The Edmonton Elks return home to play their Provincial rivals vs. the Calgary Stampeders for a Week 5 tilt at Commonwealth Stadium. Fresh from a Week 4 stunning comeback on the road winning vs. the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a 29-25 victory; the green, and gold will look to continue their momentum in Week 5.
Only 2 changes were made to the depth chart from last week. FB Tanner Green is placed on the 6-game injured list. He will be replaced by veteran FB Ante Milanovic-Litre. DB Ethan Makonzo will be slotted in at MLB, but 3rd on the depth chart.
The key injuries that will still have to wait longer will be DB Aaron Grymes who has been out since training camp and was listed on the 6-game injury list. On a positive note, Aaron Grymes should be back for Week 7. Unfortunately, RB James Wilder Jr, along with DL Jake Ceresna, are only 2 games into their 6-game injury and will have to wait longer to return.
Tre Ford Will Start in Week 5
Tre Ford will start in the second consecutive game with the green and gold after a decent performance on the road in Steeltown. He completed the game going 15 for 26, with 159 passing yards, 1TD pass, and along with 1INT. He was able to extend plays on the ground in which he ran for 61 yards making plays when it mattered most.
There is no doubt that Tre Ford is the future of the green and gold. He will be gaining valuable experience in his 1st start in the Battle of Alberta. More importantly, he will have his main offensive weapons minus James Wilder Jr with WR Mike Jones, WR Derel Walker, SB Kenny Lawler, and SB Emmanuel Arceneaux available.
Keys to the Game
The offensive line had a very slow start in the first couple of games for the 2022 season. However, slowly but surely, the offensive line looks a lot more polished than in the first 2 games. This will be the most vital hot button issue for the Edmonton Elks facing the Calgary Stampeders. It is imperative that they give the time needed for Tre Ford to make plays. Moreover, to establish the running game where they are not relying on Tre Ford to do it alone.
On the defensive side of the ball, they had a decent game vs the Calgary Stampeders back in Week 2 in which in a close game, had lost 30-23. However, the game appeared more backloaded from later in the 3rd Quarter till the remainder of the game. Bo Levi Mitchell was himself where he was cool, calm, and collective when the game was on the line. He exposed the Edmonton Elks secondary in which he torched them by connecting with Malik Henry for 173 yards and a TD. Also involved in the passing game was Reggie Begleton for 77 yards. And it did not stop there. Ka’Deem Cary ran for 91 yards on 19 carries with a rushing TD.
If the Edmonton Elks front seven cannot apply pressure on Bo Levi Mitchell, the secondary will have to be on the ball in trying to create a coverage sack. It won’t be an easy task, to say the least.
More importantly, the Edmonton Elks have got to keep up the pace and tempo of the game. They cannot afford to be behind the eight ball where the lead will be too much to bear. It is vital that they stay within striking distance to snag a victory. In football, sometimes it comes down to who will make the most impactful play at the right time to seal a victory. This might be the case vs the Calgary Stampeders as they did last week in the Hammer.
Other News
Edmonton Elks President and CEO Victor Cui announced that starting tomorrow kids 12 and under get to see the Edmonton Elks for free at Commonwealth Stadium. Also on that note, adults can see the game for as low as $20.00.
Antler Up Edmonton! Come out to Commonwealth Stadium and make a lot of noise in dethroning the Calgary Stampeders.
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