Edmonton Elks Seek Turnaround Under New Coaching Staff Amid Struggles

Change has been the operative word for the Edmonton Elks this week. Following the dismissal of head coach and general manager Chris Jones, the organization has turned to offensive coordinator Jarious Jackson as its new interim head coach, while also appointing Geroy Simon as interim general manager. The Elks have high hopes that this shake-up will bring about their first victory of the season as they prepare to face the Ottawa Redblacks on the road at TD Place.

Under Chris Jones, the team has struggled significantly, recording a disappointing 8 wins against 33 losses, culminating in a second consecutive 0-5 start for the 2024 season. The Elks have faced close defeats, losing their last five matches by a mere total of 20 points. This trend includes four consecutive matches decided by three points or fewer, with the last three losses coming through last-minute field goals.

In an unprecedented move, Jackson will be the first individual in the Canadian Football League (CFL) to embark on a head coaching debut mid-season since the hiring of June Jones by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2017. Reflecting on the transition to his new position, Jackson acknowledged the increased responsibilities and challenges. “It’s definitely been a busy week with more responsibility thrust upon me,” he stated. “I’m just taking it day by day and moment by moment.” He expressed confidence in the support of the team’s staff as they navigate this transformative period.

The Elks, who recently collapsed a 12-point lead in a previous encounter with the Redblacks, must now focus on stopping their quarterback, Dru Brown, who recently set a career benchmark with 480 passing yards against them. The Redblacks currently hold a better record of 3 wins and 2 losses for the season.

On the field, receiver Eugene Lewis had a standout performance the previous week, securing six receptions for 89 yards. Meanwhile, quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson is showcasing impressive statistics, averaging 299.3 yards per game and on track to surpass 5,300 yards, a career-high.

In preparation for the upcoming match, the Elks have made a few adjustments to their lineup, including the promotion of defensive lineman Noah Taylor in place of linebacker Aubery Miller Jr., who has now been relocated to the practice roster. However, they will also cope with the absence of defensive lineman Robert Nkendichie, who has been placed on the one-game injured list due to a knee issue.

The projected starters for the upcoming match include quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, running back Kevin Brown, receiver Eugene Lewis, along with a strong defensive lineup featuring players such as Nick Anderson and Kai Gray.

This coming Friday, fans can tune in to the game starting with the ‘Countdown to Kickoff’ show hosted by Courtney Theriault at 3:30 p.m., while the opening kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Morley Scott and Dave Campbell will be providing live commentary, with expert analysis from Blake Dermott, a former Edmonton offensive lineman and two-time Grey Cup champion.

In a related development, the Elks faced off against the Redblacks last Sunday but fell short in a tense encounter, resulting in a 20-14 loss. This defeat drops the Elks to an alarming 0-6 as they continue to grapple with their performance issues. Jackson commended his players for their efforts throughout the week, emphasizing the need for unity moving forward.

Despite the short turnaround time between matches being a considerable challenge, the Redblacks emerged from the encounter with their fourth victory of the season and maintained their perfect record at home. The Elks struggled to find momentum, resulting in missed opportunities and a lack of consistency on offense.

The Redblacks capitalized early, scoring on their initial drive led by quarterback Dru Brown, marking the first of only one touchdown for the game by running back Ryquell Armstead. As the match progressed, Ottawa’s kicker, Lewis Ward, played a pivotal role, successfully converting four out of five field goal attempts to secure the win.

For the Elks, placekicker Boris Bede faced a tough night, missing three field goals altogether. Despite his struggles, Jackson refused to single him out for the team’s shortcomings but recognized the importance of making crucial kicks for the team’s success.

Following the match, Bethel-Thompson expressed his frustration, mainly regarding the injuries sustained by teammates, attributing them to the condensed schedule. His sentiments highlight the physical toll such rapid turnarounds can exert on players and echo a broader concern about player welfare in the league.

With the next game looming against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Elks will need to regroup quickly and address their failed strategies on the field. Meanwhile, the Redblacks are set to host the Calgary Stampeders for their next outing, continuing their push for a strong season.