Redblacks still looking for first victory
In a season that has been fraught with challenges, the Ottawa Redblacks are hoping this will be the week their luck will change.
Ottawa Redblacks seek their first win of the season against B.C. Lions
The Ottawa Redblacks (0-10) are on the hunt for their maiden victory of the 2026 CFL season as they face the B.C. Lions (5-5) in a crucial matchup on Sunday night at TD Place Stadium. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie emphasized the team's determination, stating, "We’re playing for the love of the game right now and we owe it to the football gods to go out there and play the game the right way."
The Lions are coming off a 30-16 triumph over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, extending their four-game winning streak. Their defense, led by Justin McInnis, has been formidable, with McInnis recording 12 catches for 292 yards and a touchdown in the past three games.
Ottawa quarterback Jake Maier, who has struggled this season, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt and ranking last among starters entering Week 13, admitted, "I try not to think about the past anymore, I think it’s just about here we are." B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, in contrast, has thrown for over 300 yards in three consecutive games.
Defensively, Ottawa has been vulnerable, conceding an average of 435.8 net yards per game, with a conversion rate of 56.7% on second-down attempts. Marcus Barnes, the Lions' defensive back, acknowledged the team's losses but remains focused: "We’re not going to make excuses or let it kind of break us. You can see everybody wants that win (as) bad as hell, like we’re hungry for it."
A loss would put Maier on a challenging historical path. No CFL quarterback has ever lost 11 straight starts at the start of a season. Maier becomes the fourth quarterback to begin a campaign with a 0-10 record.
Written by urgent.news from Global News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
