State of the roster

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

we've seen this before with Edmonton and Hamilton where they change over their rosters dramatically. It takes time especially with only two preseason games. By the time they figure it  out its a real uphill battle
  I will say that under the Hervey regime they are doing it a lot smarter than jones. Rather than investing in high end receivers' put the money in the trenches, and invest in quality canadian starters.

Elks have been down too long, I think they're ready to turn the corner, expecting a few surprises in the West this season, but hard to say which teams will rise up the quickest or become the strongest. The Riders have made a lot of improvements to their roster, if they get good QBing they could become a challenger.

[DM83]

1.) who is their QB, off coordinator and their O line?
2.) do they have a RB?

Harvey destroyed the team by the time he left last time. No successful track record. Why select him? Oh well. Free spot on the bingo card.they did sign notable free agents.

[dd]

Killam will bring alot of energy to the clubhouse and a chip on his shoulder to prove to everyone he's HC material. I think Edmonton will be a battling team, will run the ball alot with Leake and Brown and Ford, and they'll beat Calgary and Sask and be in the thick of things with us and BC.

[DM83]

No experienced head coach, with only special teams knowledge.  Good grief. I s Charlie Brown the Assistant Head Coach? Lol!

[TecnoGenius]

Like most teams it depends on how successful the starting QB does. Ford may do well or he may get injured as a running style QB. Defences will adjust to keep in the pocket and that limits him to a degree.

My prediction?  QB Ford will lose, lose, lose.  And it will be panic time in EDM, and they'll switch to their backup.  Then it'll be QB carousel time.

Remember the last time we faced EDM?  We eviscerated Ford.

Edit: It would be fun to see EDM rise enough to beat down SSK (and maybe BC) though!

[Blue In BC]

My prediction?  QB Ford will lose, lose, lose.  And it will be panic time in EDM, and they'll switch to their backup.  Then it'll be QB carousel time.

Remember the last time we faced EDM?  We eviscerated Ford.

Edit: It would be fun to see EDM rise enough to beat down SSK (and maybe BC) though!

Elks do also have Fajardo and that puts them in a similar issue to 2024 when they had MBT. It could devolve into a QB controversy is they struggle.

They've added some really good talent. It will come at the cost of other top talent like G. Lewis.

Pre season is always interesting. With all the player movement, making a guess at the rankings will be tough.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

My prediction?  QB Ford will lose, lose, lose.  And it will be panic time in EDM, and they'll switch to their backup.  Then it'll be QB carousel time.

Remember the last time we faced EDM?  We eviscerated Ford.

Edit: It would be fun to see EDM rise enough to beat down SSK (and maybe BC) though!

Agreed the amazing ability to run around the backfield forever without heading up field will not equate to wins, either Ford masters the basics and plays between the lines or Fajardo will take over the job as their starting QB. 

Never thought of this before, but I guess it was Jarious Jackson that fuddled around between the 2 QB's last year and frittered away their momentum.  Fan support was bad in Edmonton the last few seasons, so there is the possibility he was being instructed on roster decisions from above to improve attendance.

[TBURGESS]

My prediction... Edmonton will be way better than last year. Ford's ability to run will drive defences crazy & his ability to extend plays will wear out defences. They will be most dangerous at the end of the season because it will take them a while to get all the new players playing together. 

[Pigskin]

My prediction... Edmonton will be way better than last year. Ford's ability to run will drive defences crazy & his ability to extend plays will wear out defences. They will be most dangerous at the end of the season because it will take them a while to get all the new players playing together.

If Edmonton signs all the D players they have made offers to, there D should also be very good. 

[Blue In BC]

If Edmonton signs all the D players they have made offers to, there D should also be very good. 

Maybe but they also have 21 potential free agents. Of that total, many have accepted offers elsewhere. It may fall more on their coaches than roster entirely.

On paper they appear the most improved.

[blue_or_die]

No experienced head coach, with only special teams knowledge.  Good grief. I s Charlie Brown the Assistant Head Coach? Lol!

Yeah, what kinda team would make a special teams coordinator a head coach!! Unfathomable

[theaardvark]

Agreed the amazing ability to run around the backfield forever without heading up field will not equate to wins, either Ford masters the basics and plays between the lines or Fajardo will take over the job as their starting QB. 

Never thought of this before, but I guess it was Jarious Jackson that fuddled around between the 2 QB's last year and frittered away their momentum.  Fan support was bad in Edmonton the last few seasons, so there is the possibility he was being instructed on roster decisions from above to improve attendance.

Not sure if it was Jackson that fuddled, or the fuddling was the reason Jackson took over.  After he was in charge, less fuddling.

[DM83]

Has Jackson won anything as a coach?

[theaardvark]

Has Jackson won anything as a coach?

2015 was QB coach for GC winning Edm

[DM83]

Thank you.