Oct 2, 2014
2014 MOP Watch
With the regular season wrapped up and the Grey Cup Playoffs upon us, TSN.ca looks at the top candidates, this year led by the defenders, to take home the league's Most Outstanding Player award.
As CFL teams head into the stretch drive and make their final push for playoff spots and positioning, TSN.ca looks at the top candidates, this year led by the defenders, to take home this year's Most Outstanding Player award.
Solomon Elimimian
Linebacker, BC Lions
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Tackles137
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Sacks5
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Interceptions1
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Forced Fumbles3
Notes
Elimimian is once again a force and a tackling machine in the Lions' linebacking corps this season. The fifth-year veteran leads the league with 137 tackles, 56 more than his closest competition in the category, Calgary's Brandon Smith.
Jon Cornish
Running back, Calgary Stampeders
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Attempts139
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Yards1,082
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Average7.8
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Touchdowns6
Despite only playing half the season. Cornish has unquestionably been the best running back and will likely win the league's rushing title. Cornish may not have played enough games to garner legitimate MOP consideration.
John Chick
Defensive End, Saskatchewan Roughriders
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Tackles43
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Sacks15
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Interceptions0
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Forced Fumbles0
Notes
In Chick's first full season back in the league, he has terrorized opposing quarterbacks and leads the league in sacks with 15. His production has dipped in the second half of the season however, and he's no longer the favourite for Most Outstanding Player.
Odell Willis
Defensive End, Edmonton Eskimos
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Tackles29
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Sacks13
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Interceptions2
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Fumbles1
Notes
Chick's slow second half has Willis right on his tail in the race for league lead in sacks. Willis has proven very versatile for the Eskimos this season as well, recording a couple of interceptions and even a touchdown.
Anthony Allen
Running back, Saskatchewan Roughriders
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Attempts156
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Yards849
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Average5.4
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Touchdowns8
Notes
With Jon Cornish slowed by injuries, Allen is in the thick of things for this year's rushing title. Allen has proven he's a very talented runner but has had issues with fumbles.
Bo Levi Mitchell
Quarterback, Calgary Stampeders
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Att-Comp251-399
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Yards3,181
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Touchdowns21
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Interceptions8
Notes
It's been a strange year in the CFL with some solid quarterback play but not a ton of MOP-worthy performances. Mitchell has battled injury and only played in 14 games this season, which is too bad because he's been really good when he's been on the field. The Stamps hope Mitchell stays healthy late in the season and of course into the playoffs.
Ricky Ray
Quarterback, Toronto Argonauts
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Att-Comp425-620
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Yards4,595
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Touchdowns28
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Interceptions15
Notes
It's been a little more quietly this season, but Ricky Ray has once again put together a very solid season. In part due to some injuries around the league, Ray figures to once again lead the league in a number of passing categories, including pertinent ones, passing yards and touchdowns.
Adarius Bowman
Slotback, Edmonton Eskimos
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Receptions112
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Yards1,456
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Average13.0
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Touchdowns6
Notes
Bowman has developed strong chemistry with quarterback Mike Reilly, becoming one of his favourite targets to the tune of 112 catches for 1,456 yards. Bowman leads all receivers in yards by nearly 400.