CFL PRI Week 6

It's time once again for the CFL PRI, as week 6 has come to a close. There were some shifts in power this week, as we lose our last unbeaten, and our last winless football teams. Let's take a look at how things shake out, as our first quarter of play for the 2011 season has come to a close...


1. Edmonton Eskimos (5-1, 911 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Winnipeg 28-16
Points Lost: -146
You knew that the Eskimos had to lose at some point, and there is no shame in losing on the road to an emerging Bombers squad. Ricky Ray, who has been so good all season long, was simply not very good, as he was picked off 3 times, and favorite target Fred Stamps was held to just 3 receptions for 41 yards. Luckily, the Esks had such a huge lead, they could afford this loss and still maintain the PRI lead. That no longer applies heading into week 7, as the Bombers are now nipping at their heels, and Montreal coming up on the slate.
This Week: @ Montreal


2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-1, 841 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Edmonton 28-16
Points Gained: 190
The Bombers have now surpassed their win total from all of 2010. They simply dominated in the second half, as they outscored Edmonton 16-2 in the 3rd and 4th quarters.Buck Pierce, who has been improving weekly, completed 20/27 passes for 242 yards and a pair of scores, and Fred Reid rushed for 96 yards on the day. Terence Edwards and Cory Watson both caught TD passes, and Brandon Stewart picked off Ricky Ray twice. The Bombers have made themselves a team to beat in the race for the Grey Cup.
This Week: @ BC Lions


3. Montreal Alouettes (4-2, 588 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Toronto 36-23
Points Gained: 249
The Als took advantage of a reeling Argos team to break their two game losing streak and got their quest for a third title in a row back on track. Anthony Calvillo simply shredded the Argos, completing 30/36 passes for 349 yards and a score. Brandon Whitaker rushed for 150 yards on the day, and Dahran Diedrick added 3 TDs on the day, all in short yardage situations. Montreal has a real chance to push back up the charts as they host top ranked Edmonton at home.
This Week: Edmonton


4. Calgary Stampeders (4-2, 511 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Hamilton 32-20
Points Gained: 194
The Stamps have been up and down in 2011, but they certainly are not dead. Calgary is hanging around, and got a much needed win at home against inconsistent Hamilton. Henry Burris passed for 341 yards and a score, and more importantly, did not turn the ball over. Joffrey Reynolds and John Cornish each rushed for a score, and Nik Lewis added 7 catches on the day.
This Week: @ Saskatchewan


5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-3, 135 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Calgary 32-20
Points Lost: -142
The Cats have not been able to sustain any kind of progress this season, and they hit another lull this week against the Stamps. At some point, the Cats have got to make a move, or else they may slip below the surface. Here's a clue, try to figure a way to get Avon Colbourne more active in the game plan. 15 carries and just one reception is not good enough for a player considered to be the best back in the league. One note of interest, as the Cats traded Arlon Bruce to BC this week. The time to turn it is now.
This Week: Toronto


6. (Tie) Toronto Argonauts (1-5, -572 Points)
Last Week: Lost to Montreal 36-23
Points Lost: -190
The Argos are sinking fast in the East, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. The Argos simply need a QB to build around, and Cleo Lemon is not the guy, nor is Dalton Bell. Lemon was not necessarily to blame this week, as he completed 25/41 passes, but the defense was awful as they allowed Anthony Calvillo to complete 30/36 passes. The offense is not taking advantage of crucial situations, and the defense is just terrible at this point. With the second third of the regular season about to begin, it's time to make changes necessary to get back on track, as it's almost getting to be too late.
This Week: @ Hamilton


6. (Tie) BC Lions (1-5, -572 Points)
Last Week: Defeated Saskatchewan 24-11
Points Gained: 187
It's good to finally get the monkey off of their back and get their first win. It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win is a win. The Lions built a 20-10 lead at the half, and the controlled the temp in the second half to win at home behind a solid defensive effort. Travis Lulay passed for 257 yards and a score, and it was the veteran Geroy Simon who busted out with 7 grabs for 134 yards and a TD. The Lions will need more efforts like this from this duo to get the flow going. Solomon Elimimian was unstoppable, as the former Hawaii Rainbow Warrior collected 12 tackles and recorded a sack in the win. They have a chance to make a major statement this week.
This Week: Winnipeg


8. Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-5, -635 Points)
Last Week: Lost to BC Lions 24-11
Points Lost: -152
Absolutely nothing went right this week against BC. Missed FGs, underwhelming receiver performances, lack of effort in the second half, and leaving Darien Durant dangling after a decent showing. It was a wreck, and the Riders have sifted back to the bottom once again. This is starting to have the feel of a lost season in Regina.
This Week: Calgary

Offensive Player of the Week: Brandon Whitaker and Dahran Diedrick, Montreal
Defensive Player of the Week: Brandon Stewart, Winnipeg, Solomon Elimimian, BC
Special Teams Player of the Week: Paul McCallum, BC