CFL Week 7 Review – Jake’s Version

Cfl week 7 recap - jake's take.

Winnipeg Bombers Soar to Triumph Against Edmonton Elks

A football player is being tackled by another player.
Jason Franson. / THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Winnipeg Bombers, with their fierce determination, secured a sensational 28-14 victory over the visiting Edmonton Elks. After an unfortunate fourth-quarter collapse in their previous match, the Bombers came back stronger than ever, showcasing their mettle at TD Place.

Zach Collaros demonstrated his precision, making 20 out of 24 passes for an impressive 308 yards, two touchdowns, and just one interception. But the star-studded performance didn’t stop there. Nic Demski shone with a remarkable 115 yards and a touchdown, while Kenny Lawler’s debut in the season brought seven catches for 93 yards.

The game had everyone on the edge of their seats as it was tied at 6-6 at halftime. But the Bombers knew they had to pull away, and that’s exactly what they did in the second half, outscoring their worthy opponents 22-6. With this electrifying win, the Bombers improved their record to 5-2, while the Elks continue to seek their first win of the season, standing at 0-7.
In a game that kept the excitement building, the third quarter saw both teams finally find their rhythm. The Elks began to chip away at the Bombers’ lead with a field goal and a punt single. But the Bombers retaliated with an explosive 70-yard touchdown connection between Collaros and Demski. Not to be outdone, the Elks answered with an 80-yard touchdown play of their own, tightening the score to 16-14.
But when the going gets tough, the Bombers get going. Their tenacious defense forced a safety on Cornelius, doubling their lead to 18-14. And to cap off the third quarter, they secured a 21-yard field goal, stepping into the final frame with a seven-point advantage.

The fourth quarter showcased the Bombers’ true brilliance. The offense shifted into high gear, with Oliveira leading the charge on a nine-play, 81-yard drive. Collaros then executed a masterful fake handoff to his tailback, Bailey, to score a crucial touchdown. With a 28-14 lead, the Bombers displayed their determination and secured their well-deserved victory.

The Elks fought valiantly, but the Bombers’ defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and preventing them from finding the end zone. The Bombers’ unyielding spirit prevailed as they took home the glory.


As the Bombers head into a bye week, their fans can’t wait to see them back in action on Thurs., Aug. 3, when they take on the BC Lions at IG Field. But for now, let’s relish in their triumphant performance and celebrate their position as one of the league’s finest teams.

The Toronto Argonauts put on an electrifying show, conquering the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with an impressive 31-15 victory at Tim Hortons Field!

A group of football players running with the ball.
Matt Johnson/3DownNation

The Argos have reached a milestone, moving to a stellar 5-0 record for the first time since the glorious year of 1960. But that’s not all; they’ve proven to be masters of late-game heroics, sealing the deal against surging opponents not just once, but twice! Last week, they did the same against the Alouettes in Montreal, and now they’ve showcased their prowess yet again.

The Argos’ offensive stars, led by the talented pivot Kelly, lit up the field with touchdown connections to wide receivers Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and DaVaris Daniels. The first half belonged entirely to the Double Blue, cruising to a commanding 20-3 lead. And just when the Ticats thought they had a chance, Kelly dashed their hopes, adding another touchdown on the ground in the fourth quarter. With the final score at 31-15, the Argos celebrated a well-deserved road victory, leaving their opponents in awe.

Kelly’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, achieving his second consecutive 300-yard game with a spectacular 20-of-27 for 306 yards performance. But it wasn’t just him stealing the spotlight; running back AJ Ouellette impressed with 84 yards on 10 carries, and backup Cameron Dukes scored another major with a brilliant quarterback sneak early in the game. The Argos’ running game has been nothing short of phenomenal, boasting 12 rushing touchdowns in the 2023 season, three more than their entire tally for 2022.

The Ticats’ quarterback, Taylor Powell, made his first-ever start for the Black and Gold and displayed flashes of brilliance, recording a rushing score late in the fourth quarter. He finished the game 27-of-41 for 282 yards and an interception. But the Argos’ defense had other plans, limiting running back James Butler to a mere 14 yards on the ground, forcing Powell to rely on his aerial prowess.

Hamilton’s offense fought hard and moved the ball effectively, but they struggled to find the finishing touch throughout most of the game. They settled for three field goals courtesy of the talented kicker Marc Liegghio, but it just wasn’t enough to overcome the Argos’ dominating performance.
As the second half rolled on, the Ticats continued to chip away at Toronto’s lead, determined to mount a comeback. They managed to secure their first major of the game with a well-executed drive into the Argos’ territory, culminating in a rushing touchdown that cut the deficit to 23-15, unfortunately missing the point-after attempt.

But just when the Ticats thought they had a chance, the Argos’ offense came roaring back to life! Kelly led the charge with a spectacular drive in the final two quarters, connecting with Daniels for an impressive 35 yards before taking matters into his own hands, earning another first down at the one-yard line. The crowd went wild as Kelly effortlessly rushed into the end zone, scoring his third touchdown of the game.

In the end, the Argos triumphed with a convincing 31-15 victory, adding a late single to cap off the spectacular evening.

For the Ticats, it’s been a challenging season in the quarterback department, with Taylor Powell becoming their fifth different starting pivot in just a 12-game span. Injuries have posed a formidable challenge for the team, but they continue to battle with courage and determination.
The Ticats will set their sights on a thrilling matchup against the REDBLACKS in Week 8 on Friday, July 28, in what promises to be an action-packed game. On the other hand, the Argos are ready to take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a highly-anticipated clash at Touchdown Atlantic on Saturday, July 29, in Halifax. Don’t miss it as the Argos continue their quest for glory and the Ticats fight to regain their stride!

The BC Lions unleashed their ferocious defense Against the Saskatchewan Roughriders

A football player is being tackled by another player.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The BC Lions left the Saskatchewan Roughriders stunned and Touchdown-less with an exhilarating 19-9 victory at BC Place. The Lions’ defensive unit was an impenetrable force, not allowing a single major throughout the entire game, shutting down every offensive attempt by the Riders. Their dominance at home has been unparalleled, allowing just one touchdown over three games this season!

The game started with a twist of fate as quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. got injured in the first quarter due to a beautiful sack by Riders’ defensive lineman Pete Robertson. But fear not, for the Lions had a remarkable backup pivot in the form of Dane Evans. He stepped into the spotlight and showcased his prowess, leading the team to a sensational touchdown drive. Evans connected brilliantly with Hatcher over the middle for a thrilling 53 yards, setting up a magnificent 27-yard touchdown pass to the wide-open Alexander Hollins. The Lions roared ahead with a 7-0 lead, becoming the first team to score a touchdown against the Riders in the first quarter all year!

The Green and White weren’t backing down that easily; they responded with a scoring march after recovering a fumble on a punt return by Marcus Sayles in Lions’ territory. Though they settled for a field goal, the Riders displayed their fighting spirit, trying to close the gap in BC’s lead.

Saskatchewan’s defense was equally formidable, pressuring Evans relentlessly and making life difficult for him. They secured a pick through defensive back Amari Henderson and a strip sack by linebacker Larry Dean. The Riders’ special teams came alive, too, forcing two fumbles. Despite a valiant effort by Mason Fine, who filled in for injured pivot Trevor Harris, he faced tough challenges and ended up with two interceptions.

The BC Lions’ impressive defense made a bold statement, completing a stunning 4-0 package of wins over all four West Division clubs in 2023, solidifying their dominance in the league!

Saskatchewan’s defense proved to be a formidable opponent, making life difficult for Evans with relentless pressure. They notched another turnover with a strip sack by Dean. However, the Lions’ defensive wall stood tall, slamming the door shut on the Riders and forcing them to punt the ball back.
The Green and White, with their relentless defense, recorded four sacks in the first half compared to the Lions’ one, making it a defensive showdown in the initial two quarters.

The second half began with another big play from Saskatchewan’s defense. This time, Henderson leaped high to intercept Evans’ deep attempt, marking the first interception of the game. The Riders’ offense capitalized on the turnover, moving into Lauther’s range for a successful field goal, closing the gap to 7-6.
Evans quickly recovered from the interception, leading the Lions deep into Riders’ territory with precise passes to receivers Lucky Whitehead and Jevon Cottoy. The Lions’ drive culminated in a field goal, extending their lead to 10-6 with 7:02 left in the third quarter.

The Lions continued their defensive dominance, halting a third-down attempt by the Riders in their own territory. Evans and his offensive stars took advantage of the opportunity, connecting brilliantly with Hatcher once again, advancing deep into the Riders’ territory. Evans then unleashed a daring throw into the end zone, targeting receiver Justin McInnis, who came oh-so-close to hauling in the Lions’ second touchdown of the game. However, a holding penalty nullified the score. Nevertheless, Whyte stepped up and drilled a long field goal, expanding the lead to 13-6.

As the fourth quarter commenced, the Riders faced a seven-point deficit and aimed to stage a comeback. However, their efforts were thwarted by Peters, who intercepted a pass to the flat, stealing the ball away for the Lions!

McInnis later caught a long pass from Evans after the turnover, setting the home team up for another scoring opportunity. Whyte didn’t disappoint, securing a crucial field goal to extend the Lions’ lead to 10 points, sending the crowd into a frenzy with 9:13 left on the clock.

The Lions’ defense refused to relent, with Edwards-Cooper intercepting a pass close to the left sideline, marking their second defensive pick of the game.

With under five minutes remaining, the visitors tried to make a late surge, but the Lions’ defense forced a fumble by receiver Terry Williams, regaining possession for the home team. Fine managed to find an open Tevin Jones for an incredible 44-yard gain, taking the Riders all the way to BC’s 20-yard line. Despite another first down by the visitors, the Lions’ defense came through with a blitz, taking down Fine and forcing second-and-18. A 13-yard completion brought up third-and-five, and the Riders settled for a field goal, cutting the deficit to one possession, with the score now 16-9 and less than two minutes on the clock.

With time running out, the Riders attempted an onside kick, but the Lions’ resilient special teams secured the ball. It was time for Whyte to deliver the final blow, calmly kicking a field goal to seal the deal with a spectacular 19-9 victory.

The Lions’ triumph marked their impressive 11-3 record against Western rivals dating back almost a year to Jul. 29 of 2022. They are an unstoppable force, leaving their opponents awestruck with their relentless defense and remarkable skill.

Now, the Lions are gearing up for yet another thrilling matchup in Week 8 as they travel to Edmonton to take on the Elks on Sat., July 29. Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will be crossing the nation to face off against the Toronto Argonauts in Halifax for this year’s Touchdown Atlantic on the same day.

With an unbeatable defense and an electrifying offense, the BC Lions are setting the stage for an unforgettable season in the CFL! Stay tuned for more action-packed games and nail-biting moments as the Lions continue their pursuit of glory!

Ottawa RedBlacks Running wild In Calgary to Face the Stampeders

A football player running with the ball on a field.
Adrian Wyld/THE CANADIAN PRESS

What an incredible showdown it was between two determined teams, both vying to reach that glorious .500 mark! The Ottawa REDBLACKS proved to be unstoppable, securing an electrifying 43-41 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in an action-packed overtime clash. It was an absolute thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats!

Dustin Crum, the star quarterback, was in top form, leading the REDBLACKS to a sensational win. His arm was on fire, amassing an impressive 257 passing yards and two touchdowns, while also showcasing his agility with 63 rushing yards on seven carries. Crum’s performance was nothing short of exceptional!
But he couldn’t have done it alone; he had a dream team of receivers by his side. Nate Behar was the hero of the hour, making a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown and an overtime two-point conversion catch. He was unstoppable, grabbing eight receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a game-changer for the REDBLACKS. And let’s not forget the unstoppable force that is Justin Hardy, who racked up an impressive 94 receiving yards and contributed another touchdown to Ottawa’s triumphant tally.
The REDBLACKS’ defense was a force to be reckoned with. They were led by the mighty Damon Webb, who recorded seven tackles and a sack, setting the tone for the team’s dominance on the field. Brandin Dandridge and Alonzo Addae were the defensive stars, both grabbing interceptions that further solidified Ottawa’s stronghold over the game.

But it wasn’t just the REDBLACKS who brought their A-game; the Calgary Stampeders put up a fierce fight. Jake Maier, the Stamps’ quarterback, had a career-high day, throwing an astonishing 450 yards for four touchdowns. He left it all on the field, showcasing his incredible talent and determination.
Marken Michel was a force to be reckoned with, grabbing four receptions for a whopping 134 yards and two touchdowns. He kept the Stamps in the game, putting the REDBLACKS’ defense to the test.

With the game hanging in the balance, Paredes’ 47-yard field goal for Calgary sent the game into overtime. The excitement reached a fever pitch as fans anxiously awaited the final outcome.
In overtime, both teams fought valiantly, refusing to back down. Calgary struck first, with Maier finding Tre Odoms-Dukes in the end zone for a thrilling seven-yard touchdown. But the two-point conversion fell short, leaving the fate of the game in Ottawa’s hands.

And the REDBLACKS delivered in the most epic way possible. Crum connected with Behar for 14 yards, setting them up perfectly for Milanovic-Litre’s heroic three-yard rushing touchdown. The Crum-Behar connection sealed the deal, successfully converting the two-point attempt, granting the REDBLACKS their second consecutive overtime win!

What a game it was, filled with drama, breathtaking moments, and incredible performances. The REDBLACKS have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with, and their victory over Calgary marks their first win in the city since 2019. The fans are over the moon, and the excitement is contagious!
Now, the REDBLACKS are geared up for another thrilling matchup in Week 8, as they head back home to host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at TD Place Stadium on Friday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the Calgary Stampeders will travel to Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium to take on the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Keep those cheers loud and spirits high because the CFL is heating up, and the Ottawa REDBLACKS are leading the charge with their incredible skill and unwavering determination! This is a season you won’t want to miss!

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