Defensive highlights in Week 7
Week 7 of the CFL season showcased several standout performances, with a particular emphasis on defensive plays that influenced game outcomes. While explosive running backs also made their mark, defenders frequently stole the spotlight, delivering crucial plays and lockdown coverage.
One notable defensive effort came from Kenneth Logan Jr. of the Edmonton Elks in their 19-17 victory over the BC Lions. Logan Jr. was credited with five defensive stops, which are tackles that result in unsuccessful offensive plays based on down and distance. His performance also included seven tackles, a sack, and an interception, contributing to one of the most complete defensive showings of the week and helping the Elks improve their record.
In another key defensive display, Ronald Kent Jr. of the BC Lions delivered a strong performance in coverage despite his team’s 19-17 loss to Edmonton. Quarterbacks completed only 25 percent of passes thrown in his direction, positioning Kent Jr. as one of the most challenging defensive backs to target during Week 7. His efforts were instrumental in keeping the game close until the final moments.
Jake Kelly of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers also made a significant impact in his team’s dramatic comeback victory against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Kelly was targeted only twice, surrendering just 10 receiving yards and preventing any first downs. He also secured an interception, aiding the Blue Bombers in overcoming a 17-point deficit to win 36-34.
Offensive impact players
On the offensive side, running backs delivered powerful performances. Dedrick Mills continued to be a driving force for the Calgary Stampeders‘ offence, even in their 38-32 loss to Montreal. Mills, the reigning rushing champion, carried the ball 15 times for 130 yards and scored a touchdown. He also recorded eight rushing first downs and forced seven missed tackles, demonstrating a physical running style that has kept him leading the CFL in rushing through seven weeks.
Travis Theis of the Montreal Alouettes also had a strong showing in their 38-32 victory over Calgary. Theis carried the ball 19 times for 123 yards and a touchdown. A significant portion of his yardage, 83 yards, came after contact, according to advanced data. Theis consistently fought through contact, extending drives and maintaining the Alouettes’ offensive rhythm.
Looking back at Week 6, several players were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Justin Rankin, a running back for the Edmonton Elks, earned top honours after rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to a receiving touchdown, in a 40-17 win against Ottawa. Rankin has now achieved over 100 rushing yards in four of five games this season.
Tyson Philpot, a receiver for the Montreal Alouettes, caught nine of 10 targets for 132 yards and one touchdown in a 37-30 victory over Calgary. Meanwhile, Dru Brown, quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, completed 25 of 31 passes for 339 yards and a touchdown in a 30-21 win against Toronto. These performances marked the third player-of-the-week honour for Rankin, Philpot, and Brown.
Team standings and notable results
The gap between the top contenders and the rest of the league is becoming more defined as the season progresses. In Week 6, Montreal, Edmonton, and Saskatchewan secured victories. Winnipeg made a significant jump in the rankings by defeating Toronto. As the season approaches its midpoint, each game result carries increasing importance.
The Montreal Alouettes continue to demonstrate their completeness as a team, with their offence performing well even after a bye week. Quarterback Davis Alexander threw for 301 yards, Philpot accumulated 132 receiving yards, and Theis nearly reached 100 rushing yards. The Alouettes’ defence also played a crucial role, forcing an early turnover and securing a game-sealing stop.
The Edmonton Elks responded to their first loss of the season with a strong performance, scoring 40 points and forcing four interceptions on defence. Rankin’s three total touchdowns and Cody Fajardo‘s 340 passing yards were key, along with Kordell Jackson‘s two interceptions. The Saskatchewan Roughriders also delivered a strong Week 6 performance, with Trevor Harris throwing two touchdown passes and the defence creating multiple takeaways, including Josh Woods‘ pick-six.
The Calgary Stampeders, despite a 37-30 loss to Montreal, remained competitive, pushing the top-ranked team until the end. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. threw three touchdown passes without an interception. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers achieved the week’s biggest climb in the rankings after an impressive win over Toronto, with Dru Brown stepping in seamlessly and throwing for 339 yards. The team’s defence also set the tone, pressuring Chad Kelly throughout the game.
The Toronto Argonauts, despite their 30-21 loss to Winnipeg, showcased their explosive offence, with Chad Kelly throwing for 320 yards. The BC Lions, who had a bye in Week 6, moved up in the standings following Hamilton‘s loss. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats continued to navigate challenges without Bo Levi Mitchell, with their defence generating two interceptions in a 38-7 loss to Saskatchewan. The Ottawa REDBLACKS, despite a 40-17 loss to Edmonton, showed encouraging moments, with Jake Maier nearly leading a comeback and Ayden Eberhardt having a breakout performance with 11 catches, 155 yards, and a touchdown.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers erased a 17-point deficit to defeat the REDBLACKS 36-34.
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Source: cfl.ca
Chloe Tremblay is the Sports Reporter at CasinoNews, covering basketball, tennis and athletics with nine years of reporting experience. She reported on the Raptors' rise and two Olympic cycles. She holds a degree in Journalism from Concordia University. Based in Montreal, she plays recreational basketball and follows track athletics. “The best stories come from the athletes everyone overlooks.”
