As the season began there appeared to be little hope for the Edmonton Elks to accomplish much of anything.
“While the Elks have only played five games against their division foes, they do have the best win percentage of any team from the West against West clubs (.600).”
Seriously? I guess so though. 1-1 with the Riders, 1-1 vs BC, and 1-0 vs Calgary.
Marshall has it right though. The Elks turned an abysmal turnover record around big time and are +10 now.
And the offence - 4696 yards of it…plus the second highest passing efficiency in the league.
A win this week could put the Elks in the thick of things. And a home and home with Winnipeg after the bye…who knows.
I obviously don’t follow the Elks closely, but from what I have read their offense and turnover ratio are frequently cited as positives as you did. I sometimes read criticisms of their defence. Obviously their place kicking has been very poor so far.
What do you see as their biggest weaknesses or where they need to improve to be a contender down the stretch and into the postseason? I do think they are being picked by most to make the postseason ahead of Calgary and Saskatchewan at this point, although obviously a lot of football to be played still.
That field goal game. Can’t say Faithfull was disappointing last week - there were no expectations there. But Bede has been a disappointment - obviously. Don’t know whats up with him but he needs to be better down the stretch.
There are stats that don’t look good for the defence - but - spending less time on the field lately (time of possession was 35 min last week) has made a difference.
Faithfull was faithful to what he has done in the past. He doesn’t help them in kickoffs & though the sample this year is very small, missing a 29 yarder is not surprising based on last year. IMO Bede was given a wake up call & Dean Faithfull didn’t do enough to warrant another game.
After Labour Day as the weather turns colder, the run game becomes very important. They have 2 total yards less rushing than the Bombers who tend to lead the CFL in rushing attempts every year & have the best avg. Over the past 5 games they have been by far the best rushing team & can (& do) sometimes line up Leake, Rankin & Brown in the backfield at the same time - add in a healthy Ford, instead of Prukop, & you have a nightmare for DC’s.
I like what your team is doing a lot, Squishy. A really good offence with MBT & Ford & that young D has started to come together getting picks where last year they were dropping those chances. I’m really impressed by Morgan & Anderson, 2 very physical LB’s who cover a lot of territory. Maybe my favourite team to watch right now - for all the reasons given by Ferguson. 
…plus adding Oakman and the development of Curtis on the D-Line have been big, both in pressuring QB’s and run stop.
Play a boatload of Canadian talent everywhere on the depth chart…
The main reason why Edmonton is in the playoff picture is MBT.
The guy is a pin point passer and his receivers are catching the ball. Proof that if you have a QB with a quick release and is accurate you don’t need a scrambling running QB
Gadzooks. My optimism sensors have been going haywire around Elks threads of late Squishy. I think you guys in danger of becoming winners.