One thing that was very apparent in the opening games, teams that had their core on offenses did not miss a step. Look at Montreal and Sask. Teams that have a bunch of new faces and/or injuries, struggled to say the least (Toronto and Calgary). I don't think anyone expected to see 105 points in the first game of the season but Sask lost a ton of players on defense.
Lets look at Edmonton's additions/losses:
Key Addition: WR Kelly Campbell - One year after leaving for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the speedy receiver is back and should form a dynamic duo with Fred Stamps, much to the delight of Ricky Ray.
Other Signings and Acquisitions: WR Brad Smith, SB Andre Talbot, LB Javier Glatt, DB Chris Thompson, DB Lenny Walls, DB Lawrence Gordon
Key Deletion: RB Jesse Lumsden - The injury bug bit Lumsden in the first game last season, which led to the emergence of Arkee Whitlock. The running game should be okay but ratio-busters are hard to come by.
Other Releases and Deletions: WR Maurice Mann, OL John Comiskey, DC Jim Daley, DT Eric Taylor, DT Jerome Haywood, LB Reggie Hunt, DB Byron Parker, DB Kelly Malveaux, S Scott Gordon, DB Lenny Williams, DB Anthony Malbrough
Now lets look at BC:
Key Additions: DL Keron Williams and RB Jamal Robertson - Williams was among the best free agents available in February and he was a must for the Lions, who have lost great pass rushers in recent years. Along the same lines, Robertson needs to fill the shoes of Martell Mallett.
Other Signings and Acquisitions: WR Derick Armstrong, CB Davis Sanchez
Key Deletion: DL Ricky Foley - Another year, another loss of a great pass rusher. Last year, it was Cameron Wake and the Lions took a step back. This year, Foley's league-leading 12 sacks need to replaced by someone on the defensive line.
Other Releases and Deletions: QB Buck Pierce, QB Zac Champion, RB Martell Mallett, RB Ian Smart, FB Rolly Lumbala, OL Jason Jimenez, OL Darren Heerspink, DL Nautyn McKay-Loescher, LB Javier Glatt, LB JoJuan Armour, DB Jerome Dennis, DB Barron Miles, DB LaVar Glover, KR Ryan Grice-Mullen
What they both have in common, offenses getting more potent with BC adding Armstrong and Edmonton getting Kelly back and adding great possession receivers in Talbot and Smith. Both lost a great deal on the defensive side of the ball.
The last 3 times these teams played with their defenses in tact and less potent on offense, BC with rotating QB's:
11/06/09 EDM 45 - BC 13
10/09/09 BC 34 - EDM 31
07/16/09 BC 40 - EDM 22
I smell a similar closing game to the opening one. It won't be 105 points but I am going to bet the Over 53.5. Good luck to you all.
Official Play:
Over 53.5 (30 units)