Sherrod Baltimore is ready to take on divisional opponent as we reach mid-season

This season has been a little more of a struggle than past seasons, but the defense doesn’t show fear as they get set to play 6-2 Hamilton Tiger Cats this Saturday at 4:00.

The Ottawa Redblacks sit at 3-5 going into week 10 of the CFL season, but the record doesn’t show the amount of success our Redblacks’ defense has had this season. At week 10 of the season, the Redblacks defense is red hot, only giving up 60 points in the last few games, while being successful getting turnovers.

Even though the defense looks as if they’ve been playing together for a few years, they havent been. Its almost the opposite as that. The majority of the defense this season were actually signed by the Redblacks during this season.

With the Redblacks’ defense mostly new to eachother, the veteran players like Antoine Pruneau, Jonathan Rose, J.P Bolduc and even guys like Avery Williams and Sherrod Baltimore have all taken roles to improve and mentor the younger guys as we get moving in the season.

Jerod Fernandez is a key example of a young guy stepping up. Being signed early July, the team had already played 4-5 games and as a 25 year old CFL rookie, he hadn’t been familiar with the league or the team when he’d been signed. He took the role to be a middle linebacker between both Anthony Cioffi and Avery Williams and has had a forced fumble in the last two games and has had an extremely great rookie season. Baltimore: Fernandez is a baller, he has like 2 or 3 turnovers in the last few weeks and he has so much potential, its crazy.

Today at Redblacks walkthroughs, I had the time to ask Baltimore about Jerod Fernandez and the whole next man up system here in Ottawa…

Baltimore: In Ottawa, you have to be ready because they give everyone opportunities. I feel like Ottawa is a great place for players to grow their careers.

Baltimore has also built a great relationship with Jonathan Rose who is a defensive back for Ottawa. Baltimore: On the field with him is crazy, our communication on and off the field is awesome, and I cant wait to play with him again.

REDBLACKS and CFL reveal negotiation list

The CFL has a system, where if a team likes a player that has NFL potential, or already is in the NFL, you would have to get his “rights” before being able to sign him.

For example, Lucky Whitehead of Winnipeg. He played 3 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and was later released by the Cowboys. During the time spent with Dallas, Winnipeg acquired his “rights”, therefore once Whitehead had been released by the Cowboys, the only CFL team able to sign him would be Winnipeg.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Lucky Whitehead (13) celebrates with wide receiver Dez Bryant after scoring on a 8-yard touchdown pass during the second quarter of NFL preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)

Lucky Whitehead is a Winnipeg Blue-Bomber.

The Ottawa Redblacks have one player that they acquired from the negotiation list, Randall Evans, Defensive back.

Today the newest list had been released by the CFL, and the Redblacks list contains:

  • Wide Receiver, Floyd Allen (Ole Miss)
  • Quarterback, David Blough (Purdue)
  • Wide Receiver, Rashard Davis (James Madison)
  • Quarterback, Eric Dungey (Syracuse)
  • Quarterback, Luke Falk (Washington State)
  • Defensive End, Charles Harris (Buffalo)
  • Wide Receiver, Deonte Harris (Assumption College)
  • Quarterback, Devlin Hodges (Samford)
  • Defensive End, Malik Reed (Nevada)
  • Quarterback, PJ Walker (Temple)

Thoughts…

I believe that this is an awesome negotiation list! There is a lot of potential within the 10 players given, and we might see a few of these guys on the field soon.

A few of those players are actually available right now. So if we’d like we can sign one today.

Eric Dungey is a great player from Syracuse and put up some crazy numbers as a mobile QB at Syracuse. Dungey threw for 9,340 yards and rushed for 1,993 yards while combining for 93 total touchdowns in 39 games played. Dungey is a current free agent, and was cut by the Giants in May after attending mini camp.

Along with Dungey, the Redblacks also have wide-out Floyd Allen, from Ole Miss. Allen only had 5 touches for 54 yards in his university career and still got a spot with the Houston Texans.

Floyd Allen makes catch at practice with Texans

With the Texans, Floyd Allen has already played one preseason game getting one reception for 17 yards against Green Bay. Allen is set to play three more preseason games.

Redblacks sign Logan, cut Thomas Jr. as they prepare for Hamilton

The Redblacks remain in the headlines this week with a few transactions.

The addition

The Redblacks announced the signing of 38 year old running back Stefan Logan.

Logan has spent 8 seasons in the CFL and 5 seasons in the NFL splitting time with the Miami Dolphins, B.C Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, Montreal Alouettes and now the Ottawa Redblacks.

MONTREAL, QUE.: JULY 4, 2019 — Montreal Alouettes kick returner Stefan Logan runs away from Hamilton Tiger-Cats Connor McGough during Canadian Football League game in Montreal Thursday July 4, 2019. (John Mahoney / MONTREAL GAZETTE) ORG XMIT: 62784 – 8283

In the time spent in the CFL, he took all kick return duties along with his offensive flex role. In his whole career, Logan has over 10,000 kick return yards, 4 return touchdowns to go with over 2,000 rush yards and 900 receiving yards.

The Redblacks make this signing after two injuries that sideline both DeVonte Dedmon and Rafael Araujo-Lopes this week against Hamilton.

Stefan Logan was released by the Alouettes four games into the 2019 season, therefore we know that the 38 year old still has some wheels!

The departure

Along with the signing of Logan, the team parted ways with Wide Receiver and Slot Back, Noel Thomas Jr. Thomas was in his second season with the Redblacks and was on pace for a great season. Only playing in a few games this season, he caught the ball 15 times for 123 yards.

Redblacks release former Blue-Bomber, Julian Feoli-Gudino

The Ottawa Redblacks had released news today that they cut veteran receiver Julian Feoli-Gudino.

Calgary Stampeders defensive back Ciante Evans (0) fails to tackle Ottawa Redblacks wide receiver Julian Feoli-Gudino (83) during the first half of the 106th Grey Cup in Edmonton, Alta. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

The now former Redblack had spent his first two seasons in Toronto, where he’d go on and win the 100th Grey Cup in 2012. Before winning the big game, he’d been drafted by the Argos from the University of Laval where the receiver wold produce outstanding numbers, good enough to be the MVP of the 2008 Vanier Cup.

The former MVP went on to spend 4 seasons with the Winnipeg Blue-Bombers. During the time spent out west, Gudino would have a few major seasons which would give him 1105 yards on 111 catches, 7 of the catches went for touchdowns.

After spending his 2017 season with 432 yards, he’d be signed by the 2016 Grey Cup Champions. The Ottawa Redblacks, who had lost Jake Harty in free agency were out to get a National receiver, where Gudino came in.

After being one of the top pick ups in Free Agency, the Laval product would give the Redblacks just over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 2 years spent in Ottawa along with a touchdown in the 106th Grey Cup.

On August 12th, 2019 Julian’s battle with Ottawa had ended. He is now a free agent.

The Redblacks fall short of 4th quarter comeback in Edmonton

The Redblacks faced off against Trevor Harris and the Edmonton Eskimos Friday night at 10:00 EDT. Trevor Harris and Greg Ellingson who were one of the best duos in the CFL a year ago here in Ottawa would be back together against the Red and Black.

With little time left on the clock, the Redblacks offense carried by Dominique Davis was stuffed at the Eskimos 11 yard line which ended in a Edmonton win at 16-12.

What went well

Run game

In the hard fought loss to Edmonton, the offense came to play. By the offense, I mean John Crockett and company.

John Crockett, who had started his 4th game of the season in Edmonton would look to reach the endzone for the first time in the new league.

Although he didn’t reach the end-zone, the back continues his success here in Canada. He rushed for 89 yards on 13 carries while also catching the ball twice for 19 yards. It had shown that Crockett could move the ball against one of the best defenses in Edmonton.

The pass game showed up, and stayed

Dominique Davis who led the Redblacks to victory last week in Montreal would look for his 4th win on the season in Edmonton on Friday. He came up short on the last drive which would later lead to a Eskimos win and of course a Redblacks loss.

Although he didn’t get the win on the scoreboard, Davis had a few personal wins on the stat sheet. Davis completed 23 passes for over 280 yards and one touchdown, that touchdown being a 67 yarder to Dominique Rhymes. If the Redblacks did finish on top, this game would be the best we’ve seen out of Davis so far this season.

New guy helped out offense

Rafael Araujo-Lopes took his first snap as a professional athlete Friday night in Edmonton. The Pittsburgh University receiver had produced well over 1,000 yards all-purpose in University ball and was ready to test the waters up north.

After being signed nearly a month ago, it is known that he knew the playbook and the rhythm going into the game. Knowing the playbook wasn’t too big in the game in Edmonton though, the Pitt product caught the ball 6 ties for 57 yards, 4 of those catches came off the same bubble screen he had caught a 68 yard touchdown in against Syracuse in his University days.

Defense stopped Trevor Harris and company… a lot

Going into this game, the Redblacks’ defense was red hot coming off the big win in Montreal, and it was already known that they were hungry for Trevor Harris.

The defense led by Avery Williams got the ball back four times on the night while giving up no pass touchdowns from Trevor Harris. Only giving up 16 points was huge for the Redblacks’ offense to stay in the game. Coming off this loss, the defense will be focused on a Hamilton offense in next week’s match-up.

Gameday out west, what to look for against the Esks

Tonight at 10:00 pm EDT, the Redblacks will play the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth stadium.

The last time Ottawa had played in Edmonton, they had a heart breaking grey cup loss to Calgary. Over nine months ahead, they’re back to play Edmonton, but with new faces and names.

The Redblacks will actually play against Trevor Harris, Greg Ellingson and Sir Vincent Rogers. All three of those players spent time in Ottawa and led us to a few Grey Cups.

Former Redblack, Pierre performs music under name Hueso. Click the photo to listen to his music.

While the former Redblacks will welcome Ottawa to Commonwealth stadium, the new Redblacks have a near must win in their hands.

The Redblacks are coming off a 30-27 overtime win over Montreal and look to improve to 4-4. Sitting at 3-4, the Redblacks get back Antoine Pruneau on the defense and hope for a big win against Edmonton.

What to look for

In this week 9 matchup, the Ottawa Redblacks who are 3-4 look to improve their win streak to 2 against Trevor Harris and his 4-3 Eskimos.

Defense wins championships

Although the scores do not show it, the Ottawa Redblacks defense have had two straight games where they’ve played phenomenally.

Giving up 44 points in the last two games, the Redblacks defense has only given up 21 second half points in the last 3 games. If the Redblacks defense can take their second half play to the first half also, the team can pull away with a big win.

Along with the great performances in the second half, the Redblacks’ defense have soe of the best tacklers in the CFL.

Calgary Stampeders vs Ottawa REDBLACKS July 25, 2019 PHOTO: Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photography

The duo of Avery Williams and Anthony Cioffi have combined for 74 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, one quarterback sack and one interception. The duo has also been given linebacker, Jerod Fernandez who has played the last three games for Ottawa. The duo between Cioffi and Williams has become a great trio with Fernandez who has had 14 tackles and a forced fumble in the three games played this season.

Along with the great defensive backfield, Ottawa also has one of the best defensive lines in the game of football. The starting four, which contains Avery Ellis, Michael Klassen, Michael Wakefield and JR Tavai has contributed to 10 sacks in the 6 games they’ve played together. To go with the quarterback take downs, the line is pretty quick to get off the ball and tackle a pass catcher or ball carrier. The 4 have combined for 76 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery in the games played together.

Watch out for the front 7 in tonights’ game against Edmonton as they are hungry for a few sacks on former Redblacks’ quarterback, Trevor Harris.

Receivers look to silence doubters

The Redblacks’ receivers haven’t been getting enough credit for hat they’ve been doing for the offense. In fact, they’ve been getting disrespected, being compared to last years’ receivers. Get over the fact that Spencer and Ellingson are gone, its a new era here in Ottawa, and we need to embrace that.

The Redblacks receivers this season contain of, R.J Harris, Caleb Holley, Dominique Rhymes, Brad Sinopoli, Julian Feoli Gudino, Seth Coate, Noel Thomas, Nate Behar, DeVonte Dedmon and Rafael Araujo-Lopes.

The group of receivers this year have played well this season, but haven’t been getting a lot of love. The Redblacks receiving group have combined for 1,402 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Playing with two quarterbacks is tough, therefore the receivers haven’t been producing as many yards as they would with one quarterback all season.

Considering there has been games where the quarterback has thrown for less than 150 yards, the receivers here in Ottawa have played unbelievable. So look out for these receivers this week!

Redblacks welcome Araujo Lopes with starting job

On July 11th, Rafael Araujo-Lopes was signed by the Ottawa Redblacks. Nearly a full month ago he was signed, and now he will play. Due to injuries of Caleb Holley and R.J Harris, the receivers group needed an addition, and the team brought up Rafael to be that addition.

Araujo Lopes breaks for 68 yard touchdown in Carrier Dome against Syracuse Orange

After spending a month with the team’s practice squad, Rafael is expected to be familiar with the playbook and players as he takes his first professional start this Friday (tomorrow) at 10:00 in Edmonton.

Getting to know Rafael

Rafael Araujo-Lopes who is born and raised in Kissimmee, Florida is 23 years old. Although he is new in red and black, he is not new to football. Rafael has played football most of his life and spent three seasons with the University of Pittsburgh.

At the University of Pittsburgh, Araujo-Lopes played a total of 26 games where he’d catch 83 balls for 947 yards and 6 touchdowns while rushing the ball 16 times for 66 yards. Outside of his offensive play, Rafael used his speed on special teams also where he’d return kicks for Pitt. On specials, he would return 20 punts for 179 yards where one of his returns would go 86 yards for a touchdown. On kickoff returns, he’d have 5 for 132, his longest ending up at 69 yards.

In his days at Pitt, he played some very good teams, and he stood up tall against them putting on a show at a few of them. Some of his biggest games came under the lights against great teams.

On September 1st, 2018 Pittsburgh faced off against Albany, where Araujo-Lopes would have a monster game. He finished the game with 7 touches for 70 even yards. 2 rushes for 17 yards, 3 catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns along with 2 returns for 2 yards.

That might sound like a great outing, but he had way more games where that came from. In the last two seasons at Pitt, Rafael had 10 games where he’d produce 50+ receiving yards. To go with the receiving yards, Araujo-Lopes also had an 86 yard punt return touchdown against the Undefeated UCF Knights in 2018.

Injuries sideline Harris, Tindal, Lauzon-Segin and Holley but also give opportunities to others

The Redblacks traveled to Edmonton this morning, but the whole team wasn’t on the plane. There were multiple guys who weren’t cleared to play in tomorrows game in Edmonton.

With the pass game struggling, its tough to lose someone a part of that, and we’ve lost two. R.J Harris, who’s been out for multiple weeks now is unable to comeback from injury this week in Edmonton. R.J Harris’ injury is becoming old news for us, so the team also has more news for us! Caleb Holley, who contributed in a big way in our comeback last week in Montreal will be out this week due to an injury.

Redblacks receiver, Tyrone Pierre will perform music tomorrow at the Hudson, stop by the Hudson before watching the game at home.

Although the two receivers will be out in Edmonton, it doesn’t mean we wont have the same impact in the pass game. Receivers Feoli-Gudino, Dominique Rhymes, Noel Thomas, Brad Sinopoli and Nate Behar will remain in the lineup while we say hello two a few speedsters.

Kick Returner DeVonte Dedmon will get a few reps at receiver, while the team will also bring up wide receiver/kick returner, Rafael Araujo-Lopes to start at slot back tomorrow.

Along with the offensive injuries, the defense will also be impacted from injuries. Corey Tindal will miss his first game of the season this week as the team will bring up DeAndre Farris to start at DB against the Edmonton receivers this week.

Coming off monster game in week 8, Dedmon looks at new role on the Redblacks

DeVonte Dedmon, wide receiver and kick returner for the Ottawa Redblacks. He played the whole pre-season and training camp with the club, where he’d produce some eye opening numbers.

In the 2 games played in the pre-season, he split return responsibilities with both Ryan Lankford and Troy Stoudermire. Although he had two others fighting for the job with him, it seems he had the best fight out of them all. He returned three kickoffs for 157 yards and a touchdown, while returning two punts for 23 yards to even go with two catches for 51 yards.

Photo from CBC

He did end up losing the fight for the return spot by the end of pre-season due to an injury that occurred during training camp. Once Dedmon recovered from said injury, the team brought him right back. Cutting Ryan Lankford after a mistake made in the hard fought week 4 loss to Winnipeg, DeVonte Dedmon was back in the Nation’s capital.

Just weeks before his biggest game of his career, he took his first start as a returner in the CFL. Ever since, his numbers have been booming!

photo via TSN

After his big 2 return touchdowns in Montreal last week, his totals are 289 punt return yards and 410 kick return yards on a total of 29 kickoff and punt returns.

After his massive week 8 outing where he’d rack up 377 return yards alone, it was only obvious that he should play more receiver.

Former Redblack Tyrone Pierre performs music on Friday at The Hudson

This season, he’s got one catch for 12 yards against Calgary in week 7, but thats all going to change.

The team looks to use DeVonte Dedmon more at receiver. If you’ve been watching the CFL and the Redblacks for some time now, expect Dedmon to be used as a Diontae Spencer, Lucky Whitehead or even a Chris Williams type player.

In week nine, the Redblacks will travel to Edmonton where R.J Harris should return from injury also, which will give quarterback Dominique Davis another two targets against Edmonton’s hard fought defense.

Redblacks fight off injuries as they prepare for Edmonton

The Redblacks are set to play their 8th game of the season this Friday. Sitting at 3-4, Ottawa looks to keep their win streak to 2 games and get to a .500 win percentage.

This Friday, the Redblacks will stay on the road to face off against the Edmonton Eskimos at 10:00 EDT in Edmonton.

RJ Harris
Antoine Pruneau

The Redblacks have been fighting the injury bug in the last few weeks, losing key pieces to the team such as Antoine Pruneau, Dominique Davis, Jonathan Rose, Mossis Madu, R.J Harris, Danny Mason and Nicolas Boulay. As the Redblacks continue to practice this week before Friday’s game, some of those injuries will be fought off and you might just see some of those players back on the field this Friday.

Both Antoine Pruneau and R.J Harris will fight off injuries this week and will hope to be cleared for Friday’s game in Edmonton.

Both players haven’t played since week 5’s loss to Montreal and will hope to step in against a few former teammates in Edmonton this week.