Edmonton Elks Interim Head Coach Makes Honest Admission On the Team Performance

The Edmonton Elks are stepping into September with a sense of urgency as they prepare for one of the most storied rivalries in Canadian football. The Labour Day Classic, a tradition that has seen the Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders clash at the peak of the CFL’s West Division, is taking on added significance this year. Both teams, however, find themselves at the bottom of the standings, but the stakes remain high as they both strive to turn their seasons around.

For the Elks, the Labour Day Classic marks the beginning of a critical month that could define their playoff hopes. With a 3-8 record, the Elks are currently at the foot of the West Division. Their opponents, the Calgary Stampeders, are slightly ahead with a 4-6 record, placing them fourth in the division. A win for Edmonton not only has the potential to level their record with Calgary but could also narrow the gap between them and the top teams in the division, including the Saskatchewan Roughriders, B.C. Lions, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Elks are coming off a nail-biting loss to the Montreal Alouettes, who narrowly escaped with a 21-17 victory on August 25. This defeat ended a promising three-game winning streak for the Elks. Their inability to close out tight games has been a significant issue this season. Edmonton has yet to win a game that has been decided in the final three minutes, with a disheartening 0-6 record in such close contests. In contrast, Calgary has managed to secure victories in four of their nine games that were decided in the dying moments.

Interim Head Coach Jarious Jackson has been forthright about the challenges his team has faced. Jackson has pointed out a concerning trend: the Elks have been outscored 50-0 in their last five third quarters. According to Jackson, the team’s failure to respond until the fourth quarter has been a major hurdle. The Elks need to address this issue quickly, as September’s schedule offers little room for error.

Monday’s game against the Stampeders will not only be a chance for redemption but also a significant step towards their goal of leapfrogging Calgary in the standings. Following the Labour Day Classic, the Elks will face the Stampeders again in the traditional rematch game at home. They will then enjoy a bye week before concluding September with a crucial home-and-home series against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Each game is a must-win if the Elks are to have any hope of making the playoffs.

On the offensive front, McLeod Bethel-Thompson has emerged as a key player for the Elks. The veteran quarterback is set to start on Monday and has recently been in impressive form. Over the past two games, Bethel-Thompson has thrown for 434 yards, with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. His performance is a significant boost for the Elks as they navigate a challenging part of their season. Notably, Bethel-Thompson has gone 67 pass attempts without throwing an interception, showcasing his improved accuracy and decision-making.

For Bethel-Thompson, the Labour Day Classic holds a special place. He has expressed the significance of this matchup, emphasizing how it could impact the Elks’ season. With the pressure on, he will need to maintain his strong play to give Edmonton a fighting chance. Additionally, Tre Ford is expected to return to the lineup to back up Bethel-Thompson after a stint on the sidelines due to a chest injury. Ford’s return adds depth to the quarterback position and provides the Elks with another option if needed.

The Elks’ special teams have also been a focal point of recent discussions. Global kicker Dean Faithfull will make his 2024 season debut, stepping in for Boris Bede, whose performance has been inconsistent. Bede missed a critical 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter against Montreal, a miss that proved costly in the Elks’ narrow loss. Bede’s field goal percentage has dropped to 74.1% this season, a stark contrast to his impressive 94.9% from the previous year. Faithfull, who recorded a field goal percentage of 78.6% last season, will need to stabilize the kicking game and contribute effectively in what could be a close and competitive matchup.

As the Elks gear up for this crucial Labour Day Classic, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be charged with intensity. The game represents more than just a battle for points; it’s a chance for Edmonton to demonstrate resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The rivalry with Calgary adds an extra layer of excitement, making this encounter a must-watch for fans and a critical juncture for the Elks’ playoff aspirations.

The upcoming month is poised to be a defining period for the Elks. With high-stakes games on the horizon and the opportunity to make a statement against a division rival, Edmonton has a chance to shift the momentum in their favor. How they perform in these games will not only influence their playoff chances but also shape the narrative of their season. For fans, the Labour Day Classic will be a thrilling reminder of why CFL football remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable sports leagues in Canada.