Redblacks enter season with sense of renewed energy

Ottawa Correspondent, SportsCentre

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If you feel like the pandemic has lasted an eternity, consider how long Ottawa Redblacks fans have been waiting to see their team make the playoffs.

Just three wins in 2019, followed up by another three measly wins in 2021. In between was an entire season lost to COVID-19.

It’s been a long four years since the Redblacks made the postseason, with the last appearance being a Grey Cup loss to the Calgary Stampeders in 2018.

But there’s a renewed energy surrounding TD Place.

New quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is aiming to rebuild confidence in an offence that floundered in 2021, collecting just 182 points in 14 games, the worst in the CFL. He gets his first test on Friday night when Ottawa travels to Winnipeg to face the defending champions.

“The players love working with [Masoli] – love him on a day-to-day basis,” said Redblacks head coach Paul LaPolice, who doubles as the offensive coordinator.

LaPolice knows how consistent and talented Masoli is, coming off his eight-season run for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Now it’s just about giving him the right tools in the pocket.

“You’re designing stuff. Making sure he likes this, what he doesn’t like,” LaPolice said after Redblacks practice on Monday. “It’s one thing when you’ve been with a QB for a year, two years. Then you’re like, I know I’m not calling this because he doesn’t like this. So, I’m trying to feel [Masoli] out and get to his speed as quickly as possible.”

The Redblacks have a flock of new receivers, including 2021 Grey Cup champion Darvin Adams. Jaelon Acklin is also a new addition and will provide familiarity to Masoli. The duo played together with the Tiger-Cats from 2019-21.

“It’s almost like kids meeting on the