The Ottawa REDBLACKS weathered the storm and came away with their first Home Opener win since the 2019 season when they beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 44-41.
It may have taken a little bit longer than expected as there was a weather delay called with only 2:09 left in the 4th Quarter but after an hour sitting in the locker room, the REDBLACKS defense came up big when needed and held on for the 23-19 win to start the season.
1. Right Tackle Still in question
After starting the game, Dontae Bull was pulled and replaced by Zach Pelehos around 2 minutes left in the first half. Pelehos would finish the game at Right Tackle while Bull would come in for a few snaps as the extra offensive lineman in the heavy sets.
This was an issue for the club in 2023, They cannot allow for this to continue. Pelehos or Bull will need to talk over that spot or the team will need to look at other options. American Offensive Lineman Drake Centers (Texas Southern) did have starts at Right Tackle late in 2023 and could be given the opportunity to win that spot.
2. Ryquell Armstead has the potential to be an All-Star Running Back
The rookie running back impressed during the pre-season and continued during the home opener. He put up 95 yards on 16 carries, averaged 5.9 yards per carry. He has the ability to stay low and hit the hole that is given to him.
He is a hard nose north-south runner with explosive first step with the ability to stay in and be a good pass protector consistently.
3. Secondary holds their own
There was a lot of talk about how the Secondary would fair against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Passing attack with Justin Howell and Brandin Dandridge being out due to injury. Tobias Harris was getting his first career start, Deandre Lamont who started nine games last year joined Alonzo Addae, Damon Webb and Money Hunter.
Damon Webb came up with a massive diving pass break up in the endzone when they came back after a lengthy weather delay. The group held Zach Collaros to only 285 yard, 48.38% completion percentage on 15 for 31 and 2 Interceptions.
4. Dru Brown impress in Home Debut
Going 20 for 33 with 238 yards, 1 Touchdown and 0 interception may not jump off the page but Dru Brown took what was given to him by the Blue Bombers defense and didn’t try to put the ball in dangerous situations even if it meant throwing it short and letting his play makers try and move the ball.
5. Front 7 will be a problem
With the addition of Adarius Pickett, the front 7 got a lot tougher than it was last year and it was clear early on. Collaros didn’t look comfortable majority of the game. They may have only gotten two sacks from the Front seven (Mauldin IV & Wakefield), they are the reason that the Blue Bombers only had 42 combined rushing yards all game.
If the offence can find its groove and be consistent this game to game, this Front 7 has the ability to cause problems for both the opposing Quarterbacks, Running backs and Offensive lineman.
Quick Wins
Ottawa REDBLACKS win their first Home Opener since 2019 when they beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 44-41.
Ottawa REDBLACKS first win to start the season since 2021 when they beat the Edmonton Elks 16-12
Winnipeg Blue Bombers fall to 0-2 for first time since the 2016 season
Ottawa REDBLACKS take a trip down to Montréal to visit the 2-0 Montréal Alouettes for their Home Opener on Thursday June 20