The Calgary Stampeders (2–0) and Ottawa Redblacks (0–2) have had two very different seasons so far. 

Calgary has exceeded expectations this season. So far, Ottawa has not. 

Week three is big for both teams. Calgary has a chance to prove that its first two wins were no fluke. Ottawa has an opportunity to get back on track before the season gets too far along.

Ottawa Redblacks

After losing a tough game to the Saskatchewan Roughriders 26–31, week two didn’t go well at all. They lost 39–18 to the Montreal Alouettes.

The big problem for the Ottawa Redblacks is who will be under center. Dru Brown looked good in week one, but he missed week 2 with a hip injury.

Matthew Shiltz had his moments filling in for Brown, but his 3 interceptions were a big reason for the lopsided loss.

Unfortunately, Brown is out for at least one more week. 

Keys to victory

Take care of the ball

Last week, the Ottawa Redblacks gave the ball away four times (3 interceptions and one failed 3rd down). This week, Matthew Shiltz will need to take better care of the ball if they hope to beat a tough Calgary team.

Penalties

Penalties are a problem for most teams early in the season, but Ottawa has a larger-than-average problem on its hands. 

• Week 1: 12 penalties for 126 yards
• Week 2: 11 penalties for 98 yards

Keep Vernon Adams Jr. out of the endzone

Vernon Adams Jr. has played well this season. 

• 67% completions
• 585 yards passing
• 87 yards rushing

One thing he hasn’t done yet is throw a touchdown pass. The Stampeders won in the first two weeks in large part due to special teams and defense.

 If the Redblack can keep Adams out of the endzone, they give themselves a chance to win. 

Calgary Stampeders

The Stampeders have exceeded expectations so far this season. They were picked to finish last by many, but they’ve already risen to 4th in the CFLNewsHub power rankings.

Keys to victory

Kicking game

Canadian kicker Rene Paredes is as good as they come. That’s why it was somewhat surprising to see him miss two field goals last week. 

Granted, wind was an issue, but 3/5 isn’t what we’ve come to expect from him. 

Eventually, the Stampeders will need to win a close game. When that time comes, kicking will be huge.