ti-Cats have had some issues with quarterback play. Bo Levi Mitchell, who was brought in to be the team’s franchise quarterback, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. The Ti-Cats need Mitchell to get healthy and play at the level they know he’s capable of. The running game has been inconsistent, and the receiving corps has had trouble making big plays downfield. The offensive line has also had some issues with pass protection, which has made it difficult for the quarterbacks to operate. Defensively, the Ti-Cats have been solid, but they haven’t been able to consistently shut down opposing offenses. Their defensive line has the potential to be disruptive, but they haven’t always been able to generate consistent pressure. The secondary has had some struggles in coverage, and the linebacking corps needs to do a better job of stopping the run. Head coach Orlondo Steinauer is working to find solutions to the team’s struggles, but he needs his players to step up and perform. The Ti-Cats have a tough schedule ahead of them, but they have the talent to compete with any team in the league. They need to start playing with more intensity and focus if they want to make a playoff push. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Ti-Cats as they try to turn their season around.

8. Ottawa Redblacks: Is There Hope for the Future?

The Ottawa Redblacks have had a challenging season, and their fans are understandably looking for signs of hope for the future. The Redblacks have struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball, and they’ve had trouble competing with the top teams in the league. One of the main questions surrounding the Redblacks is whether there is hope for the future. The team has a young roster, and they’re in the process of building a foundation for sustained success. However, they need to start showing progress on the field if they want to keep their fans engaged. Offensively, the Redblacks have struggled to score points. They’ve had issues with quarterback play, and their running game has been inconsistent. The receiving corps has also had trouble creating separation and making big plays. The offensive line has had some issues with pass protection, which has made it difficult for the quarterbacks to operate. Defensively, the Redblacks have had some bright spots, but they’ve also had some lapses. Their defensive line has shown flashes of potential, but they haven’t been able to generate consistent pressure. The secondary has had some struggles in coverage, and the linebacking corps needs to be more consistent in stopping the run. Head coach Bob Dyce is working to develop the young players on the roster and instill a winning culture. The Redblacks need to find a quarterback who can lead the team, and they need to add some playmakers on both sides of the ball. They also need to improve their offensive and defensive lines. The Redblacks have a long road ahead of them, but they need to start making progress towards building a competitive team. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Redblacks as they try to evaluate their roster and develop a plan for the future.

9. Montreal Alouettes: Are They a Playoff Contender?

The Montreal Alouettes have been an enigma this season, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling with consistency. The Als have the talent to compete with any team in the league, but they haven’t always been able to put it all together on the field. A key question for the Alouettes is whether they are a legitimate playoff contender. To make a deep run, they need to find more consistency in all phases of the game. Offensively, the Alouettes have the potential to be explosive. Their quarterback, Cody Fajardo, has shown flashes of brilliance, and their receiving corps is loaded with talent. The running game has been solid, providing a good complement to the passing attack. However, the Alouettes have also had some games where the offense has struggled to score points. They need to find a way to be more consistent and avoid turnovers. Defensively, the Alouettes have been solid, but they need to be more consistent in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their secondary has been good in coverage, but they need to create more turnovers. The linebacking corps has been strong, providing a physical presence in the middle of the field. Head coach Jason Maas has been working to instill a winning mentality in the team, and the Alouettes have shown improvement in this area. However, they need to continue to develop and find a way to play with more consistency. The Alouettes have a tough schedule ahead of them, but they have the talent to compete for a playoff spot. They need to play with more urgency and focus if they want to make a deep run. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Alouettes as they try to solidify their playoff positioning.

So, there you have it, guys! Nine thoughts on nine teams as we reach the CFL season’s halfway mark. It’s shaping up to be an exciting second half, and we can’t wait to see which teams will rise to the top. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season progresses!