Scouting the Esks

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/07/2010 (5868 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RECORD: 0-3, last in the West.

ON THE ROAD: 0-1

VS. THE EAST: 0-1

OFFENSIVE RANKINGS: Overall scoring: eighth (17.7 points per game); passing: second (300.7 yards per game); rushing: fifth (112 yards per game).

DEFENSIVE RANKINGS: Overall scoring: fourth (27.3 points per game); passing: first (231.0 yards per game); rushing: eighth (166.7 yards per game).

Turnover ratio: minus-9 (8th overall)

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THE QB

No. 15 Ricky Ray

They’ve already started work on his bust for the hall of fame and the man is just 30. Eight-year vet puts up gaudy passing numbers every year — 5,000 yards in his sleep — and, save for one stretch in 2007, is far more durable than you’d think. In total he’s missed just five games in his eight years in Esks colours.

Quick take: The Esks have been struggling in the score zone and, amazingly, Ray has just one TD pass through the first three weeks. He’s been the victim of some drops but, as we saw in the loss to Montreal, can be prone to forcing throws into coverage in an attempt to jump-start the offence.

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OFFENSIVE WEAPONRY

No. 2 Fred Stamps, SB: Leads the CFL with 24 receptions for 399 yards and a TD. Once he fights through his current case of drop-itis, those numbers will only get gaudier. A game-changing receiver who is outstanding in the open field and has highlight-of-the-night written all over him.

No. 36 Arkee Whitlock, RB: Last year’s nightmarish start is ancient history. Averaging six yards a carry and has two scores this year. Should easily eclipse last year’s 1,293 yards along the ground. Solid back who has proven he can take the pounding and still be productive.

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DEFENSIVE STOPPERS

No. 47 Maurice Lloyd, LB: Leads the Esks with three sacks and leads the Esks with 20 tackles. A sideline-to-sideline force in the middle of Edmonton’s linebacking corps.

No. 29 Chris Thompson, DB: Has two picks this season — one more than all of last season — and is giving the Green and Gold a big physical presence, along with ex-Bomber Lenny Walls, in the middle of the secondary.

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THE SPECIALISTS

No. 7 Noel Prefontaine, K: Veteran hoofer missed one game due to injury, but still has the leg to hit the long field goals. An adept placement punter who will knock a returner’s teeth loose if they don’t have their heads up.

No. 85 Jamaica Rector, KR: Seems like the Esks haven’t really settled on a steady return man yet, although Rector returned four punts last week in Saskatchewan — just two less than he handled all of last year. Weldon Brown handled the kickoff chores in Regina.

— Ed Tait