That’s not how people thought the 2022 CFL season would begin for Edmonton Elks.
Setting the franchise’s record for the most points allowed in a single game, Elks led the BC Lions 42-6 late in the first half and lost the season opener 59-15.
The Elks returned to training on Tuesday and managed to turn the tables with the opening goal on Saturday at home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Head coach Chris Jones saw a lousy performance from his foul, who turned over the ball too much and had problems defending quarterback Nick Arbuckle, who once again on behalf of the first team on Tuesday.
On defense, whatever could go wrong, did. Jones says his view of the game has changed somewhat.
“If you want to look at it negatively, then yes, there are a lot of things that we can keep repeating,” Jones said.
“We chose to fix those problems, change the things we did wrong, and choose to accept those things.
“On the other hand, there are some positives in the game. Any pre-season or regular game where you don’t play like what you’re supposed to, there’s things you can glean from that and that’s what we decided to do as a team. football team “.
Ten-year CFL veteran Ed Gainey was part of a defense that struggled on Saturday and surrendered a staggering eight touchdowns. Gainey is a former Rider but says his focus is solely on making sure the Elks defense doesn’t spawn again this weekend.
“I can’t really focus on that personally. The last time we went on the field as a team, we were embarrassed,” said Gainey.
“I’m looking for ways to improve compared to last week and the defense is just getting together and playing 12-man football, not playing as an individual.
“I want to say a lot about Saskatchewan, I have an obligation to this organization to come and help them win.”
Washington is coming back
Offensive specialist Tony Washington returned as a full participant Tuesday in practice and slipped in his usual left-handling position.
The 36-year-old man has had to take two weeks off with a non-COVID illness affecting his lungs. With his voice still a bit weak, Washington said he’s about to make his first appearance of the season on Saturday.
“I am ready to come back. I don’t know if this will be my last year,” Washington said. “I just want to go out and have a great season and do what I can to make this year special.”
Queuers attack Edmonton Elks Tony Washington when he can return after two weeks of illness
Moving formation
The Elks family traded on Tuesday with the Montreal Alouettes, sending Walter Fletcher back to the Als for a sixth-round draft pick in the 2023 CFL Draft.
Last season, Fletcher scored 302 runs and 177 tackles in 11 games.
The Elks have launched an attack squad Antonio Garcia and receiver Caleb Holley.
Elks placed defender line-up and picked Wesly Appolon in the 2022 fifth round in a six-match injury-hit with a quadruple injury suffered in the first playthrough due to scrims in Saturday’s loss to the BC Lions.
The Elks have signed two Canadian players in defensive back Ethan Mackonzo and full-back Mike Beaudry. Makanzo was drafted by Alouettes in the 2021 CFL draft after applying to join the University of Montreal Carabins. Ethan is Elks’ brother who chose fourth overall Enock Makonzo. Beaudry was released by Elks last week and will rejoin the team’s practice roster.
The Elks will open the scoring at home this Saturday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Opening on Brick Stadium at Commonwealth Stadium will be at 7:30pm. 630 CHED will have a live broadcast starting with Countdown to Kick-off at 6pm
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