The Calgary Stampeders’ 44-13 win over Toronto wasn’t just a win; it was their blueprint for making a run at a championship.

That might sound crazy considering this is a team that recently went on a 4-game losing streak, but hear me out.

The Stamps have been wildly inconsistent at times, but it’s also a team that beat top-ranked Saskatchewan twice (by a combined score of 56-25).

This is definitely a team that can win it all. Unfortunately, it’s also a team that very well could lose in the first round.

If they are going to make a run at the Grey Cup, they will need to follow their blueprint perfectly.

Take care of the football

Vernon Adams Jr. is an absolute stud, and he’s the unquestioned leader of the Calgary Stampeders. But, I would be lying if I didn’t say the Stamps are a much better team when he takes care of the ball.

Vernon Admas Jr.’s 2025 season

• 3962 passing yards
• 21 passing tds
• 317 rushing yards
• 2 rushing tds

On the surface, that’s a pretty good statistical year. However, it gets a lot murkier when you add in the 14 interceptions. Those interceptions have really hurt the Stampeders at times this year.

If VA can be efficient in the passing game and use his legs when appropriate (while protecting himself), Calgary has a much better chance at making a deep postseason run.

Run the ball

To say Dedrick Mills has had a great season is an understatement. Dedrick Mills’ 1,340 rushing yards are 155 yards above second place (James Butler).

The scary part for the Calgary Stampeders’ opponents is that he doesn’t have to carry the rushing load alone.

Rookie Quincy Vaughn has been near automatic in short-yardage situations this season.

And, although he doesn’t showcase it as much as he could, VA is dangerous with his legs. VA’s 317 yards rushing could easily be higher if he wanted. But, since he’s so valuable to the team, he’s been smart to pick his opportunities wisely.

But the mixture of the three can be deadly if they play their cards right.

Mills will handle the traditional rushing roles.

VA will pick up rushing yards on designed passes when the defense is undisciplined.

And, Vaughn will come in and move the chains anytime the first two options get the ball close.

Take the ball away

The Calgary Stampeders’ defense has put up some interesting statistics.

They are 2nd in the CFL in points allowed at just 23.9 points per game. But, they’re also 7th in the CFL in yards allowed with a less-than-stellar 373 yards per game.

The reasons for the discrepancy?

Takeaways

At its best, the Stamps defense flies around aggressively and makes big plays. They aren’t the type of defense that will completely shut offenses out with much consistency, but they don’t have to. As long as they make enough big plays, they give their offense a chance to do the rest.

And that’s their best path to victory.

A dominant rushing attack.

An efficient passing offense that takes care of the ball.

And, a defense that bends a little, but still manages to generate a few takeaways.