Believe it or not, there was once a point where the Calgary Stampeders looked like legitimate Grey Cup contenders. That feels like a million years ago.

After four straight lopsided losses, even the #6 spot of the CFL NewHub Power Rankings feels generous.

It’s not all bad news, though. The Calgary Stampeders still have a chance to clinch a playoff berth this weekend. And, even if they don’t, their odds of making the postseason still look good.

Of course, making the postseason is one thing; making a run at the Grey Cup is a completely different thing. If the Stamps want to get back in contention, they need to fix the following things.

See More “Good” Vernon Adams Jr.

One look at the stats tells you all you need to know about Vernon Adams Jr.’s season; it’s been good and bad.

• 235/368 (64%)
• 3492 passing yards
• 18 td
• 14 int

64% completions, 3492 passing yards, and 18 passing touchdowns sound like respectable numbers. That’s because they are. But it’s the last number that can’t be ignored.

14 interceptions

VA is the unquestioned leader of the Calgary Stampeders. And, there’s no question they wouldn’t have 8 wins without him. However, it’s impossible to deny that his Interceptions have become a problem.

If the Stamps want to snap out of their recent funk, VA needs to stay healthy and take care of the ball.

Play Calgary Stampeders Defense

It may be hard to believe now, but the Calgary Stampeders once had the CFL’s best defense. That was before the last four losses.

In the last four games, the Stamps have allowed nearly 40 points per game. There’s no way around it; that’s bad.

They somehow went from a team that generated turnovers and limited big plays to one that gets carved up with ease.

I’m not sure what the solution is, but the Stamps better figure it out fast. They don’t stand a chance of going far in the playoffs without finding their defensive rhythm again.

Win the Turnover Battle

During their 4 game skid, the Calgary Stampeders have generated two takeaways. During the same stretch, they’ve had an alarming 12 giveaways.

It’s hard to win games in the CFL when you lose the giveaway battle. It’s darn near impossible when you lose it by a wide margin.

The Stamps need to fix both sides of the equation, take care of all, and generate more turnovers.

The defense seems ready to do its part. Their 2 interceptions last week ended a three-game drought.

Now it’s up to the offense to take care of the ball better. With a veteran like VA at QB and the CFL’s leading rusher in Dedrick Mills next to him, the offense really has no excuse not to take care of the ball.