Welcome to Overreaction Monday, where we look back on the previous week\u2019s action and root out some angles that could be prone to hot takes that might be a tad over the top. Either from fans and the media in general or, maybe just specifically me.<\/p>\n
This week, deja vu in Ottawa, but far from it in Edmonton.<\/p>\n
And it\u2019s never too early to talk about a perfect season.<\/p>\n
RELATED THE ELKS ARE BACK, BABY!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Edmonton Elks have a recent past of beginning seasons in a very negative, very winless light.<\/p>\n But this year, they opened with a rain-soaked victory in Ottawa, one that told us not a lot about them other than what we already knew; that running back Justin Rankin is ready to give the league\u2019s QBs some backfield competition for the George Reed Most Outstanding Player award.<\/p>\n Edmonton\u2019s Week 3 win over the Montreal Alouettes (also rain-soaked and also powered greatly by Rankin) told us more. But how much more?<\/p>\n \u201cThese guys are contenders for the division.\u201d<\/p>\n THE VERDICT: Too soon to tell. But that win over the Als was a tremendous one, complete with the Elks climbing out of a deep hole and taking it away from a very good team that seemed in almost complete control. Same as it ever was for the Elks? Nuh-uh. This team is a contender. I can\u2019t wait to see what they\u2019re capable of in good weather.<\/p>\n SAME OLD SAME OLD?<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Much chagrin is evident over the early stages of the Ottawa REDBLACKS season.<\/p>\n With the team getting out to an 0-2 start \u2014 and with a recent history of less than stellar campaigns (a playoff spot in 2024 being the exception) \u2014 the early season chatter along the Rideau may be fraught with tales of doom.<\/p>\n A team that loaded up in free agency, and that has a ton of talent on paper, has not immediately shaken the ghosts of poor starts past.<\/p>\n \u201cHere we go again.\u201d?<\/p>\n THE VERDICT: Fair reaction, based on recent, adjacent seasons and the way in which the team lost to Toronto in Week 3. However, there are explosive playmakers throughout the Ottawa line-up and they do seem to have the talent to be much more than they have shown. A new-look team like Ottawa\u2019s always needs time to gel, and perhaps we need to be patient. A road win in Montreal in Week 4 would certainly change the mood in The Capital very quickly.<\/p>\n A QUARTERBACK CHANGE IMMINENT?<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Further to the plight of the REDBLACKS, the struggles of the team under Jake Maier<\/a> will not go unnoticed. Far from it.<\/p>\n Quarterbacks get the glory when things are good and they are also the focal point when the team is struggling.<\/p>\n
\u00bb Riders outlast Stamps in overtime to stay unbeaten<\/a>
\u00bb Rankin\u2019s pair of touchdowns powers Elks past Alouettes<\/a>
\u00bb Argos hold off REDBLACKS for first win of 2026<\/a>
\u00bb Sign up and watch CFL games on CFL+ in the U.S. and Internationally<\/a><\/p>\n