Wed Jun 25 12:48:29 2008

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2008 CFL Western Preview - Edmonton Eskimos

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Edmonton, AB (Sports Network) - FACTS & FIGURES: Division - West. 2007 record - 5-12-1. Playoff result: Fourth in West Division, missed playoffs. Stadium - Commonwealth Stadium. Capacity - 59.538. Colors - Green, gold and white.

No team was more active in the offseason than Edmonton, and that shouldn't come as a surprise considering this club has missed the CFL playoffs the last two years.

Edmonton's quest for a playoff spot last year pretty much died when veteran quarterback Ricky Ray went down with a shoulder injury. That thrust rookie Stefan Lefors into the unenviable position of having to be the one to lead the Eskimos on their playoff run. Simply put, it didn't happen.

So, not only did the Eskimos hire Rick Worman as their quarterbacks coach, but they also managed to get former starter Jason Maas back in a green and gold uniform. Maas threw for over 5,000 yards in 2004 when Ray was in the NFL and was a big contributor to Edmonton's 2005 Grey Cup run before being traded to Hamilton. Maas battled injuries his two seasons away, but with Ray under center, he won't be called upon to play every down. He will be able to contribute like he did in '05, coming off the bench to provide the offense a spark.

The offseason acquisition of Brock Ralph from Hamilton will help a receiving corps that last year was anchored by Canadian Kamau Peterson, who led the team with 60 catches for 1,068 yards. Perennial all-star Jason Tucker battled through a knee injury much of last year but still managed 51 catches for 792 yards. A healthy Tucker improves this unit greatly. Edmonton's running game took a hit in the offseason when leading rusher Tyler Ebell (650 yards, 5.2- yard average per carry) was dealt to Toronto. Ray was the Eskimos' second- leading rusher with 232 yards.

The Eskimos definitely shored up their offense by landing all-star cornerback Jordan Younger from Toronto and defensive end Fred Perry from Saskatchewan. Perry is a relentless pass rusher whose mere presence alone should improve Edmonton's defense while Younger is one of the league's top cover corners.

Linebacker A.J. Gass, for years the heart and soul of Edmonton's defense, retired in the offseason but remains a defensive coach with the CFL team.

The Eskimos also looked to the trade route to improve their special teams. The club acquired punter-kicker Noel Prefontaine from Toronto after the Argos re- signed former NFL star Mike Vanderjagt. Prefontaine becomes a vital member of Edmonton's special teams because he can capably handle all three jobs (punts, field goals, kickoffs) and give the team the flexibility to use manpower elsewhere on the roster. Prefontaine takes over for veteran Sean Fleming, who retired following the '07 season.

Danny Maciocia, the Eskimos head coach and general manager, is on the hot seat in Edmonton. Missing the CFL playoffs for the third straight year will likely result in his being fired because Eskimos fans have long forgotten that Maciocia managed to win a Grey Cup in his first year as the team's head coach in 2005.

Sports Network Predicted Finish: Third.