CFL Power Rankings: Week 2

The Riders are on the rise while the Tiger-Cats fall in my power rankings following Week 2.

1. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0) - To be the best you have to beat the best and that's exactly what the Riders did on Friday night at Mosaic Stadium. They not only beat the best but beat up the best in a 36-21 win. The key stat was a 22-0 score in the second half. When the CFL could pick Kory Sheets, Darian Durant and Weston Dressler for the offensive player of the week and not make a mistake shows how dominant the offense was. Oh and the defense pitched a shut out in the second half. The special teams was near perfect as well. [RANKED #3 LAST WEEK]

2. Calgary Stampeders (1-1) - The Stamps only drop one spot because they lost at Mosaic Stadium that will likely be a no-win situation for many road teams this year. They did have a 21-14 lead at the half and for some reason the offense refused to give Jon Cornish the ball. Major mistake and likely one they won't repeat. Note: Cornish's yards per run was nearly identical to Kory Sheets, who got the ball three times more. [RANKED #1 LAST WEEK]

3. Toronto Argonauts (1-1) - A long trip west is always tough on the East Division and the Argos made it close against the Lions. We will get a good look if the Argonauts deserve to stay in the top three against the Roughriders this week. Like the Stamps Chad Kackert didn't see the ball enough but the Lions were much better at stopping the run and making the Argos throw. Chad Owens is still a scary weapon on offense and special teams that plays a factor every game. [RANKED #2 LAST WEEK]

4. B.C. Lions (1-1) - The Lions were much better in game two, although it couldn't have been much worse. Andrew Harris, Solomon Elimimian were the stars and Manny Arceneaux is an upgrade over Geroy Simon and as he gets back into a CFL groove, he'll give defensive backs headaches. Travis Lulay wasn't his best and still has room to improve and no coincidence the Lions have a lot of room to move up in the power rankings as Lulay finds his game. [RANKED #5 LAST WEEK]

5. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-1) - They are the best of the worst?! Maybe? The bottom five is a crap shoot! Though with a healthy Buck Pierce for now, I think the Bombers could beat any of the other teams below them. They frustrated the heck out the Alouettes so you have to give them some big credit for that. The Bombers will last as long as Buck Pierce lasts, so they jump up a few spots this week [RANKED #7 LAST WEEK]

6. Montreal Alouettes (1-1) - I want to put the Alouettes 8th, I really do. I, however, can't disrespect this team after just two weeks. Yes, they almost lost twice to the Bombers. Yes, Anthony Calvillo looks like he's ready to lead a revolt against the coaching staff. BUT, they have Richardson, Green, Calvillo, Whitaker and you'd think that's enough for them to overcome some early struggles. Too bad the Stampeders are next. [RANKED #6 LAST WEEK]

7. Edmonton Eskimos (1-1) - The offensive line looked improved and the defense also looked improved from week one. You could say the weather played a factor but the Tiger-Cats were the ones that looked better in the rain. Mike Reilly looked like a much more competent quarterback. It all adds up to the Eskimos moving out of the basement.... for now. [RANKED #8 LAST WEEK]

8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-2) - The only thing that appears to have changed in Hamilton is the stadium and the coaching staff. The results stay the same. Kent Austin is clearly still in an evaluation stage and who knows how long that lasts. Austin's training camp may go on for the first month before he feels comfortable with his lineup. Early growing pains for the long term gain? Well we can't evaluate on the future while all we see is the pain. [RANKED #4 LAST WEEK]