The Edmonton Elks got their first win of the season last week at Hamilton and now have a chance to get their first win streak of the season this week.
The Elks host the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday, the second of four meetings this season between the two teams.
In the June 25 matchup in Calgary, the Elks led the game for 39 minutes before giving up the lead, ultimately losing the game 30-23.
As well as the defense played, they felt they left too many plays on the field. They would like to have the script they used in their 29-25 victory over the Tiger-Cats last Friday. Trailing by 13 points, the defense forced four second-half turnovers, including two interceptions and a scoop and touchdown by Elks defensive back Jalen Collins.
Jalen Collins serves and scores securing the Edmonton Elks’ first win of the season
Tackling was a problem in the first three games and got much better on Canada Day.
Elks defensive lineman Christian Rector picked three of those defensive tackles and says it was a point of emphasis in pregame practice.
“We worked on that in practice and it carried over into the game,” Rector said. “I think we’ve seen a difference, so we just need to continue and build on that. We can move on and that will be good for us.”
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Tre Ford and Edmonton Elks beat Tiger-Cats 29-25 in Hamilton
The Elks fired Tiger-Cats quarterback Dane Evans three times. Rector searched one of those sacks.
The Elks have recorded seven quarterback sacks in the first four games, good for fifth in the CFL. In their last meeting with the Stampeders, the Elks couldn’t get to quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.
Rector says more pressure on the quarterback is something they can do much better on Thursday.
“Just to play a smarter ball, knowing the down and the distance, and knowing the situation,” Rector said. “Just being more familiar with what we do and how we execute it.”
Firing Mitchell has not proven to be an easy task. The Stampeders are tied for first place in the CFL with the BC Lions. Head coach Chris Jones says his pass-rushers need to be creative in how they pressure Mitchell.
“Well, he knows exactly where to go with the ball and the ball is often out in just under two seconds,” Jones said. “A lot of times you’re going to have to play in the shooting lane and do a great job of knowing exactly where he’s going to shoot the ball, and try something on the coverage side to get him to hold the ball.”
Edmonton Elks head coach Chris Jones on pressuring Bo Levi Mitchell and moving practice indoors Tuesday
Locksley beaten
On Tuesday, the Elks practiced indoors to get out of the rain. Receiver/quarterback Kai Locksley left practice early after suffering an apparent shoulder injury. No update was given after practice. In four games this season, Locksley has three rushing touchdowns and has recorded 51 receiving yards.
Thursday’s game between the Elks and Stamps will be heard at 630 CHED beginning with Countdown to Kick-off at 5:30 p.m. Kickoff at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium will be at 7 p.m.
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