Latest news with #DruBrown
Calgary Herald
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Reasons to think Ottawa Redblacks (1-6) might beat Calgary Stampeders (5-2) again
Article content Desperate to rediscover a winning combination, head coach Bob Dyce will roll what he hopes is a lucky seven roster changes into Thursday's return from a bye week to face the Calgary Stampeders. Article content Article content While Dru Brown will start at quarterback after getting his bell rung by a high hit early in the second quarter of the team's last game — a 30-15 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 20 — three of the seven players coming off the injured list are Canadians. Article content Article content Two of them will be making their season debut: Veteran centre Peter Godber, who was signed last winter as a free agent, and third-year defensive lineman Aidan John, who made an impact as a backup last season. Article content Article content Also returning from injury are three American starters — receiver Bralon Addison, linebacker Frankie Griffin and cornerback C.J. Coldon — as well as Global defensive lineman Blessman Ta'ala. Article content Only one of the outgoing players (veteran Canadian defensive tackle Cleyon Laing) will take a seat because he's injured. One other change the Redblacks have to make is in the outcome of their games. Article content They have lost their last four, and with a record of 1-6, they sit last in the CFL standings. Article content If the playoffs started today, both Ottawa and the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts (2-5) would be on the outside looking in, while the B.C. Lions (3-5) would cross over from the West Division to take the third and final spot in the East. Article content Article content The Redblacks, whose only victory was by a 20-12 count on a cold, windy and rainy June 21 in Calgary, will try to make it two in a row against a 5-2 Stampeders team that this time will be missing injured starting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. and playing its fourth game in 19 days. Article content Ottawa is rested and should be hungry for its first home win of the season. Article content 'I think for (the players) to get away was important, to clear their minds, but at the same time for us as coaches to analyze what we're doing well, and what we need to do better,' said Dyce. 'The first thing I talked to them about is that coming in here is a special thing. And to get back at the opportunity to come out here and play on Thursday night is something that we all cherish. So being away from it a little bit, if you want to say, rekindles that fire and gets it burning a little bit hotter.' Article content The Redblacks are in Toronto to face the Argos a week from Saturday, so if they're going to claw their way back into contention for a playoff spot, now's the time to do it.
Vancouver Sun
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Reasons to think Ottawa Redblacks (1-6) might beat Calgary Stampeders (5-2) again
Slowly but surely, the Ottawa Redblacks are getting healthy. Desperate to rediscover a winning combination, head coach Bob Dyce will roll what he hopes is a lucky seven roster changes into Thursday's return from a bye week to face the Calgary Stampeders. While Dru Brown will start at quarterback after getting his bell rung by a high hit early in the second quarter of the team's last game — a 30-15 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 20 — three of the seven players coming off the injured list are Canadians. Two of them will be making their season debut: Veteran centre Peter Godber, who was signed last winter as a free agent, and third-year defensive lineman Aidan John, who made an impact as a backup last season. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The third is long snapper Peter Adjey. Also returning from injury are three American starters — receiver Bralon Addison, linebacker Frankie Griffin and cornerback C.J. Coldon — as well as Global defensive lineman Blessman Ta'ala. Only one of the outgoing players (veteran Canadian defensive tackle Cleyon Laing) will take a seat because he's injured. One other change the Redblacks have to make is in the outcome of their games. They have lost their last four, and with a record of 1-6, they sit last in the CFL standings. If the playoffs started today, both Ottawa and the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts (2-5) would be on the outside looking in, while the B.C. Lions (3-5) would cross over from the West Division to take the third and final spot in the East. The Redblacks, whose only victory was by a 20-12 count on a cold, windy and rainy June 21 in Calgary, will try to make it two in a row against a 5-2 Stampeders team that this time will be missing injured starting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. and playing its fourth game in 19 days. Ottawa is rested and should be hungry for its first home win of the season. 'I think for (the players) to get away was important, to clear their minds, but at the same time for us as coaches to analyze what we're doing well, and what we need to do better,' said Dyce. 'The first thing I talked to them about is that coming in here is a special thing. And to get back at the opportunity to come out here and play on Thursday night is something that we all cherish. So being away from it a little bit, if you want to say, rekindles that fire and gets it burning a little bit hotter.' The Redblacks are in Toronto to face the Argos a week from Saturday, so if they're going to claw their way back into contention for a playoff spot, now's the time to do it. The hit which knocked Brown's helmet off and took him out of the game against the Tiger-Cats looked to be more damaging than it was, as Brown was back leading the first team all week at practice. 'You never know how quickly things are going to progress, but I seem to heal fast at times,' he said on Wednesday. Brown had connected on six of eight passes for 66 yards when he left the game, and in four starts has thrown for 1,078 yards with a 73.1 completion percentage, five touchdown tosses and three interceptions. Phillip 'P.J.' Walker will be making his first CFL start after seven years in the NFL, where he dressed for 21 games over seven years and started seven with the Carolina Panthers between 2020-2022. Over a four-year college career, he also broke all the Temple Owls passing records held by former Redblacks QB Henry Burris. When coming in for Adams with a lead during last week's eventual 23-20 loss to the Montreal Alouettes, Walker completed just three of seven throws for 20 yards. 'We don't have a big sample size here in the CFL, but he's a mobile guy, he's got a strong arm, he's got great experience playing in a number of leagues,' said Dyce. 'He's also had the coaching of (Stamps sideline boss) Dave Dickenson, who's one of the best offensive minds in this league. I know Dave will have him prepared.' But he's not Adams. 'Anytime you're without your starter, everyone says next man up, but he's obviously a helluva player,' said Brown. 'I don't think that changes our mindset on anything. The backup will be prepared and ready to go.' Former Redblacks receiver Dominique Rhymes leads the Stamps with 410 yards on 23 catches to go along with a pair of touchdowns. But the Stamps' running game is their bread and butter. They're first in the league with 893 rushing yards, with Dedrick Mills leading the way with 554 yards on 104 carries, including a CFL-high 15 gains of 10 yards or more. 'We've just got to play physical,' said Redblacks defensive tackle Mike Wakefield. 'Play physical, gap sound, get penetration in the backfield. That's one of the biggest things that will help us not let him get a head of steam going down the field. So I think we've just got to play physical and get to him quicker.' Through eight weeks, the Stamps' defence is ranked second in the CFL behind the Montreal Alouettes. It leads the league in limiting opponents to a second-down conversion rate of 43.6%, opponents' touchdown drives to eight, and opponents' 'big plays' to 10. Calgary is also second in the league in interceptions with nine, including four by Adrian Greene and two by former Redblack Damon Webb. 'They play really well together,' said Godber, who has spent extra time studying Calgary in preparation for this game. 'They have a very good defensive line, and their defensive line frees their linebackers up to make plays. They play solid fundamental defence, and they're able to create turnovers and their physical up front. That's kind of how they've been so good in my opinion.' The third overall pick in the 2018 Canadian college draft, Godber played 44 games with the Lions before signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, for whom he played 27 games in 2023-2024. He missed the Redblacks' first seven games with a broken finger suffered in training camp. 'The great thing about Peter is the experience he's had,' said Dyce. 'He's in there, and everything is natural to him, so things just happen faster. One of the big things we always talk about is communication, and Peter does a phenomenal job of that. The faster you get the communication, the better, the more time the other offensive linemen have to adjust to the calls, and it gives them more confidence to play a better game. When you look at Peter, it's not just Peter around him the ability to play better as well. It's kind of like (former NBA star) Steve Nash.' According to 3DownNation, Godber is making $145,000 in 'hard money' this season. But the 6-foot-2, 308-pound Toronto product says he also liked the direction the Redblacks were going. 'I signed here because I believed in Coach Dyce and (GM) Shawn Burke and the vision he had for this team,' said Godber. 'Not getting to play these first seven games sucked. You want to be out there with your teammates. So I'm definitely excited to be back.' In four games before suffering a shoulder injury, the veteran pass-catcher led Ottawa with 220 receiving yards on 21 grabs. Along with Justin Hardy and Kalil Pimpleton, he gives the Redblacks a steady trio of slotbacks.
Ottawa Citizen
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Reasons to think Ottawa Redblacks (1-6) might beat Calgary Stampeders (5-2) again
Article content Desperate to rediscover a winning combination, head coach Bob Dyce will roll what he hopes is a lucky seven roster changes into Thursday's return from a bye week to face the Calgary Stampeders. Article content Article content While Dru Brown will start at quarterback after getting his bell rung by a high hit early in the second quarter of the team's last game — a 30-15 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 20 — three of the seven players coming off the injured list are Canadians. Article content Article content Two of them will be making their season debut: Veteran centre Peter Godber, who was signed last winter as a free agent, and third-year defensive lineman Aidan John, who made an impact as a backup last season. Article content Article content Also returning from injury are three American starters — receiver Bralon Addison, linebacker Frankie Griffin and cornerback C.J. Coldon — as well as Global defensive lineman Blessman Ta'ala. Article content Only one of the outgoing players (veteran Canadian defensive tackle Cleyon Laing) will take a seat because he's injured. Article content One other change the Redblacks have to make is in the outcome of their games. Article content They have lost their last four, and with a record of 1-6, they sit last in the CFL standings. Article content If the playoffs started today, both Ottawa and the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts (2-5) would be on the outside looking in, while the B.C. Lions (3-5) would cross over from the West Division to take the third and final spot in the East. Article content Article content The Redblacks, whose only victory was by a 20-12 count on a cold, windy and rainy June 21 in Calgary, will try to make it two in a row against a 5-2 Stampeders team that this time will be missing injured starting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. and playing its fourth game in 19 days. Article content Ottawa is rested and should be hungry for its first home win of the season. Article content 'I think for (the players) to get away was important, to clear their minds, but at the same time for us as coaches to analyze what we're doing well, and what we need to do better,' said Dyce. 'The first thing I talked to them about is that coming in here is a special thing. And to get back at the opportunity to come out here and play on Thursday night is something that we all cherish. So being away from it a little bit, if you want to say, rekindles that fire and gets it burning a little bit hotter.' Article content The Redblacks are in Toronto to face the Argos a week from Saturday, so if they're going to claw their way back into contention for a playoff spot, now's the time to do it.
Winnipeg Free Press
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Brown to start for Redblacks but Adams Jr. out for Stampeders
The Ottawa Redblacks come off their bye week with starter Dru Brown in tow. Brown (neck) will start when the Redblacks (1-6) host the Calgary Stampeders (5-2) on Thursday night. He was injured in Ottawa's 30-15 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 20, their fourth straight defeat. But Calgary will be without its starter, Vernon Adams Jr (head) as P.J. Walker will get the start in his place. Adams Jr. was injured in last week's 23-21 loss to Montreal. He left the game in the second half following a seven-yard run and didn't return. Montreal outscored Calgary 9-0 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Adams Jr. was enjoying a solid first season with the Stampeders. He's third overall in passing yards (1,913) with nine TDs and six interceptions while rushing 17 times for 139 yards (8.2-yard average) and a TD. More importantly, with Adams Jr. under centre, Calgary had already matched last season's win total. The Stampeders' injury woes don't stop there as Canadian receivers Damien Alford (hamstring) and Jalen Philpot (hamstring) are both out. Meanwhile, the Redblacks are getting healthier with receiver Bralon Addison (shoulder), linebacker Frankie Griffin (knee), cornerback C.J. Coldon (ankle) and centre Peter Godber (hand) all coming off the injured list to suit up versus Calgary. However, Ottawa's offence will need all hands on deck as Calgary's defence leads the CFL in fewest offensive points (17.9) and offensive TDs (eight) allowed. The Redblacks' defence will have to contend with the league's top rushing attack (127.6 yards per game) that's anchored by Dedrick Mills (544 yards, league-high seven rushing TDs). Calgary has also registered a CFL-best four pick-sixes, including two by former Redblack Damon Webb. This marks the second meeting of the season between the two clubs. Ottawa's lone '25 win was a 20-12 decision on a windy, rainy day at McMahon Stadium on June 21. The Redblacks, under Dustin Crum, ran for 239 yards on 31 attempts (7.7-yard average) in that contest. Ottawa is 0-3 at home and 1-2 versus the West Division. Meanwhile, Calgary is 3-0 on the road and 2-2 against East Division opponents. Pick: Ottawa. Toronto Argonauts versus Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Friday night) At Winnipeg, the Blue Bombers (3-3) will be without starter Zach Collaros (neck). He missed the second half of last week's 31-17 loss to Toronto (2-5), the club's third consecutive defeat. Veteran Chris Streveler, who replaced Collaros last week, is expected to start. Defensively, the home team can't allow the Argos to register points on eight possessions (two TDs, six field goals). Nick Arbuckle remains under centre for Toronto with incumbent Chad Kelly (leg) now on the six-game injured list. Arbuckle threw for 316 yards and two TDs last week with Damonte Coxie recording six catches for 145 yards and a touchdown. The defence did its part, forcing seven turnovers. Pick: Toronto. Hamilton Tiger-Cats versus Edmonton Elks (Saturday night) At Edmonton, Hamilton (5-2) chases a sixth consecutive win after outscoring the B.C. Lions 17-10 in the fourth quarter to earn a 37-33 road victory. CFL passing leader Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 389 yards and three TDs, including two to Canadian Kiondre Smith, who had 14 catches for 138 yards. The Ticats are 1-2 versus the West Division but 3-1 on the road while averaging a CFL-best 28.4 offensive points per game. Cody Fajardo is expected to start again for the Elks (1-5) after passing for 346 yards and two TDs in his season debut, a 21-18 loss to Saskatchewan. The Elks have dropped two straight and are 1-2 at home but 1-1 versus the East. Pick: Hamilton. Saskatchewan Roughriders versus Montreal Alouettes (Saturday night) Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. At Montreal, the Alouettes rode the leg of kicker Jose Maltos (three fourth-quarter field goals, game-winner from 58 yards out with 1:10 remaining) to nip Calgary and earn their first win under backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson. He threw for 280 yards with a TD and interception, but the offence converted on both of its redzone opportunities. Saskatchewan (6-1) stands atop the West Division following its close win over Edmonton. Trevor Harris had 268 yards passing with two TDs while Sam Emilus registered six receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. The Riders' defence recorded eight sacks last week to take the CFL lead with 20. Pick: Saskatchewan. Last week: 2-2. Overall: 18-13. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2025.
Toronto Sun
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Many CFL teams enter week with questions at quarterback position
Published Jul 22, 2025 • 4 minute read Ottawa Redblacks wide receiver Jaelon Acklin (23) taps quarterback Dru Brown (3) on the head after Brown was injured during first half CFL action against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Ottawa, on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. Photo by Spencer Colby / The Canadian Press The bye week comes at an opportune time for Dru Brown and the Ottawa Redblacks. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Ottawa (1-6) will have time to recover from its 30-15 loss Sunday to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Redblacks, who have now dropped four straight, resume play July 31 hosting the Calgary Stampeders (5-1). The time off should especially benefit Brown. He was forced from Sunday's game in the second quarter after taking a hard hit from Hamilton's DaShaun Amos, who came clean off the edge on a blitz. Replays showed Amos struck the bottom of Brown's facemask with the crown of his helmet. Brown's helmet flew off, though his chinstrap wasn't fully secured. Brown left the game and didn't return. Amos received a 25-yard penalty for roughing the passer. Brown was replaced by Dustin Crum, who finished 16-of-22 passing for 149 yards and an interception while rushing six times for 43 yards. He completed six-of-eight attempts for 66 yards and an interception before leaving the contest. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Brown had missed three previous starts this season with a hip injury. Ottawa's lone win, a 20-12 decision over Calgary on June 21, came with Crum under centre. Read More But at least Brown has time to recover. Many other CFL teams enter the week with questions at quarterback as they prepare for upcoming games. Davis Alexander's quest for a record-setting ninth straight win to start a CFL career is on hold. The Montreal Alouettes placed the 26-year-old American on the six-game injured list after he aggravated a hamstring ailment in their 26-25 comeback win over the Toronto Argonauts on Thursday night. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Alexander's 10-yard TD run late in the fourth quarter capped Montreal's comeback from a 25-7 deficit. But as he scored, Alexander grabbed the back of his leg. He remained on the field for Montreal's unsuccessful two-point convert attempt. Alexander had just returned after missing the Alouettes previous two contests with the injury. With Alexander out, veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson is expected to again be Montreal's starter after serving in that capacity during Alexander's two-game absence. The Alouettes visit Calgary (5-1) on Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Chad Kelly watch in Toronto continues. The CFL's outstanding player in 2023 hasn't played this season as he recovers from a leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Kelly was again a limited practice participant Tuesday. Nick Arbuckle, who earned MVP honours in Toronto's 2024 Grey Cup victory over Winnipeg, has started all six of the Argos' regular-season contests in 2025. Arbuckle has completed 150-of-210 passes (71.4%) for 1,691 yards with nine TDs and eight interceptions but has been sacked a CFL-high 16 times this season. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Toronto (1-5) has dropped two straight games. Its offence stands eighth in net yards (308 per game) and last in both rushing (46.7 yards) and most sacks allowed (16). Toronto hosts Winnipeg (3-2) on Saturday night and it looks like the Argos will face Bombers starter Zach Collaros. Collaros left Winnipeg's 41-20 loss last week to Calgary with a upper-body injury. On Tuesday, the 36-year-old was a full participant in practice with what the Bombers listed as a neck ailment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Collaros had completed eight-of-11 passes for 151 yards with a TD and two interceptions versus Calgary. He was replaced by veteran Chris Streveler. Collaros missed Winnipeg's season-opening 34-20 win over B.C. due to suspension. Streveler threw for 246 yards and three TDs with an interception in that contest. And in Edmonton, incumbent Tre Ford and veteran backup Cody Fajardo split starting reps in practice. The Elks (1-4) come off the bye week preparing to visit Saskatchewan (5-1) on Friday night. Ford, of Niagara Falls, has started all five of Edmonton's game thus far. The six-foot, 192-pound Ford has completed 82-of-121 passes (67.8%) for 984 yards with five TDs and three interceptions while rushing 16 times for 152 yards (9.5-yard average) and a touchdown. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Edmonton stands eighth in offensive points scored (22 per game) and is tied for last with Ottawa in offensive TDs (12). The Elks sport the CFL's fourth-best ground game (106.8 yards per game) but are last in passing (218.2) and net offence (300.2 yards). Most teams have had to deal with quarterback questions as Ford, Arbuckle, Hamilton's Bo Levi Mitchell and Calgary's Vernon Adams Jr. are the only ones to have started all of their teams' games. Yet the league's overall quarterback rating is 97.4 compared to 96.9 last season and 93.9 in 2023. And over the last three weeks, CFL teams are averaging a combined 765 net offensive yards per game. Overall, this season's average is 729 yards, down from 733 in 2024 but ahead of 702 in 2023. CFL teams are also scoring an average of 53 points per game, up 2.3% from 2024. Canada Columnists Celebrity Olympics Entertainment
