Breadcrumb Trail Links
Sports
Football
CFL
"We're a completely different team, different attitude, different M.O., moving in a better direction"
Author of the article:
The Canadian Press
The Canadian Press
John Korobanik
Published Jul 12, 2025 • 3 minute read
B.C. Lions' Keon Hatcher Sr. (4) is stopped by Edmonton Elks' Nyles Morgan (45) and Royce Metchie (9) during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
B.C. Lions' Keon Hatcher Sr. (4) is stopped by Edmonton Elks' Nyles Morgan (45) and Royce Metchie (9) during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS /THE CANADIAN PRESS
Article content
It will be a different, much improved and more confident Edmonton Elks team awaiting the B.C. Lions on Sunday.
Advertisement 2
Toronto Sun
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
Enjoy additional articles per month
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
Edmonton lost to the Lions 31-14 in Vancouver in Week 1 of the Canadian Football League season. But middle linebacker Nyles Morgan said that, five weeks later, the Elks are a different team.
Article content
Article content
“We’re night and day, a lot more together, a lot more locked in,” said Morgan. “Been in the system a lot longer and everyone’s a lot more comfortable playing with one another.”
That showed last Sunday when Edmonton beat the Ottawa Redblacks 39-33 for their first win after three losses.
“We’re a completely different team, different attitude, different M.O., moving in a better direction,” said running back Justin Rankin, who had a 74-yard touchdown included in his 105 rushing yards against Ottawa.
The Elks scored a season-high 39 points, Tre Ford had a perfect quarterback rating of 156.3, and the team had points in every quarter for the first time.
opening envelope
Your Midday Sun
Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
Amazing what one victory can do for a team’s morale.
“We’re figuring out what we’re good at and what we’re not good at,” said wide receiver Steven Dunbar Jr. “Guys are understanding the offence a little better, understanding their role. We’ve kind of got more security as far as the offensive line, they’re more cohesive.
“Overall, we’re playing better in all three phases of the game.”
Defensive tackle Jake Ceresna said that all Edmonton has to do now is go out on Sunday and prove it.
To that end, part of the focus this week has been on how to deal with quarterback Nathan Rourke, whose arm and legs were a key part of the Lions success in Game 1.
“It’s really key to keep him in the pocket, but also get pressure on him so he feels uncomfortable because he is a great passer from the pocket too,” said Ceresna. “We need to make him uncomfortable all night, make it easier on our DBs, and get some sacks. We need sacks.”
Advertisement 4
Article content
There’s not much difference between the two young Canadian quarterbacks who have shown they can beat defences via the air or by their own scrambling ability.
Ford has completed 78 of 109 passes for 950 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. Rourke is 61 of 99 passes for 925 yards, five TDs and three interceptions.
Scrambling, Rourke has run 19 times for 155 yards (8.2 average) and two touchdowns. Ford has run only 12 times for 105 yards (8.8 average) and one TD.
So much of the focus by both team’s defences will be on containing the quarterbacks.
“Getting sacks, getting hits, getting pressure, affecting him in every possible way we can,” defensive end Brandon Barlow said of plans to stop Rourke. “Obviously getting him on the ground and getting the ball out is the most ideal.”
Advertisement 5
Article content
That, he said, always start with the defensive line.
“We’re the point of the spear, metaphonically speaking, so everything starts with us. We’re the ones that are first to the punch and we want to make sure we’re getting knockbacks and setting the tone.”
The Elks also need a win to even the season series with the 2-3 Lions. Statistically the teams have each scored 104 points while the Lions have given up 132 in five games and the Elks 138 in four games.
“If you look long term, us winning this game would give us a chance to have a really big game at the end of the season,” said Dunbar Jr. “It’s important, kind of keep the series alive.
“It’ll be good for us in our playoff run. This is one of those games you want to win early in the season so when the season really matters, kind of figuring out the playoff situation, these points will help us out.”
Advertisement 6
Article content
The two teams will meet a third time on Oct. 17 in Vancouver, the second-last week of the regular season.
Read More
[Edmonton Elks' Justin Rankin celebrates a touchdown against the Ottawa Redblacks.
Edmonton Elks dodge self-inflicted bullet to earn first win of season](https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-elks/elks-dodge-self-inflicted-bullet-earn-first-win)
2. [Spectators react after CFL football action between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders got postponed to the next day in Regina, on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Davis: Smoky first-place CFL showdown delayed, postponed by paralyzing indecision](https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/davis-smokey-first-place-cfl-showdown-delayed-postponed-by-indecision)
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Comments