8 Teams, 8 Days: Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Last Season: 9-9, 2nd in the East (Lost East Division Semi-Final 16-13 to Toronto)

How far have the Tiger-Cats come in just two seasons when a playoff appearance is simply not good enough?

In 2009, a 9-9 record was an achievement; in 2010, it was a gross underachievement.

With any measure of disappointment, change is soon to follow, and there were changes aplenty for the Ti-Cats over the winter. Gone are both Offensive and Defensive Coordinators; gone is former first-overall pick Chris Bauman; gone are former Offensive Line stalwarts George Hudson and Alex Gauthier; gone is Linebacker Otis Floyd; gone is Kicker Sandro DeAngelis; gone is Running Back DeAndra' Cobb.

The Cats have retooled in a number of areas, and the team that takes the field will be familiar – Kevin Glenn, Arland Bruce, Dave Stala, Markeith Knowlton, Jamall Johnson and Marwan Hage remain – but different.

The biggest news of the off-season came with the signing of Running Back Avon Cobourne. Cobourne brings a championship pedigree to Hamilton after having won the last two Grey Cups with Montreal.

Rey Williams has been tapped to replace Otis Floyd. Many are saying that the 30-year-old Williams is Floyd, but younger. If everything pans out, the Cats will once again field the best triumvirate of Linebackers in the CFL.

Like last season, the Secondary is still a question mark. With a new DC in Corey Chamblin, no one knows what to expect or who will play in the defensive backfield.

The Tabbies made a number of moves with the hopes of knocking the Als off their perch atop the East Division. If these moves don't pan out, it'll be another off-season of changes in Steeltown. But if the moves do pan out, the Cats could easily be playing in Vancouver in late November.

8 Teams, 8 Days: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Last Season: 4-14, 4th in the East (Missed Playoffs)

If Winnipeg didn't have bad luck, they'd have had no luck at all in 2010.

It has been covered ad nauseum, but it bears repeating: Winnipeg lost nine games last year by four points or less. If they win even half of those games, the team finishes 9-9. The line between being a playoff team and selecting first overall in the draft is a fine one.

Quarterback is a huge concern for Winnipeg again this year. The team will rise and fall based on the health of Buck Pierce. If Pierce can stay healthy for a full season for the first time in his career, the Bombers have a shot. If not, they will likely miss the playoffs for a third season.

Elsewhere, the Bombers are dealing with the loss of last season's sack leader, Philip Hunt (who fled to the NFL), but do bring back last year's leading rusher in Fred Reid and second-leading pass catcher in Terrence Edwards. The Bombers also have an emerging player in Receiver Cory Watson. Watson could easily replace stone-hands Brock Ralph, who was released in the off-season.

The Bombers spent most of the winter acquiring and stockpiling draft picks, and it seems they have decided to rebuild around a core of young Canadian players, like their first-overall selection, Linebacker Henoc Muamba. The Bombers also grabbed two Receivers in Jade Etienne (fourth overall) and Kito Poblah (supplemental draft). The Bombers have a lot of promising, young Canadians that the team can build around.

For the Bombers to make the playoffs, a lot will have to go right. First and foremost, Buck Pierce will have to play at least 14 games. Also, many of the younger players will have to step up and fill the void created by the loss of so many veterans. But Pierce's health is paramount. Without Pierce, the Bombers don't stand much of a chance. With Pierce, it'll be easier, but still a struggle. This will probably be another playoffless year for fans in the Manitoba capital.

8 Teams, 8 Days: Toronto Argonauts

Last Season: 9-9, 3rd in the East (Lost East Division Final 48-17 to Montreal)

The Argos were the surprise team of 2010, and much like in 2010, everything will be dependent on the Quarterback.

Entering last season, the Argos had no CFL experience at the most important position on the field. Cleo Lemon, Dalton Bell, Ken Dorsey and Danny Brannagan began the season with zero CFL starts to their credit. One year later, the Argos will field a bevy of Quarterbacks with experience, with former Blue Bomber Steven Jyles added to the returning triumvirate of Lemon, Bell and Brannagan (Dorsey has since retired).

Running Back Cory Boyd was a revelation last year, finishing second in the league in rushing yards. Boyd plays in a way that makes him susceptible to injuries, but he is by far the team's best offensive weapon, so the Boatmen will rely heavily on Boyd once again in 2011.

Receiver Chad Owens made a name for himself in the return game. The former star from Hawaii unanimously won the league's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player Award and will try to give the Argos a repeat performance in 2011. Jeremaine Copeland is a veteran Receiver that whoever Quarterbacks the team will be able to rely on, but outside of him and Owens, the Argos don't have much in the way of Receivers. The return of P.K. Sam could help, but he hasn't shown much in his three-year CFL career.

The Defense has always been a strong point for even the worst of Argos teams, and last year was no exception. Toronto allowed the fewest points per game of any team in 2010, at 24.6. Even with the departures of Adriano Belli (retirement) and Eric Taylor (free agency), the Argo Defense will still be one of the top units in the CFL.

The success or failure of the Argonauts will be tied entirely to their Quarterback. Whoever makes it out of camp and the preseason as the starter will have to produce better than Lemon (last season's starter) did in 2010. As the QB goes, so go the Argos. The cat is out of the bag: the Argos are pretty good. Now they will have to take the leap from pretty good to great. The only way they will be able to do that is to get top-notch production out of the Quarterback position.

8 Teams, 8 Days: Montreal Alouettes

Last Season: 12-6, 1st in the East (Won Grey Cup 21-18 over Saskatchewan)

The two-time champs look to be the favourites once again to hoist the Grey Cup.

The Als enter the 2011 season with very few question marks. Anthony Calvillo is still taking snaps, so that means they still have the best QB in the CFL. Calvillo is likely to surpass Damon Allen as pro football's all-time leading passer near the end of the season. Calvillo is 4,221 yards away from breaking the record, and barring injury, he'll likely put himself atop the list sometime around week 15.

The one glaring hole on offense is at Running Back, where All-Star Avon Cobourne took his talents to Steeltown to play for the rival Tiger-Cats. In his place, the Als will choose between Brandon Whitaker, Yvenson Bernard and DeAndra' Cobb. Whitaker has the inside track, but one of these three will have to step up as a reliable option. If the Als can't run the football, they could be in some trouble.

The other area that sees changes is on Special Teams, with Sean Whyte and Sandro DeAngelis battling to see who will be the Kicker/Punter for the Als in 2011. The difference between a win and a loss can sometimes be found on the foot of a Kicker, so getting a reliable option following the departure of Damon Duvall is of the utmost importance.

The Als still have to be considered the team to beat in the CFL. Two consecutive Grey Cups and a team with few question marks means the Als are still the odds-on favourites to hoist the Grey Cup at year's end.

8 Teams, 8 Days: Calgary Stampeders

Last Season: 13-5, 1st in the West (Lost West Division Final 20-16 to Saskatchewan)

When it comes to the West Division, I think it is safe to say that it's Calgary's to lose.

Last year I made a fool of myself saying that Calgary would finish last in the West and fail to make the playoffs. So what did they do? Nothing but finish with the best record in the CFL at 13-5.

The team that Calgary will field in 2011 is not much different than the one it fielded in 2010, with two big exceptions.

Both Brandon Browner and Dwight Anderson have moved on. Browner is with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, and Anderson went east, signing with the Montreal Alouettes. The reason Calgary's defense was so effective last season was because Anderson and Browner could cover anybody and basically take them out of the game. Those will be big shoes to fill, and the Stampeders signed former Ti-Cat Geoff Tisdale to try and fill that void.

Other than that, the team is rock solid. They return the reigning Most Outstanding Player in Quarterback Henry Burris, who has shown no signs of slowing down. He finally got his well-deserved MOP trophy last season, and it would not be a surprise if he picks up the hardware for a second year in a row. Burris is one of the best QBs in the CFL, and another stellar season from him is all but guaranteed.

Joffrey Reynolds is back to run the football, and with Jon Cornish spelling him, Reynolds will be fresh at the end of the season. Reynolds had his lowest totals since he became a full-time starter, but Head Coach John Hufnagel made it a point to ease Reynolds's workload to keep him healthy for the playoffs. Reynolds should still produce like a top Back in 2011.

The Stamps also return some of the best Receivers in the CFL in Ken-Yon Rambo and Nik Lewis. They mouth off a lot, but they back it up.

The Defense is anchored by Linebacker Juwan Simpson, and aside from the loss of Browner and Anderson, Calgary should be very formidable on the defensive side of the football.

The story of Calgary's season will unfold based on who replaces Browner and Anderson and how those replacements perform. If the Stamps get even half the production out of their new DBs, they will easily be the team to beat in the CFL's West Division. Barring any catastrophic injuries, the Stamps are the odds-on favourite to represent the West in the Grey Cup.

8 Teams, 8 Days: Saskatchewan Roughriders

Last Season: 10-8, 2nd in the West (Lost Grey Cup 21-18 to Montreal)

You don't normally see a lot of change coming from a team that goes to two straight Grey Cups, but Saskatchewan will enter 2011 much differently than they did 2010.

Following his second consecutive Grey Cup loss to the Montreal Alouettes, Ken Miller stepped down as Head Coach and moved exclusively into the role of General Manager. Miller hired long-time Defensive Coordinator Greg Marshall (late of Hamilton) to be the team's new Head Coach. Marshall quickly hired Richie Hall (formerly of Edmonton) to be his Defensive Coordinator.

The biggest loss for the Riders is that of Receiver Andy Fantuz. Last season, Fantuz led the CFL in receiving yards and was named the league's Most Outstanding Canadian. Replacing his production will not be easy.

One man expected to fill Fantuz's void was Rob Bagg, but Bagg suffered a setback in his return from a devastating knee injury, and it is unknown when he will be able to resume his playing career.

Despite the losses, the Riders return a bulk of the players from last year's club. Darian Durant is back behind Centre; Weston Dressler and Chris Getzlaf are still around to catch passes; Running Back Wes Cates is coming off his best season; and Barrin Simpson is still around to man the middle of the Defense.

With all that being said, the Riders look like a team that will take a couple of steps back in 2011. As talented as this team is, you don't just replace the league's leading Receiver, especially when he is a Canadian. A lot of questions surround this Roughrider team, and I don't think a third straight trip to the Grey Cup is in the cards. This is still a playoff team, but this doesn't look like a championship team.

8 Teams, 8 Days: British Columbia Lions

Last Season: 8-10, 3rd in the West (Lost the West Division Semi-Final 41-38 to Saskatchewan)

The BC Lions are coming off another subpar season, but one that may have been the beginning of something special.

After the Casey Printers experiment was aborted late last season, Travis Lulay emerged as a potential star at Quarterback for the Leos. Lulay looks to have all the tools necessary to take the Lions to a championship, and his skills remind me of a young Dave Dickenson. Lulay could be the breakout star of the 2011 season.

Geroy Simon provides a nice target for the young signal caller. Simon enters his 13th season in the CFL on the verge of breaking Milt Stegall's all-time receiving-yardage mark. Simon has recorded at least 1,000 yards receiving in each of the past eight years, but last season was his lowest output since he failed to crack 1,000 yards in 2002.

There were not a lot of major changes for the Lions, but they did sign last season's Most Outstanding Lineman, Ben Archibald, from Calgary, as well as picking up Defensive Tackle Eric Taylor from the Toronto Argonauts.

The Lions have the ability to compete for the Grey Cup this year after back-to-back campaigns that saw the Lions squeak into the playoffs. If everyone stays healthy, and Lulay plays the way he seems capable of playing, it is entirely possible that the Lions will get the chance to be the first home team to win the Grey Cup since the Lions themselves did it back in 1994.

8 Teams, 8 Days: Edmonton Eskimos

Last Season: 7-11, 4th in the West (Missed Playoffs)

There are a lot of questions regarding the Edmonton Eskimos entering the 2011 season, and it's not all about the on-field product. The Eskimos have a new General Manager in Eric Tillman (who was hired near the end of last season) and a new Head Coach in Kavis Reed (who replaces the fired Richie Hall). Making changes to the two most important areas in the front office and coaching staff makes it look like Edmonton will be in a rebuilding mode in 2011.

The team also let go of a number of veteran players, such as Defensive Tackle Dario Romero, Receivers Kelly Campbell and Kamau Peterson, Linebacker Mo Lloyd, and return specialist Tristan Jackson.

Tillman spent most of the off-season concentrating on building up Edmonton's Canadian talent base. The Eskimos picked up Receiver Chris Bauman and Defensive Tackle Jermaine Reid from Hamilton and selected two solid players in the draft in Receiver Nathan Coehoorn and Offensive Tackle Scott Mitchell, as well as grabbing Defensive Tackle Ted Laurent in the supplemental draft.

One constant is Quarterback Ricky Ray. Ray is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons of his eight-year CFL career, and injuries and age might be catching up to him. In no way is Ray done, but his days as one of the league's top pivots might be coming to an end.

With all the changes, I think Edmonton will be hard-pressed to make the playoffs in 2011. The building blocks are there, but this team is at least another year away, maybe two. I expect the Eskimos to compete in every game, but wins will be few and far between. It will likely be another rough year for fans in the City of Champions.

8 Teams, 8 Days: Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Last Season 9-9, 2nd in the East (Lost East Division Semi-Final 34-27 to BC)

Offense

If the offense can pick up where it left off last season, the Ti-Cats will have no problem scoring points. Kevin Glenn is firmly entrenched as the starting Quarterback heading into 2010, whereas last season he was the backup to Quinton Porter until late in the season. With a full season behind centre, Glenn is in a position to have the best season of his career.

At Running Back the Cats have stud-in-the-making DeAndra' Cobb. Cobb broke out last season, his first in the CFL, with over 1,700 total yards. The only thing he needs to do in 2010 is show that 2009 wasn't a flash in the pan. Expect many more "Cobbheads" around Ivor Wynne this summer and fall.

Where the Tabbies have a leg up on almost everyone else is at Receiver. Arland Bruce III, Dave Stala, Marquay McDaniel, Maurice Mann and Drisan James make up a very formidable group. All of those players are in line to see their best statistical seasons, and Bruce could be an MOP candidate again at the end of the season.

The Offensive Line holds over many player from last season, and that continuity could be key to the Cats' success. Marwan Hage, considered by some to be the best Centre in the CFL, returns to anchor a Line mixed with veteran talent and youthful exuberance. The Ti-Cat offense should not have a problem scoring points and could be one of the best offenses in the CFL in 2010.

Player to Watch: Drisan James

Defense

The Tiger-Cat defense has the makings of a dominant unit. The Defensive Line should be a disruptive force in 2010. Last season, the Cats started a lot of younger players, and this season many return to pick up where last season ended. The guy expected to turn the most heads is second-year player Khari Long. Long had 10 sacks in 2009, and it wouldn't be crazy to see that total rise in 2010. I also expect some big things from Garret McIntyre. He was plagued by injury in 2009, but if his health permits, he could be a double-digit sack guy.

There isn't a better trio of Linebackers in the CFL than the ones the Cats trot out week in, week out. 2009 All-Stars Markeith Knowlton and Jamall Johnson return, as does Otis Floyd, who is the heart of the defense. This is an experienced group, and another year together should make them even better.

The Secondary is the one place that the Cats needed to upgrade this season. Being rid of Bo "The Human Turnstile" Smith is a big help (unfortunately he might be back if the New York Jets cut him). Adding two solid players in Will Poole and Jason Shivers also helps. The Cats also have some tremendous depth with Dylan Barker, Sandy Beveridge, Geoff Tisdale, Jykine Bradley and Jerome Dennis. If the Secondary can come together as a more cohesive unit, and cut out some of the big plays that plagued it in 2009, the Cat defense could finish the season as the best in the CFL.

Player to Watch: Khari Long

Overall

Let me begin by saying I am highly biased. I am a life-long Tiger-Cat fan, and I sometimes let that cloud my judgment. That said, this team has a very realistic chance of making a serious run at the Grey Cup in 2010. The offense is loaded with weapons: a QB with the skills to get it done, a RB who is both a threat rushing and receiving and a WR group that is among the top 3 in the CFL. The defense is full of playmakers and difference-makers, with a D-Line that should be able to consistently collapse the pocket, LBs who can create havoc and rack up tackles and DBs who should be better. The Special Teams is even better, with the Cats having signed Kicker Sandro DeAngelis, who is the most accurate Kicker in CFL history. It's been too long since the Cats have been considered a legitimate contender, and if 2009 was the appetizer, then 2010 could be the full course meal.

PREVIOUS: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

8 Teams, 8 Days: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Last Season: 7-11, 3rd in the East (Missed Playoffs)

Offense

Last season, the Winnipeg Quarterback carousel started off with Stefan LeFors and ended with Michael Bishop. Not good. This year begins with Buck Pierce and ends with... Steven Jyles? Buck Pierce can be a top-flight QB when healthy, the key being "when healthy." Pierce hasn't exactly been the epitome of durable during his six CFL seasons, enduring a rumoured five concussions over that span. No one can deny that Pierce is one tough SOB, but if Winnipeg are to succeed, he needs to learn to protect himself. Jyles, who came over from Saskatchewan in the off-season, would have to step in and captain the ship. With Pierce being as injury-prone as he is, Jyles should make himself ready when the inevitable call comes.

Running Back is one area that the Blue Bombers seem to be set at. Fred Reid had a phenomenal 2009, setting the Blue Bomber single-game record for rushing yards in a game against BC. With Fred Ex in the fold, the Bombers should have no problem running the football.

The Receiver situation isn't terrible in Winnipeg either. Sure, they still have Brock "Hands of Stone" Ralph, but they also have two good ones in Terrence Edwards and Adarius Bowman. The Bombers also picked up former Tiger-Cat David Ball, who I have been impressed with since he broke some of Jerry Rice's (yes, that Jerry Rice) records in college.

The O-Line, like on many teams, seems to be in a state of flux. The unit will need to come together fast if they are to keep Buck Pierce from getting killed.

Player to Watch: David Ball

Defense

The Bombers have a fairly decent defense, and it could be this defense that keeps the team in games while the offense jells. The D-Line has Doug Brown returning for another season to lead the defense. The team traded Gavin Walls to Montreal, but look for Odell Willis to continue his stellar play from 2009. He could be a Most Outstanding Defensive Player candidate at season's end.

The Linebackers are also nicely comprised, led by Ike Charlton and Joe Lobendahn. The Blue Bombers cut 2009 early-season standout Siddeeq Shabazz this past off-season, but they won't see a huge dropoff in play because of it.

The Secondary also has some talent. Jovon Johnson and Ian Logan are the backbone of a very capable group of DBs. If the team can overcome the loss of players (Shabazz, Walls, Hefney) and the addition of Kavis Reed (who Ti-Cat fans know is a terrible Defensive Coordinator), then the Bombers could have a very dominant defense in 2010.

Player to Watch: Odell Willis

Overall

Winnipeg is probably the most confounding team in the East division this season. There are a lot of 'ifs' with this team. If Buck Pierce stays healthy; if Kavis Reed finds a way to not be, well, Kavis Reed; if Paul LaPolice can deliver in his first chance as a Head Coach; if, if, if. All of these 'ifs' make it hard to judge how well the Bombers will do. A record of 9-9 or 10-8 isn't out of the question if the 'ifs' pan out. However, a record of 7-11 or 6-12 isn't either if Pierce turns to putty and Kavis Reed stays, well, Kavis Reed. This should be a very interesting season in Bomberland. At least they won't have to worry about that moron Mike Kelly making an idiot out of himself again this season.

PREVIOUS: Toronto Argonauts

8 Teams, 8 Days: Toronto Argonauts

Last Season: 3-15, 4th in the East (Missed Playoffs)

Offense

Uh.... Well, this won't be easy. The Argonauts enter 2010 with a plethora of questions. First, who will start at Quarterback? The team has four QBs on its roster, none of whom have ever played in a CFL regular-season game. Former Miami Dolphin Cleo Lemon will be the Argos' starting QB on opening day, but watch out for Dalton Bell. The former Roughrider looked very sharp in pre-season action, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's starting at some point this season.

Second, who will start at Running Back? The Boatmen let go of their only productive player from 2009, Jamal Robertson, after the season, and enter 2010 with no concrete starter. Jeff Johnson, Brian Crawford and Andre Durie are all vying for the chance to be the Argos' Running Back, but none of them is really the long-term answer. Could Jesse Lumsden or Kenton Keith be getting a call soon?

The one area that doesn't have a lot of questions is Wide Receiver. The Argos aren't as loaded as say Saskatchewan or Hamilton, but the Boatman do possess one of the most productive WRs in the CFL in Jeremaine Copeland. The Argos traded for the former CFL All-Star this past off-season. Reggie McNeal and Chad Lucas are still around, but other than that, the Argos are very young and inexperienced.

The Offensive Line looks like a mess. Last season's big free-agent signing, Rob Murphy, looks to have "bust" written all over him. The Argos did snatch up former Ti-Cat Cedric Gagne-Marcoux, but he's not the answer to their problems. It is going to take a lot of time for this offense to become a consistent unit.

Player to Watch: Dalton Bell

Defense

This is one area where the Argos aren't completely devoid of talent. Former Ti-Cat (and Blogskee Wee Wee Enemy #2, though on second thought he's probably #1) Adriano Belli anchors a Defensive Line that doesn't have a lot going for it, but could develop into a strong unit over time.

The Linebackers, led by Kevin Eiben, remain the strongest part of the team, and Jordan Younger could be in for a massive season. In the Secondary, the team welcomes the return of Byron Parker, who last year was exiled to Edmonton by former Head Coach (and Count Chocula lookalike) Bart Andrus. The Willies return, Middlebrooks and Pile, and expect big things from Toronto's 2009 Most Outstanding Rookie nominee Lin-J Shell.

Player to Watch: Lin-J Shell

Overall

This will more than likely be a very long season for the Argonauts. There was massive upheaval after the 2009 season ended, and it's unlikely that the Argos will be a threat this season, especially early on. You simply cannot dismiss their lack of talent at key positions, namely Quarterback and Running Back. The 2010 season is more than likely a wash for the Boatmen, but it should lay the groundwork for marked improvement in 2011 and beyond. Jim Barker has a proven track record of finding talent, so while the Argos will probably still be the bottom feeders of the CFL, Barker is positioning them for bigger and better things in the years ahead.

PREVIOUS: Montreal Alouettes

8 Teams, 8 Days: Montreal Alouettes

Last Season: 15-3, 1st in the East (Won Grey Cup 28-27 over Saskatchewan)

Offense

Deadly, just deadly. That's the only word that can describe the Montreal Alouette offense. The Als are, and have been for some time, the class of the CFL, and they are led by future Hall Of Fame Quarterback Anthony Calvillo. Calvillo enters 2010 as the two-time reigning MOP, and if he stays healthy, a third consecutive MOP isn't out of the question. At Running Back, the Alouettes rely on Avon Cobourne. Cobourne is a phenomenal dual-threat back, and he should continue his steller play in 2010. The Receiving corps remains intact. Back from 2009 are Ben Cahoon, Kerry Watkins and Jamel Richardson. Those three are as good as any in the CFL. The Offensive Line is where we see the first departure, with the recent retirement of Brian Chiu. Chiu is likely headed to the Hall of Fame, so his presence will be missed. That said, I fully expect Alouette Head Coach Marc Trestman to be able to find a suitable replacement.

Player to Watch: Brain Bratton

Defense

The Alouette defense is back for another solid year. On the Line, Anwar Stewart returns to wreak havoc on opposing QBs. The Linebackers look to continue their stellar play, with the hard-hitting Chip Cox and Shea Emry returning for 2010. The Secondary lost Davis Sanchez, but should still be able to hold its own with players like Matthieu Proulx and Étienne Boulay The defense in Montreal doesn't get as much publicity as its counterparts on the other side of the ball, but teams don't win with only offense. The Als defense has been one of the most consistent units during the past couple of seasons.

Player to Watch: Shea Emry

Overall

Until proven otherwise, the Alouettes are the favourites. In the past ten years, they have been to seven Grey Cups, winning two. Sure, the win total is not what it should be, but ask any fan of any other team, and they should tell you that they'd take it. Going into every season knowing your team has a legitimate chance to win the Grey Cup is the dream of every fan. With Calvillo, Cobourne, Richardson, Cahoon, Watkins and Stewart all returning, the Als are loaded and ready to make a run at another championship. The one knock against Montreal is that they are a little long in the tooth. This is a veteran team, and sooner or later these guys are going to retire or break down, and the question persists: are the Als ready for that? We probably won't have to worry about that in 2010, as the Als look poised to contend for their third Grey Cup of the decade.

PREVOUS: Calgary Stampeders

8 Teams, 8 Days: Calgary Stampeders

Last Season: 10-7-1, 2nd in the West (Lost West Division Final 27-17 to Saskatchewan)

Offense

Before his late-season meltdown, Quarterback Henry Burris was the front runner for MOP. Even with that late-season disappearing act, Burris still tallied massive numbers for a potent offense. He will enter the 2010 season hoping to show that 2008 was the real Burris (when he led Calgary to a Grey Cup Championship). When Burris faltered, Running Back Joffrey Reynolds, who was the West's nominee for MOP, picked up the slack. Reynolds led the league in rushing yards, and even if he's getting up in age, he should still have a couple of years of top-level play left. The Wide Receiver position is in a state of flux entering 2010. Gone are Jeremaine Copeland (traded to Toronto) and Brett Ralph (Retirement); in their place the Stamps see the return of Ken-Yon Rambo, who missed almost the entire 2009 season with a knee injury. Nik Lewis returns, but he only scored one touchdown (yes, ONE) in 2009, and he'll have to up that considerably with Copeland gone and Rambo likely to be rusty. The Offensive Line also saw a shakeup with the unexpected retirement of Jesse Newman.

Player to Watch: Ken-Yon Rambo

Defense

The Defensive Line should post some nice results, led by Mike Labinjo. Labinjo dropped a ton of weight this off-season, and that should help him produce what I think will be his best season in the CFL. The Linebacking corps is a bit of an unknown outside of Calgary, with the only nationally recognized player (Dwaine Carpenter) released this off-season. The Secondary should be strong, with DB Dwight Anderson leading the way. The defense for the Stampeders is a bit of a mystery, and it might take watching a few games before I can accurately rate how this unit will perform.

Player to Watch: Mike Labinjo

Overall

The confounding rash of retirements that came out of Calgary gives this team a little bit of a continuity issue heading into the 2010 season. With veterans like Jeff Pilon hanging up the cleats, the Stamps will have a very different look in 2010. The success of the Stamps hinges on a couple of things. First, Henry Burris must be the Henry Burris of the first half of 2009. Second, Joffrey Reynolds must continue to be the league's best back. Third, Ken-Yon Rambo must return to his former self to make-up for the loss of Jeremaine Copeland. Fourth, the defense must find an identity. This is probably the team in the West that dealt with the most turnover on its roster from 2009 to 2010. It might be a long season in Cowtown if the four things above do not materialize.

PREVIOUS: Saskatchewan Roughriders

8 Teams, 8 Days: Saskatchewan Roughriders

Last Season: 10-7-1, 1st in the West (Lost Grey Cup 28-27 to Montreal)

Offense

Explosive. That's the only word that I can use to describe the Roughrider offense. They have perhaps the best young starting Quarterback in Darian Durant. The only Running Back not to eclipse 1,000 yards rushing last season was Wes Cates. Cates dealt with injuries in 2009, and if healthy, he would have been well over 1,000 yards. What can be said about the Wide Receivers in Saskatchewan that hasn't already been said? The collection of talent (Fantuz, Dressler, Getzlaf, Bagg and the recently added Prechae Rodriguez) is about as talented a Receiving group as has ever been assembled. The Offensive Line is just as solid, anchored by veteran Gene Makowsky. This is as dangerous as an offense gets in the CFL.

Player to Watch: Weston Dressler

Defense

The defensive side of the ball is where the Riders must deal with big losses. John Chick, Stevie Baggs and Eddie Davis are all gone. These will not be easy players to replace. Chick was last season's Most Outstanding Defensive Player; Baggs was a force, and would have likely won MODP had he not played on the same team as Chick. Davis, while having lost a step, was a stalwart in the Secondary for the Riders, and his veteran presence will be missed. The Riders added some experience when they signed Linebacker Barin Simpson. The Riders also added former Queen's standout Shomari Williams when they made him the first pick in the 2010 CFL Draft. While he won't start right away for the Riders, expect him to make an impact before season's end.

Player to Watch: Shomari Williams

Overall

"The 13th Man" will forever live in infamy in Riderville. Losing the Grey Cup because of a counting error will forever haunt the players from that team. It's a gut-wrenching way to lose, especially when it's for the championship. There might be some lingering effects from that heart-breaking loss, but I expect Ken Miller's squad to still be among the best in the CFL. While the defensive losses suffered in the off-season will be hard at first, I fully expect the Riders to establish themselves as the class of the West. I think Saskatchewan is still the most talented team playing in the West Division, and I fully expect them to be the odds-on favourite to represent the West in the Grey Cup in November.

PREVIOUS: British Columbia Lions

8 Teams, 8 Days: British Columbia Lions

Last Season: 8-10, 4th in the West (Lost the East Division Final 56-18 to Montreal)

Offense

Casey Printers is back. Last season, after a slew of QB injuries, Printers was given the starting nod by Head Coach Wally Buono, and he made the most of it. His stats weren't spectacular, but he did lead the Leos to a victory in the East Division Semi-Finals against his former team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Printers will enter the 2010 season as the team's starter, and he looks to find his MOP-winning skills from a few years ago.

Running Back is somewhat of a question mark for the Lions with the departure of last season's Most Outstanding Rookie, Martell Mallet. Mallet signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and has been replaced by former Argonaut Jamal Robertson. How Robertson performs will be key to whether BC contends for a home playoff game, or whether they will have to hope to cross over into the East.

The Wide Receivers in BC are as strong as ever. Geroy Simon seems not to age, Paris Jackson seems to never have a bad game, and Emmanuel Arceneaux emerged as a reliable target in 2009. The team also added Derrick Armstrong, which makes BC a very deep and talented bunch.

The line lost veteran Jason Jimenez to Hamilton and still looks to be the weak link in BC's offensive arsenal. For this team to be good, Printers needs time. If the line can give him that time, he can be very dangerous.

Player to Watch: Casey Printers

Defense

Losing Ricky Foley (last season's Most Outstanding Canadian) will hurt, but with Brent Johnson still there, the line should be fine. The Linebackers leave something to be desired, but with time, they could jell. Davis Sanchez left Montreal to finish his career in BC, but he's a little long in the tooth, so to expect him to be the Sanchez of years past would be a mistake. I do expect former McMaster Marauder Jason Arakgi to have a good season. I don't really know why, just a gut feeling. All of that said, this is not a great defense, and the Lions might have to win some games 38-34 or 41-37 to compensate for that.

Player to Watch: Jason Arakgi

Overall

Despite the defensive deficiencies, there is something about BC that I like. Maybe I'm just drinking the Buono Kool-Aid, but his teams always find a way to win. Last year was considered a "down year" for Wally, and yet his team still made the East Division Final! I think if Printers can stay healthy, this BC team could be one scary outfit. I don't know if they'll make it to or win the Grey Cup, but with Wally Buono at the helm, you just never know. Counting BC out would be very foolish.

PREVIOUS: Edmonton Eskimos

8 Teams, 8 Days: Edmonton Eskimos

Last Season: 9-9, 3rd in the West (Lost West Division Semi-Final 24-21 to Calgary)

Offense

The Edmonton Eskimos need not worry when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. They have a great Quarterback in Ricky Ray, a stud-in-training in Running Back Arkee Whitlock and a deep, talented Wide Receiving corps with Kamau Peterson, Fred Stamps and Andre Talbot. Where the Eskies are vulnerable is the Offensive Line. Patrick Kobango is considered one of the best in the CFL, but otherwise the line leaves something to be desired. If the Linemen can jell together, this could be a very dangerous, very potent offense in 2010.

Player to Watch: WR Kelly Campbell

Defense

The wildcard on the Defensive Line is Adam Braidwood. Braidwood has been battling injuries for the better part of the last two seasons, and it seems that he is finally healthy and ready to resume his CFL career. The Linebackers are decent, if anonymous to those outside of Edmonton. The Defensive Backs is where Edmonton should see its biggest improvement. After going until late August last season before registering an interception, the Esks beefed up their Secondary by trading for former Tiger-Cat Chris Thompson. The addition of Thompson will be key for a defensive resurgence in Edmonton.

Player to Watch: Chris Thompson

Overall Impressions

The Eskimos are one of those teams that, even when bad, they are still pretty good. Last year they were a very schizophrenic team. One week they'd look like world beaters (when they hammered Montreal), and another week they'd look like garbage (losing 32-8 to Calgary). The Esks are still probably a playoff team, and with no one other than Saskatchewan really distancing themselves (and even that is debatable), I would be surprised if the Esks didn't have a chance to get to the Grey Cup, which just so happens to be in Edmonton this season.