Losing a CFL game is hard enough, but it’s even harder to accept when you lose and don’t score a point.
The Edmonton Elks will look to get the bad taste out of their mouths and back to good taste on Sunday afternoon when they host the Gray Cup champion Toronto Argonauts at Commonwealth Stadium.
The Elks lost 22–0 to the BC Lions, marking the first time since August 15, 1976, that the Elks were shut out in a game. The Elks didn’t have good numbers in terms of aggression. 151 net yards, only 103 passing yards from Taylor Cornelius, 12 first downs, and only 24 minutes of possession time.
The defense played their part for most of the game, holding the Lions to five field goals and one touchdown. However, the offense shouldered more responsibility with only 13 points and one offensive touchdown in the first two games.
The Elks are 0-2 to start the season and head coach Chris Jones says his young team is finding it difficult to handle right now.
Jones said, “Well, we all have to admit in the first two weeks that we didn’t do what was needed to win games.” “There are so many things we need to look in the mirror to determine who we really are.”
Edmonton Elks head coach Chris Jones explains how the team is handling an 0-2 start when they face the Argos on Sunday
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While the offense has struggled, the defense has held its own for the most part. The Elks defense has allowed only two touchdowns in two games and is holding an average of 19.5 points.
The Elks’ defense was dealt a blow after last week’s loss to the Lions as veteran defensive back Ed Gainey suffered a chest injury and was placed on the team’s six-game injured list. Marcus Lewis will join in and make his first CFL start in the secondary. Defensive lineman Toby Antiga moved from the practice roster to the active roster while linebacker Mark McLaurin was placed on the practice roster.
Veteran receiver Manny Arceneaux was placed on the six-game injured list due to a knee injury. The Elks will become a full-time member of the offense with receiver CJ Sims coming on the roster to help receiver Kyran Moore return game. Lastly, Jarrett Doege would be the number three quarterback and Trey Ford would go on the one-game injured list.
This is the first of two meetings with the Argos this season and the Elks will be looking to end a 19-game home losing streak.
The following are the projected offensive and defensive starters for the Elks:
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When will the Edmonton Elks’ offense show up?
Crime
Quarterback: Taylor Cornelius
run Back: Kevin Brown (Fullback: Tanner Green)
unpleasant Line: Andrew Garnett, David Foucault, Marc Courte, Tomas Jack-Kurdila, Josiah St. John
receiver: Dillon Mitchell, Eugene Lewis, Kieran Moore, Steven Dunbar Jr., Vincent Forbes-Mombalu
Defense
rescue Line: Noah Curtis (Jake Ceresna—nationalized American*), Connie Ealy, Daniel Ross, AC Leonard
linebacker: Adam Connar, Niles Morgan, Enock Makanzo – Designated National *
rescue Back: Marcus Lewis, Dwayne Thompson, Lucchese Purifoy, Darius Bratton, Kai Gray
*Per CFL: This designated nationalized American will be identified on the depth chart. After his side plays the ball for the first time, this player may enter the game for any U.S. player and play the remainder of the game and/or play up to 23 snaps in place of the designated national player or his backup. The designated nationalized American would not start the game and would also be identified as a DA. One of these players can be on attack and one on defense. A Designated American (DA) is a non-starting American player who can play on all special teams. During a regular offensive or defensive possession, he may replace only one American player on the field.
You can hear live coverage of Sunday’s game between the Elks and Argos on 630 CHED beginning at 3:30 p.m. with Brendan Escott giving the countdown to kickoff. The initial kickoff from the Commonwealth Stadium will be at 5pm with Morley Scott and Dave Campbell calling everyone. live action.
Hear analysis from former Edmonton football team offensive lineman and two-time Gray Cup champion Blake Dermott. David Bowles will be reporting from the Elks sideline.
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