Redblacks looking to raise their game to playoff level against visiting Eskimos

“Basically it’s trying to get (Reilly) off his rhythm,” said Ottawa cornerback Jonathan Rose, who had two interceptions last week. “Try to get as many two and outs as possible and then just stay consistent and not let him get us with the one-shot wonder. If he has to, make him have to go down for down and beat us that way.”

Ottawa is coming off a solid 30-25 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. A significant change for the Redblacks was its ability to release the ball quicker and Harris being much more mobile.

Harris, who suffered an ankle/knee injury in the pre-season, said it’s no coincidence he was moving around more last week.

“I’m at my best when I can move the pocket and run a little bit, use my feet,” said Harris. “When our O-line protects really well, like they did last week, it allows me being able to do that, even if it doesn’t mean rushing yards, it means we can move in the pocket and get myself going.

“The doctors told me it would be a while before the knee and ankle felt like I couldn’t tell the difference between the two and I think it’s getting close to that point.”

The Redblacks and their offensive line had taken significant criticism after Harris was sacked six times by the B.C. Lions, so adjustments were made last week.

“You don’t want to be predictable on anything you do in football, but particularly as an offensive line and quarterback you don’t want to drop back all the time,” said head coach Rick Campbell. “You want to keep the defence guessing through either moving the launch point of the quarterback or running the ball or screens or whatever. You need to be dynamic to make sure you keep the pass rushers off balance.”

Last week the Roughriders were unable to get to Harris, but the Eskimos believe they can make life difficult for the Ottawa quarterback.

“Getting pressure on a quarterback in this league is paramount and we don’t rush a ton of people,” said Eskimos head coach Jason Maas. “We’d like to do that with our four-man front. Those guys are tenacious and get after the quarterback. Ultimately what you want as a team defence are guys that are on the same page that recognize things and play with a lot of confidence and aren’t afraid to make a play.”

While Harris was solid last week, going 27-for-34 for 334 yards and two touchdowns, Ottawa’s running game was just as impressive. William Powell ran for 148 yards, 110 of which came in the second half. Powell, who leads the CFL with 994 yards, needs just six yards for his second straight 1,000-yard season and 33 to surpass his career high of 1,026.

The Eskimos are coming off a bye week, which may not have come at the best time as they were riding high after beating league-leading Calgary 48-42.

Tied with Saskatchewan for second in the West, the Eskimos are also starting to look towards the playoffs.

“The next six games is going to determine the outcome of the year,” said Maas. “We know how tough these last six games are going to be. We’ve put ourselves in this position and we need to play well and capitalize on it.”

The two teams meet again in Edmonton on Oct. 13.

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EDMONTON (7-5) AT OTTAWA (7-5)

PLAY WITHIN THE RULES – Ottawa LB Kyries Hebert returns after serving his two-game suspension for a hit on Montreal receiver B.J. Cunningham. It was his second suspension this year. Hebert is productive for the Redblacks, but it questions remain whether he can play his style and stay within the rules.

FANCY KICKS – As part of the CFL’s Family Day initiative Ottawa WR Brad Sinopoli was asked by Adidas to come up with a unique design for his cleats. Sinopoli’s shoes feature characters from the Simpsons, the Parliament buildings and the Lift Lock from his hometown in Peterborough. The shoes will be auctioned off following the game.

STREAKER –Ottawa kicker Lewis Ward hasn’t missed a field goal attempt since Week 1. The rookie kicker is 33-for-34 and has made 30 in a row.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Redblacks looking to raise their game to playoff level against visiting Eskimos

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