The Calgary Stampeders will look to continue their promising start to the season on Saturday when they host the winless Ottawa Redblacks.
Fresh off a league-worst 5-12-1 record in 2024, the Stampeders (2-0) have leaned on new quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. and a revamped defense to record victories over the Hamilton TigerCats and the reigning Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts.
“Just keep stacking good quality performances early in the year,” Calgary general manager/head coach Dave Dickenson said. “Try to get your wins in early and see where it takes you.”
While the results have been positive, the Stampeders saw star receiver Reggie Begelton sustain a broken leg on the second play from scrimmage in their 29-19 victory over the Argonauts last Saturday. Begelton, a three-time 1,000-yard receiver, has been placed on the six-game injured list.
Adams leaned on receiver Jalen Philpot, who reeled in six receptions for a career-best 117 yards against Toronto.
Adrian Greene returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown last week for Calgary.
The Stampeders’ defense will set its sights on Redblacks quarterback Dustin Crum, who took first-team snaps at practice this week and was named the starter Friday. Dru Brown continues to nurse a hip injury that forced him to sit out Ottawa’s 39-18 loss to the Montreal Alouettes last week. Crum got the nod over Matt Shiltz, who tossed three interceptions in that game for the Redblacks.
“We’re just taking Dru day by day and going forward from there,” Ottawa head coach Bob Dyce said. “… We wanted to make sure Dusty got some reps going into this game.”
Strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected in Calgary, and Crum’s ability to run the ball may have played a factor in Dyce’s decision to turn to him over Shiltz on Saturday.
The Redblacks (0-2) will need to shore up a generous defense that has allowed a league-high 70 points this season.
–Field Level Media
