It was a first foray — first game-action — for many a newcomer on the Calgary Stampeders. Read More
Strong performances from all in first game-action for Red and White hopefuls
Strong performances from all in first game-action for Red and White hopefuls
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It was a first foray — first game-action — for many a newcomer on the Calgary Stampeders.
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While the battles were being waged for the many open spots available on a team in transition, the bottom line was the team effort put forth by the CFL crew in its 2025 pre-season debut.
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It was strong, amounting to a 26-16 defeat of the host BC Lions in the road affair for the Red and White.
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“Yeah, we overcame some things,” Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson told CHQR following the contest at Starlight Stadium on Vancouver Island.
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“You know … we had a pretty severe injury (with a lower-body injury to fullback Ryan Jones), which really takes a lot out of a team. But our guys … hey … we’re playing for our brother. I thought we rallied.
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“And we did turn the ball over (on an interception thrown in the third quarter) and gave them a chance to tie it up, but we recovered from that.”
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The recovery time is quick — just five days now — before the team’s second and final pre-season tilt Saturday against the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium (7:30 p.m., CHQR 107.3 FM/770 AM).
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In the meantime, here are five takeaways from the Stamps win in Langford, B.C. …
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1) WALKER AT THE HELM
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QB P.J. Walker made his first appearance for the Stampeders in trying to stabilize his status as a top-two pivot in camp.
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And the former NFL starter looked good doing it.
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While his numbers in a half-game of work failed to pop — 8-of-16 for 77 passing yards — Walker showed confidence in trying to move the ball upfield and proved he could scramble and make things happen.
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“We didn’t protect very well for him, so we had some things open for him, but unfortunately, we made some mental errors in our protection,” Dickenson told CHQR. “Some of that was more running backs, and one time, we just got beat clean.
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“He does look comfortable, but he needs to keep playing. Certainly, Vernon (Adams Jr.) will get a good chunk of plays next week. But we’d like to see P.J. get more and more reps, as well, and make sure he’s ready to go.”
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Logan Bonner and then Josh Love got into the contest, as well, with each getting a quarter’s worth of work. Bonner went 4-of-5 for 22 yards with the one interception thrown, while Love was 3-of-4 for 26 yards.