The debate around the Way Too Early Power Rankings starts shortly after Free Agency’s biggest moves have been made. CFL.ca staffers huddle up to rank, debate and re-rank the league’s nine teams before getting as close as possible to a consensus. It’s a true reflection of democracy in action, where a majority rules and a number of compromises leaves everyone feeling squeamish on the rest of the results.
Thanks for showing some love to the Lios. As a fan, I do feel they may have taken a step back during free-agency (losing Betts and Edwards-Cooper) but they’re still a good team in all three phases. Correct me if I’m wrong though, wasn’t Woody Baron waved prior to his roster bonus kicking in?
I think that Ciante Evans will more than make up for the loss of Edwards-Cooper. And I think you’re right on Woody Baron - he’s not listed on their roster. But I didn’t think he was a big factor last year, more name recognition than actual achievement on the field.
Ciante Evans has had a lot of trouble staying healthy the past few years. The only year he started the majority of GP was the shortened 14-game 2021 season.
2018
CGY
14
29
0
0
2
0
1
2019
MTL
13
29
0
0
3
0
0
2021
HAM
13
43
0
0
1
0
0
2022
HAM
13
26
0
0
1
0
0
2023
MTL
11
25
0
0
3
0
0
Great veteran player, but injuries are a concern.
To me, the Lions have to account for the loss of Betts. That’s a big deal. Replacing 18 sacks and the pressure he provided on opposing QBs will not be easy.
I’ll be cheering Stanback and Adams on, though. I hope they have a great 2024!
It’s not on the Lions for losing Betts. He went to the NFL. Your take seems a bit unaware. If they had lost Betts to another CFL team then you’d have a reason, but that’s not what happened.
Not to diminish what he did but Betts wasn’t great vs the run. If Robertson stays healthy he is an adequate replacement. They did what they could in that regard. Adams should be more effective with a run game & Stanback looks to be motivated. But Hatcher isn’t there to start the season & that’s a big loss.
You have to look at it in relation to everyone else. BC has still got a VG defence. The Bombers front 7 doesn’t scare me much with Jefferson & Thomas & ??? Bighill didn’t have a great season & is 36. He’s near the bottom MLB-wise. The top teams last year have as many questions as the others.
Because the person I was replying to claimed the Lions took a step back by losing Betts. A “step back” is when a team fails at something within their control. Betts going to the NFL was completely out of their control.
