The 2017 CFL season is right around the corner with the opening kickoff scheduled for Thursday June 22nd. As the countdown to the regular season continues, it is the perfect time to break down five potential stories that could steal the spotlight. Here is a look at key five storylines to watch heading in to the 2017 CFL season.
Will The Redblacks Repeat?
The Ottawa Redblacks shocked the world when they upset the Calgary Stampeders to win the Grey Cup in a double-overtime thriller. Everything seemed to go the Redblacks way as they delivered the city its first pro championship since the 1976 Grey Cup. Now the focus shifts to defending the title with some major changes in the nation’s capital. Trevor Harris takes over as the starting quarterbacks once again following the retirement of Henry Burris. While there are plenty of new faces on both sides of the football there is more than enough talent to make another Grey Cup run. Harris’ play will be the most important factor as the Redblacks look to repeat in 2017.
Can Collaros Bring Hamilton Back To Grey Cup?
Nobody has forgotten how good Zach Collaros was at the start of the 2016 season before he was sidelined with a season-ending injury. Collaros is back under center for Hamilton and Tiger-Cats fans are waiting to see if he can lead them back to the Grey Cup. There is no doubt that Collaros has been one of the league’s best quarterbacks when healthy. Now he needs to prove he can avoid injuries as he looks to lead the turnaround in Hamilton with a focus on getting back to the Grey Cup.
Will Vince Young Lead A Turnaround In Saskatchewan?
One of the biggest storylines this preseason has been Vince Young’s arrival in Saskatchewan. The Heisman trophy winner and NFL Pro Bowl quarterback hasn’t played professional football in years but the feeling is that he still has the talent to help the Roughriders turn things around. CFL veteran Kevin Glenn is currently listed at No. 1 on the depth chart but there has been plenty of preseason buzz about Young getting his shot. That is until Young tore his hamstring. He’s now slated to miss four-to-six weeks, but it doesn’t really alter too much. Glenn was going to get the first crack and he still will. If the Roughriders have a terrible start to the season by the time Young is back in Week 5 or 6, there will be plenty of pressure to get him into the game to see what he can offer.
Saskatchewan is desperate to turn things around following a couple of disappointing seasons, so it will be interesting to see if Young can be the savior for the Riders need.
Are The Blue Bombers Capable Contenders?
Expectations are high for the Winnipeg Blue bombers after they turned things around over the second half of last season on their way back to the playoffs. Now the question is whether they can build off that momentum and contend in the West division. The Blue Bombers haven’t won a Grey Cup in 27 years but there is plenty of optimism in terms of this groups ability to contend in 2017. Is Winnipeg a legitimate grey Cup contender in a loaded West division? Only time will tell at this point.
Will More Former NFL Quarterbacks Head North?
Young’s arrival in Saskatchewan has sparked plenty of debate about the potential for more former NFL passers to head north. Johnny Manziel is a name that has been mentioned a lot. Robert Griffin III is another QB that could make the move. Then there is Colin Kaepernick, who is clearly still capable of playing in the NFL but for one reason or another hasn’t been able to find a job this offseason. Any of these three quarterbacks could decide to head north for a chance to start for a CFL team this season. It will be very interesting to see what happens with Manziel, RGIII and Kaepernick and whether or not any of those three passers decide to take a chance on the CFL.
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