STREAMING CFL PPV: Edmonton Elks @ Calgary Stampeders, June 26, 01:00 CET (1 am, 7 pm ET June 25)
Fresh off a dramatic 33-30 comeback overtime win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Calgary Stampeders are set to play host to the Edmonton Elks in Week 3.
After falling behind early, the Stampeders recovered from a 24-3 deficit to stun the Ticats a week ago. Despite the win, Calgary will certainly be looking a better start this week against their provincial rivals.
Running back Ka’Deem Carey was injured early in the first quarter on Saturday and didn’t return to game action. According to the team depth chart he is listed as as the teams starter for Saturday and told Stamps media that he felt ready to go.
“In the game things were rough out there,” Carey told stampeders.com earlier this week. “But I got my treatment, everything held up okay and it loosened up so it’s ready to go.”
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Getting Carey going on the ground could be the key to victory against an Elks defence that has allowed 371 rushing yards through two games.
In Carey’s absence, Peyton Logan rushed for 45 yards on nine carries before also getting injured in the second half. Peyton was limited in practice earlier in the week but is listed as the No.2 against the Elks. Look for him to get a share of the ball carrying duties if needed on Saturday.
With Carey on the sidelines after a first half they’d like to forget, the pressure fell squarely on the shoulders of quarterback, Bo Levi Mitchell in the second half against Hamilton. Mitchell managed to throw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with top receiving target, Kamar Jorden seven times for 109 yards.
According to the team’s injury report, Mitchell has been listed as questionable with a foot injury heading into Saturday’s game. If he’s not ready to go, Calgary will look to Jake Maier to lead the Stamps offence.
Edmonton Elks @ Calgary Stampeders, June 26, 01:00 CET (1 am, 7 pm ET June 25)
Should he be called on, Maier is no stranger to starting under centre for the Calgary offence. Last season he threw for at least 300-yards in his first three games as the starting quarterback for the Stamps. He finished the 2021 season completing 95 passes for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns.
Whoever may be under centre for the Stamps will surely be looking for Jorden on Saturday afternoon, much like the Stamps pivots have all season long. Jordan leads the team with 144 receiving yards. Not far behind is Richie Sindani with 136 yards.
But the Elks secondary must not forget about receivers Reggie Begelton or Luther Hakunavanhu. In Week 2, Begelton had 47 yards and a touchdown, while and Hakunavanhu added 31 receiving yards of his own.
The defence rebounded from a tough first half against the Tabbies and hope to channel their second half performance this week. The Stamps allowed just a pair of fourth quarter field goals after surrendering 24 first half points.
Making an impact on the defnsive side of the ball for Calgary, linebacker, Jameer Thurman and defensive back, Titus Wall both brought down interceptions, while defensive lineman, Shawn Lemon recorded a sack.
Wall also managed to strip a ball from Dane Evans, which he returned for the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
After signing with Calgary in the off-season, Cameron Judge seems to be fitting in well with his new team. His 15 tackles to open the year are already two more than the 13 he recorded in nine games with Toronto last season.
He’ll look to add to that number while keeping Nick Arbuckle and the Elks offensive attack in check.
The Stamps boast an aggressive pass rush and have shown the ability to get into the backfield and make plays. The Elks will need protecting their quarterback a focus in Week 3, they’ve allowed nine sacks in their opening two games.
Edmonton may be 0-2, but they saw steady improvement from Week 1 to Week 2. They surrendered 59 points in a Week 1 loss to the BC Lions, but held Saskatchewan to 26 last week.
The Elks defence were able to apply pressure, resulting in four sacks against Saskatchewan and will look to contain the Calgary offence in Week 3. Linebacker Adam Konar, defensive back Nafees Lyon, defensive lineman Thomas Costigan and defensive tackle Ese Mrabure all had a sack last week.
With multiple position groups making their way into the offensive backfield, the Elks defence showed off their ability to be creative when pressuring quarterbacks.
Nick Arbuckle threw for 315 yards and a touchdown against the Riders. However, the Elks offence has turned the ball over seven times through their first two weeks of play.
The Green and Gold will have to prioritize ball security against a Stamps team that has shown the ability to accumulate points quickly.
The passing game will likely continue to be focused around receiver Kenny Lawler, and for good reason. He’s caught 17 of his 23 targets for 221 yards, including 12 for 149 in the Week 2 loss. Entering Week 3, his 221 receiving yards were enough for second most league-wide.
Lawler feels the Elks are heading into Calgary with some momentum from their performance against the Riders.
“We did a lot of things right,” Lawler told goelks.com. “And everything we did wrong is 100 per cent controllable. It’s not the talent, it’s more so the discipline. Every coach on this staff is going to make sure we’re disciplined to where we’re in the right place at the right time. Now that were in the right position we can let our talent take care of it and make plays.”
Lawler won’t be the only weapon at Arbuckle’s disposal. After missing Week 2 with an injury, Derel Walker returns to action this week for the Elks and is listed as the team’s No.1 boundary receiver.
Emmanuel Arceneaux has also shown to be a reliable deep threat option for Arbuckle, reeling in 104 receiving yards on five catches this season. Arceneaux recorded a three catch 85-yard performance against Saskatchewan in Week 2.
Arceneaux agrees with Lawler that Edmonton is improving as a unit, but now it’s time to turn improvement into winning games.
“We can say things are starting to improve, but at the end of the day it’s about winning games,” Arceneaux said to goelks.com. “We’re taking small steps and making strides to play better as a unit, whether that’s offence, defence or special teams but we just have to win games.”
The Stampeders are looking to pick up their second win at home on the young season, while the Elks head out on the road in search of their first.
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Watch the game live here PPV. Edmonton Elks @ Calgary Stampeders, June 26, 01:00 CET (1 am, 7 pm ET June 25)
