Players to Watch: Edmonton Elks
Marloshawn Franklin Jr:Β Β Although he has only played seven games with the Elks this season, he has shown some good signs of promise in the defensive secretary when playing free safety. The Detroit, Michigan native and product of the University of California Berkeley looked pretty solid in week 7 when you guessed it, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He had the difficult task of marking Kenny Lawler which was also his return to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this season. Moreover, he had Kenny Lawler stride for stride in a chess match that was impressive to see for the majority of the game. Kenny Lawler might have had the upper hand at the latter parts of the game, but Marloshawn Franklin Jr showed a lot of poise in that game, along with the limited games played thus far.Β
Gavin Cobb:Β Β Gavin Cobb has worked his tail off to be slotted in as a wide receiver/slot back. The University of Manitoba product might not have flashy numbers as he is not a go-to target with only 11 receptions for 214 receiving yards. What stands out is his 19.5 yards per catch. In a game with no playoff implications for the Edmonton Elks, it would be interesting if Tre Ford spreads the ball to other targets on the field to see about the skill set with other roster players. Because at the end of the day, players are fighting for jobs next season. In the case of Gavin Cobb, he did show some good stuff this season with minimal reps. He does have the talent and skill to be part of a full-time roster player for next season.Β
Player
s to Watch: Winnipeg Blue BombersDemerio Houston:Β Β He did have a full practice, and is listed as questionable for this game vs the Elks. What Demerio Houston brings game in-game-out is a fear towards many quarterbacks in the CFL. His vision to read a play is simply outstanding. His all-round game has got better each season since he has been in the CFL. And his numbers do not lie. With 48 tackles and 7 interceptions might show only the achievement stats. What is off the record is how many key tackles or pass break-ups he does without ease. Tre Ford will have to know where it is at any given time when it comes to the Elksβs passing game.Β
Brandon Alexander:Β Β Take your pick in the Winnipeg secondary as they are loaded with talent. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan base has a good problem to have when it comes to a personal preference on who they love on their roster. And Brandon Alexander is another roster player that comes with a lot of positives. With Alexander and Houston in the secondary, itβs a matter of picking your poison. They are a 1 and a 1A as far as their skill sets are concerned. More importantly, the presence and chemistry they both have on the field on game day is something special.Β
Predic
tionΒFinal Score
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: 37
Edmonton Elks:
20Sadly, it has come down to this for the Edmonton Elks. There are some good pieces in place for the 2024 season. But, that is for another discussion.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers do not take the Edmonton Elks lightly, and they take what they feel belongs to them.
The Edmonton E
lks show flashes of a good fight, but in the end, the overall skillset and depth of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be too much to overcome with this game tomorrow.Stay in tune withΒ CFL News HubΒ for the 2023 season.Β
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