Well that’s a wrap on the 2023 CFL season. I have been watching the Grey Cup since I was born. I remember being a kid and mom setting up a Grey Cup party for us kids and then taking off to her own “adult” party. The 2023 Grey Cup was probably in the top 5 greatest cup games ever. Both teams laid it all out. The Alouettes won with determination. They could have played it safe on 3rd and five and gone for the easy play, they instead they went for the W. Converting the 3rd and five and then tossing a TD to take the lead with seconds left on the clock. So today marks the 1st day of the off season, it is going to be a tough off season for some teams. Lets take a look at each team.
Montreal Alouettes – Does Cody repeat?
They were average at the halfway mark of the season then went on a run of 8 straight, including the east final upset against the Argo’s and then the Grey Cup shockers against the Bombers. I think this team is set to be top in the east for a few years if they can keep the team together.
Toronto Argonauts – What the F*** happened?
The best regular season team, came up short in the East final. Kelly claims to suffered a concussion the game and who knows maybe he did, maybe he didn’t we do know he was definitely not the same QB that won every game he started in 2023. SO now what? Will this team rebound in 2024 and be as good as they were? Chad Kelly has tryouts in the NFL, will he be back? Andrew Harris is done, time for him to take on the Head Coaching duties for the VI Raiders. It will interesting to see what happens in Toronto
Hamilton – Does Bo Go?
Well they showed what a Grey Cup festival should look like, their on field performance was disappointing. There was a lot of hype around this team, not only were the hosting the Grey Cup, they also brought in one of the greatest QB’s to have ever played the game. What they didn’t realize, If Bo Levi could still play at his peak, the Stamps would not have benched him. In Bo’s defense he did get hurt in the 1st game of the season and really was a non factor the entire season. Now there is the BIG question. Do you give Bo Levi one last opportunity? Does he have one final season left in in? or do you cut your losses and move on. Interesting times in steel town
Ottawa – Rebuild Time
ummmmm ya well what can you say besides this season was a total disaster. Time to rebuild this team and try again. Lots of changes will be happening before the start of the 2024 season.
Winnipeg – Dynatsy? I Think Not!
For the 2nd straight season Winnipeg was the best in the west, and FAILED to win the big one. Now the question needs to be answered, can they keep this team together? Lots of Rookies are expecting massive pay increases, some players will be calling it a career. It will be fun watching what happens. So many fans, wanted the monicker of DYNASTY, and if they won the big one this year I would have gladly given it to them. They did not win so no they are not a dynasty. Good teams win the season, ELITE teams win the big one.
BC LIONS – Cam They Win The West?
For 2 years in a row this team has made it to the West final only to fall short. To most fans it is obvious that we are missing a running game. With Butler signing in Hamilton it left a huge hole for the Lions and unfortunately, they were not able to fill it. The off season must be spent trying to fill that hole. The rest of the team is SOLID and with a few adjustments, we could see BC playing for the Cup at home in 2024
Calgary – What Happens Now?
They limped into the playoffs and lost in the semi final. This team is not good at all. Jake Maier did not produce and their receiving core let Jake down more times than I can count. Sloppy run routes and dropped balls happened way too often. This team needs a rebuild and they need to start with a QB that can win! Some are saying Coach Dickinson should step down as GM and Coach and just do one, not sure that will happen. Look for major changes to happen in Cowtown this off season
Saskatchewan – WTF You Let Cody Go?!
Well what can we say, this team was more than just a tad disappointing. In the off season they organization tossed Cody Fajardo under the bus and ran him out of town, saying he easn’t good enough o be a starter. Yes the same Cody Fajardo that in 2023 not only won the Gey Cup but also named MVP of the game. Anyone looking at this team can tell you it’s a mess at the top of the organization and until they are willing to make changes to management nothing will change here. This season they fired their coach blaming him, now it is a freaking circus in the media trying to cover who might replace Dickinson. I think the will name the new HC soon, but that won’t fix the issue in Regina.
Edmonton – No Longer Losers At Home!
They finally won a home game after losing 22 straight, setting a new record in pro sports. Having put all that behind them, I think they found their QB. Ya it took 5 different starters before coach Jones decided to give the rookie Tre Ford an opportunity. I believe he will be the future of this team. Watch for some key moves behind the scene in the off season and I expect Geroy to play a bigger part of this team in 2024
So like I said the 2024 off season is going to be fun to watch. We also need to chat about the league needing to make some changes to the rules. The short punt rule needs to be changed, and they really need to fix the operations cap, so it doesn’t hurt teams when they need to make changes. Also, will there be an announcement of expansion? Atlantic or Quebec? I look forward to it all. Till spring 2024, enjoy the off season!
Ep. 67: Can the Canucks Close the series? Plus the rest of the NHL Playoffs – Hughes Sports Podcast- HSP
- Ep. 67: Can the Canucks Close the series? Plus the rest of the NHL Playoffs
- Ep 66: Arland Bruce IV Joins the Show Prior to the NFL Draft PLUS breaking down the Canucks Series
- Ep. 65: NHL Playoff Preview Extravaganza! Plus Catching up on all the NHL News with Special Guest Darren Dupont
- Ep. 64: Canucks Playoff Bound! Who's the Matchup? Ft. Kelly Kellner (Cool Bets)
- EP 63 – Canucks Clinch! Can They Conquer the Elite? CFLon a new marketing adventure!
