After losing in Grey Cup 106 to the Stampeders the RedBlacks faced some hard decisions
heading into 2019. The team just finished its third Grey Cup game in its fifth year if existence
and questions were raised after a dismal performance in November.
Overall Grade: C
Losses
The biggest departure was that of the team’s quarterback, losing Trevor Harris to the Eskimos.
He struggled at times, more notably in the big game, but Harris gave the RedBlacks a chance
every week since the retirement of Henry Burris.
The teams lost other key pieces on offense including leading rusher William Powell who had
1362 yards rushing in 2018. Ottawa also lost its best offensive lineman in SirVincent Rogers
and one of their top receivers in Greg Ellingson who had over 1000 yards receiving in 2018.
They also lost receiver and electric kick returner Dionte Spencer to the Pittsburgh Steelers of
the NFL along with LB/DB Rico Murray who signed with Hamilton in Free Agency.
Additions
The RedBlacks brought back Mossis Madu to counter the loss of Powell but it’s unseen what his
impact can be with only 104 rushing yards in 2018. Dominique Davis was re-signed who as well
was efficient as a backup to Harris last year.
Ottawa re-signed Canadian receiver Julian Feoli-Gudino who is a solid depth receiver but made
a bigger splash bringing in Caleb Holley from Saskatchewan. Holley is a speedster and a great
deep threat but has faced some injury issues to time will tell what his role can be in replacing
Greg Ellingson.
They kept kicker Richie Leone and brought back All-Star DB Jonathan Rose which will help the
defense. But the big signing this offseason was from BC. Jennings showed
flashes earlier in his career that he can be a franchise QB but slipped last year. Throughout a
rough year, Jennings fought with Travis Lulay for the starting job before BC moved on.
Overview
I give Ottawa a C grade. They didn’t lose a tonne of players but the ones they lose were key
pieces to their offense and the moves they made to battle that was insignificant. Picking up
Holley will help bring some explosiveness to the offense.
I think signing Jennings was the best possible option for them the replace Trevor Harris, but the
gaps left open at running back and the O-line are too big for the additions they made. It may be
difficult for them to get back to their fourth Grey Cup in 2019.