On a Friday Night in the nation's capital, the Edmonton Elks suffered defeat to the Ottawa REDBLACKS for the sixth loss on the season, but did fans really expect a win after last Sunday's loss at home to the same team? Did people really expect a miracle turnaround performance with Chris Jones no longer with the organization?
Featuring no major changes on the roster and injuries mounting against the Edmonton Elks, Friday's game showed that this team needs alot more than a coaching change in order to win. Even an appearance from a rusty Tre Ford couldn't spark the offense on Friday night's debacle of a game.
From the beginning of the game to the end, the Elks couldn't find a way to drive the ball into the endzone for a touchdown. With McLeod Bethel-Thompson struggling inside a broken pocket, he faced pressure more times than not for the duration of the contest. Ford saw the same pressure on his 2 drives in the 2nd Quarter. Running back Kevin Brown tried his best to run down the field, but instead found the REDBLACKS shutting him down after few yards on most attempts. The worst part about this loss, however, is that Edmonton's Special Teams struggled against Ottawa, leaving 8 points off the board in missed field goal attempts. This almost feels like a new way to lose for the Edmonton Elks, another winnable game lost by less than one score.
STAYING POSITIVE
It might feel tough to find positives after such a painful start to the season, but there are indeed reasons to believe the Elks can win a game soon. McLeod Bethel-Thompson hasn't been a bad addition by any means, giving this team a chance to win in most scenarios, but the critical timing of his mishaps seems to be a focal point, giving way to the idea of Tre Ford starting for a game in relief. If Ford does come in for a game, there's no better team for him to play against than a team he defeated last year in the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. We also need to remember that the Offensive Line is playing out-of-position with backups covering for injured players, a contributing factor to the line's woes in the last 2 games. The biggest highlight of last game was the outstanding performance by the defensive unit, forcing turnovers and defending well against Ottawa for most of the game. We can't fault the D for getting tired, unfortunately the offense and special teams phases failed to produce the points needed for a win.
WHAT CHANGES?
It's hard to say what changes between now and Sunday besides injured players returning to action and a couple transactions. The Elks lost two great players to injury but should see at least two return. Depending on how many players return from injury, we could be looking at a very strong Elks team for Sunday's game against the Tiger-Cats. General Manager Geroy Simon has stated he wants to make some tweaks, so we will wait and see exactly what changes he makes before Game Day. For now, this is a team that is still very close to winning games, and shaking up the roster when continuity is already an issue could cause more harm than good. Additionally, Jarious Jackson and Geroy Simon need time to mesh and adjust to their new roles with the team, and rightfully so.
NEXT UP: EDMONTON ELKS VS HAMILTON TIGER-CATS JULY 28
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are coming to town, fresh off a win and feeling confident as they look to claim their second win on the season, this time against the Edmonton Elks. With players returning from injury and more time to mesh under a new head coach, the Elks will be bringing their best effort yet in an attempt to secure a win for the Green and Gold faithful at Commonwealth Stadium.
Tre Ford must get more of a chance than two plays, remember he’s been left on the bench now for six games.
Does edmonton not have a back up kicker, give him a try when Bede is struggling.
MBT is playing good football but is struggling at times, when this occurs put in Ford for a few plays.
Remember in the EE glory days they played with the two quarter back system, they should do this again.