CFL PRI Week 4

Another week of CFL football is in the books, and here's our latest Power Ratings Index, as will be found on http://www.powerratedsports.com/ when we launch on August 20th. It was an interesting week, as Montreal lost for the first time to Saskatchewan, who won for the first time. Anthony Calvillo was injured, and Edmonton survived their biggest challenge in the Western Division with a win over Calgary at McMahon. Winnipeg survived, again with average QB play, and Hamilton drove BC on to an 0-4 start, placing Wally Buono in some jeopardy. All of that being said, here is the PRI for week 4 of the CFL. Enjoy!


1. Edmonton Eskimos (4-0, 880 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Calgary 24-19
Points Gained: 229
Ricky Ray and Fred Stamps hooked up twice for TDs, and the Eskimos won their 4th straight to open the season. The Ray to Stamps connection is becoming one of the most formidable combos in the CFL, and Stamps is becoming an absolute star. The Eskimos have control of the Power Ratings now, and they could afford a loss next week and probably not lose their spot. The Eskimos are now the power broker. They also return home to take on a stumbling Argos club that may not pose much of a challenge.
Next Week: Toronto


2(Tie). Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-1, 471 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Toronto 33-24
Points Gained: 242
The Bombers are winning with smoke, mirrors, and chewing gum right now, but that seems to be good enough, as they are just 2 points away from being 4-0 as of now. Buck Pierce returned from injury last week but was better than ever. What he did was give the Bombers a dependable presence, and the defense did their job in shutting down the stumbling Argos offense. However the Bombers are doing it, they are one win away from tying their win total for all of last season. In a sad and somber note, the Bombers have lost Richard Harris, Assistant D Line Coach, who passed away suddenly today. Our condolences go out to Coach Harris' family, and to the Blue Bomber family in their entirety.
This Week: BC Lions


2(Tie). Montreal Alouettes (3-1, 471)
Last Week: Lost to Saskatchewan 27-24
Points Lost: -179
The value of Anthony Calvillo was evident, as he was lost to injury early in the game, and the Als fell short in a raging comeback to hand the Riders their first win. More on that later. Calvillo injured his eye midway through the second quarter, and Adrian McPherson was not able to replicate that magic feeling. Marc Trestman is being cautious about the injury, and Calvillo is unlikely to practice this week with his availability being a game time decision this week. In my opinion, he plays this week barring anything catastrophic.
This Week: @ Hamilton


4. Calgary Stampeders (2-2, 91 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Edmonton 24-19
Points Lost: -186
Obviously, the Stampeders cannot win a home game to save their lives. They are 2-0 away from McMahon, and 0-2 at home. That is not going to get it done, and they have to find a way to break the home game curse of 2011. This loss broke a 6 game win streak against the Eskimos. Henry Burris certainly gave it his all by passing for 372 yards and a pair of scores, but Rene Paredes missed a pair of FGs that may have given the Stamps the win.
This Week: @ Saskatchewan


5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2, 85 Points)
Last Week: Defeated BC Lions 39-31
Points Gained: 247
Don't look now, but here come the Ti-Cats. Hamilton has now won 2 straight, and the offense is looking like it is coming together, as they have scored 72 points in the last two weeks. Kevin Glenn passed for 3 scores in the game, and Hamilton is rising from the dead.
Next Week: Montreal


6. Toronto Argonauts (1-3, -256 points)
Last Week: Lost to Winnipeg 33-24
Points Lost: -185
The Arogs have now lost 3 in a row, and Cleo Lemon was knocked out of the game after taking a shot to the head. Dalton Bell was not exactly the savior some were hoping for as he was picked twice in relief. The Argos are starting to take on water, and they need help...immediately!.
This Week: @ Edmonton


7. Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-3, -297 points)
Last Week: Defeated Montreal 27-24
Points Gained: 230
Gregg Marshall has finally delivered his 1st win as head coach of the Riders, and it was in shocking fashion. Now the Riders need to start on a streak, but can they depend on their unstable offense and can they shake their overall consistency issues as a club? A pissed off Calgary team will tell the tale.
This Week: Calgary


8. BC Lions (0-4, -624 points)
Last Week: Lost to Hamilton 39-31
Points Lost: -177
The Lions are 0-4 for the first time in forever, and now the faithful are grumbling about Wally Buono's job status. THey are also the last winless team in the CFL, adding additional pressure. The defense is a wreck, and too much pressure is being placed on the shoulders of young QB Travis Lulay. Something has to give.
This Week: @ Winnipeg

Offensive MVP: Buck Pierce, Winnipeg (22/27 361 yards, 3 TDs)
Defensive MVP: Greg Peach, Edmonton (2 Sacks, 4 Tackles)
Special Teams MVP: Eddie Johnson (4 FGs)