'The Fridge' Arrives
Redblacks Turn to Jelani 'The Fridge' Stafford to Solve Short-Yardage Woes
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The Ottawa Redblacks have stumbled through their first four CFL games, converting just six of 12 third-down attempts and failing on all five short-yardage plays where they needed a yard or less, according to Ottawa Sun. Now, heading into their game against the Edmonton Elks, the team may have a secret weapon waiting in the wings.
That weapon is Jelani Stafford, a 25-year-old rookie defensive tackle from Brownsville, Pa., who has been listed as a starting defensive tackle for the second straight game, according to The Province. The comparisons to NFL legend William 'The Refrigerator' Perry are already being made.
Ottawa's Short-Yardage Problem Is the Worst in the League
Ottawa's numbers in short-yardage situations are hard to ignore. The Redblacks have a 38.8 percent third-down conversion rate, one of the lowest in the CFL, according to Calgary Herald. They have gone zero for five when needing just a yard or less to move the chains. That is a league-worst mark.
Short-yardage failures can swing games quickly. Each failed conversion hands the ball to the opponent in good field position. For a team still searching for consistency early in the season, those turnovers on downs add up fast.
Stafford Could Be Ottawa's 'Fridge' in Short-Yardage Packages
Jelani Stafford is drawing buzz as a potential short-yardage solution. The rookie defensive tackle has been elevated to a starting role for the second game in a row, according to Chatham Daily News. His size and power make him a candidate to line up as a blocking back or lead blocker near the goal line — a trick NFL teams have used for decades.
The comparison to William 'The Refrigerator' Perry is a nod to the iconic Chicago Bears defensive tackle who became famous for carrying the ball in short-yardage and touchdown situations during the Bears' dominant 1985 NFL season. Perry played 10 seasons in the NFL. If the Redblacks deploy Stafford the same way, it could give their offence a new look that defences have not yet prepared for.
White Out: Binjimen Victor Steps In at Receiver
The Redblacks will also be without Canadian wide receiver Keelan White for a second straight game. White is dealing with an ankle injury, according to The Whig. Binjimen Victor will step into White's spot in the lineup.
White had shown early promise. He caught two passes for 32 yards in his debut against the Montreal Alouettes. Losing him is a blow to a receiving corps that needs every weapon it can get while the team works through its early-season struggles.
Quarterback Jake Maier Sees Signs of Progress
Despite the rough start, Redblacks quarterback Jake Maier is staying positive. Maier believes the team is improving and that the offence is trending in the right direction, according to National Post. His confidence matters for a young group still finding its footing.
The Redblacks have a chance to prove Maier right in Edmonton. A win against the Elks, combined with a better showing in short-yardage situations, would send a clear message that Ottawa is moving past its slow start. Whether Stafford gets his 'Fridge' moment could be one of the storylines to watch.
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