End of season spells end for Dyce, Ford

There weren’t many major takeaways from the final week of the CFL season.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the B.C. Lions needed to win to lock up first place in the East Division and second place in the West Division, respectively. Both succeeded.

The Lions got a bit lucky, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders were robbed by a quick whistle, negating a defensive touchdown that could have been the difference in the game. The outrage by Saskatchewan fans is understandable, but I’m not joining the mob that claims there’s a fundamental issue with officiating, nor do I believe the CFL wants to punish the Riders.

As for the replay centre, it could always use improvements. But for those hoping it will one day be perfect, I hate to inform you that day is not coming.

Speaking of tough breaks, my heart goes out to Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler after he suffered what appears to be another serious knee injury. While the exact prognosis hasn’t been made public, we know it’s concerning.

Streveler posted an emotional message on Instagram strongly hinting at a tough road ahead. It’s the same knee Streveler tore last season and worked so hard over the winter to be ready for this season.

I’m not sure what this means for his football future, but I’m not going to rule out a return. If anyone can do it, it’s Streveler.

Now, let’s see what else caught my attention in the latest CFL Rundown.

1) The Ottawa Redblacks fired head coach Bob Dyce on Saturday.

Dyce, who had been with the Redblacks since the 2016 season as their special-teams co-ordinator, replaced Paul LaPolice after he was let go partway through the 2022 campaign.

The Winnipeg native first took over as interim head coach, leading the Redblacks to a 1-3 record to close out the season. He was given the official title the following year.

In 2024, Dyce led the Redblacks to a 9-8-1 record, earning their first playoff berth since 2018. That set up high expectations for this year, only for those to fall flat as Ottawa battled injuries and inconsistency all year.

It’s not a surprising move, but one must feel for Dyce, an all-around good person and leader.

 

2) What was surprising was the Redblacks keeping general manager Shawn Burke.

Burke has been with the organization longer than Dyce and carries more of the stench of a struggling franchise.

But firing Burke would only further complicate matters for an organization that likely doesn’t want to cast a wide net and spend heavily on a new regime.

My guess is that Burke was told he has one more year to right the ship or he’s finished.

And I wouldn’t be shocked if he promotes Rick Campbell from special-teams co-ordinator and Burke gives him a similar message.

With Burke having just one more year remaining on his contract, along with a losing resumé, the term “lame duck” couldn’t be more fitting.

 

3) There were some interesting tidbits to come out of the Edmonton Elks’ season-ending media availability, all of which surrounded the club’s quarterback situation.

Predictably, the Elks want Cody Fajardo back in the mix and the feeling is mutual, so long as Fajardo doesn’t retire.

He left that door open a crack simply by mentioning that he first needs to talk to his family about the future. Still, I see this being an easy decision and good for both sides.

While he did lead the Montreal Alouettes to the Grey Cup just two years ago, Fajardo is not a player you look at today and say with confidence that he can lead you back there, but he is someone who will give his all and bring consistency to the huddle.

Given who’s out there right now, I’m not sure you’re getting that from anyone else on the market.

 

4) What was also clear out of Edmonton was that Tre Ford will not be back.

With a roster bonus due in January, the Canadian QB will get paid or get some more clarity with his seemingly inevitable release. He could also be issued his release before then.

There is certainly a market for Ford, an athletic freak, but likely only as a backup. While that won’t be ideal after tasting life as a No. 1, it’s likely Ford’s only path to being a starter again.

It would also bode well for Ford to work under a head coach known for quarterback development. Perhaps a role in Hamilton with Scott Milanovich or with Ryan Dinwiddie in Toronto could bring out the best in Ford.

 

5) Outside concerns had been raised by pundits about how the Elks would handle Tre’s twin brother, Tyrell, a top cornerback on the team, given the sensitive nature of the situation.

Tyrell was open last year about wanting to play with his brother — the main reason he signed with the Elks.

Well, that clearly won’t be an issue moving forward, as the Elks have announced Tyrell has signed through the 2027 season.

 

6) The Bombers have spent the last three seasons — and three consecutive Grey Cup losses — searching for the winning formula.

While an East crossover was likely never mentioned in any brainstorming session, perhaps this unique path is exactly what Winnipeg needs to finally succeed.

It’s worth reminding readers that the Bombers began this run of annual championship appearances by winning on the road through the West in 2019. That was the magical and unforeseen run that included the deadline acquisition of quarterback Zach Collaros.

Do we really view this team as a bigger underdog than that season?

 

7) On that note, the Bombers are heavy underdogs against the Alouettes in the Eastern semifinal, with odds makers predicting Montreal to win by a touchdown.

The Alouettes, when fielding their optimal lineup, have been nearly unstoppable since quarterback Davis Alexander returned from injury.

Meanwhile, Winnipeg had hoped to be playing its best football by the playoffs, but an argument can be made that no team has performed worse down the stretch. Even some wins have felt like losses.

If the Bombers are able to prevail, it will require an offence that leans heavily on running back Brady Oliveira and limits turnovers, alongside a defence that has been the heart and soul of this team.

Special teams could also decide the game, with Winnipeg holding the edge thanks to dynamic returner Trey Vaval.

The final X factor is that Alexander has never played against the Bombers’ defence, who often employ an unorthodox three-man front for much of the game, giving extra protection to the secondary.

I’m not telling you to pick the Bombers, but it wouldn’t be crazy if they won.

 

8) The Western semifinal shouldn’t be a blowout, but I predict the Lions will beat the Calgary Stampeders by a touchdown.

This is a compelling matchup, pitting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. against the Lions team that dumped him for Nathan Rourke.

I would like to see Adams get his revenge, but I don’t see it happening, especially given the Lions current play, particularly on offence.

Also, with the game being played in the comfortable confines of BC Place, the Stampeders’ more formidable run game won’t be as big a factor.

 

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca