3DownNation CFL awards: the best and worst of Week 6
Edmonton Elks’ standout performances
Justin Rankin of the Edmonton Elks delivered a notable performance in Week 6, furthering his pursuit of becoming the first CFL player to achieve 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. Against the Redblacks, Rankin recorded 107 rushing yards on 14 carries, scoring two touchdowns, and added 43 receiving yards on three catches, including another score. His season totals now stand at 513 rushing yards and 297 receiving yards after just five games.
The Elks‘ defence also saw a strong showing from defensive back Kordell Jackson. He was instrumental in Edmonton’s 40-17 victory over Ottawa, contributing three defensive tackles, two interceptions, and two pass knockdowns. Both of Jackson’s interceptions were on contested catches, marking his first career game with two picks in his three years in the league. The team concluded the game with four takeaways, improving their record to 4-1.
The Elks‘ defensive coordinator, J.C. Sherritt, was recognized for his coaching efforts as the team held Ottawa to 337 net yards, forced four turnovers, and registered two sacks. Following Week 5, Edmonton moved back to the top spot in the CFL for yards allowed per play, a key defensive metric.
Winnipeg and Montreal’s key players
For the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Trey Vaval, the reigning Most Outstanding Rookie and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, had an exceptional night. Despite an early fumble, Vaval responded by returning a missed field goal for a 129-yard touchdown, establishing a new franchise record. He finished the game with 332 return yards on 11 attempts.
In Montreal, defensive lineman David Perales made a significant impact in his first career start for the Alouettes. He recorded one defensive tackle, one sack, and one pass knockdown. His pass knockdown with 15 seconds left in the game, on third-and-two near the goal line, secured the win for Montreal. It is anticipated that Perales will maintain his position in the starting lineup.
Tyson Philpot of the Montreal Alouettes also had a noteworthy performance, including a creative touchdown play where Tyler Snead caught a bubble screen and then threw a pass to a diving Philpot in the end zone. Philpot has had an impressive start to the season, accumulating 45 catches for 719 yards and four touchdowns. His current pace suggests he could challenge the single-season receiving yards record of 2,036 yards set by Allen Pitts in 1994.
Roughriders’ offensive line and game outcomes
The Saskatchewan Roughriders‘ offensive line, consisting of Payton Collins, Zack Fry, Logan Ferland, Jacob Brammer, and Jermarcus Hardrick, was recognized for their solid play against the Tiger-Cats. They allowed only one sack and contributed to generating 137 rushing yards. Running back A.J. Ouellette rushed for 83 yards on 18 carries, while Tommy Stevens added 40 rushing yards on just two plays, scoring his second touchdown of the evening.
The game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was highlighted as a strong contest, featuring Dru Brown’s return to Winnipeg as a starter, Chad Kelly’s deep passes, and Trey Vaval’s exceptional play. The Blue Bombers secured a 30-21 victory over Toronto.
Conversely, the match between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Saskatchewan Roughriders was described as less competitive, with the Roughriders winning 38-7. Alex Hale’s missed 35-yard field goal for the Roughriders was noted as a significant play, especially considering the team’s ongoing search for a consistent kicker.
Source: 3downnation.com
