A Champion’s Heart

BY DARREN POPOWICH @d_pop13

It is amazing what a difference a couple of weeks make as the Edmonton Eskimos are back in the CFL west playoff conversation. Three weeks ago a tough embarrassing loss by the Esksies to the CFL’s worst team the Saskatchewan Roughriders has seem to ignited something in the Esks. That loss was a blessing in disguise as it has lit a fire under Mike Reilly and the Eskimos reinvigorating the heart of a champion.

Last year Reilly led the Esks to eight straight wins in the regular season. The streak gave the Esks confidence and momentum as they rolled into the playoffs to a Grey Cup. That was last year. In 2016 the Esks have been consistently inconsistent going on both winning and losing streaks. With two big recent wins against west division rivals the Eskies seem to be on winning streak again. Yet, there is a different feel to this streak. A feel that seems to once again have momentum and resolve entrenched in the Esks locker room.

Walking the Talk


Monitoring the chat of Eskimo fans as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hosted the Eskies, a quiet confidence seemed to permeate throughout the Esks fans base. This confidence was echoed in the Esks demeanour on the field. A demeanour that has changed greatly over the course of the 2016 season. In the first six games the Esks looked discombobulated and uncomfortable in their new schemes. In the mid six games Esks showed growth and development, but a lack of finish. At the start of the final six games the Esks seem together as one, poised and executing.

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