CFL Week 10 Offensive Line Rankings: Argonauts are No. 1 at Midway Point

The Canadian Football League (CFL) has reached the midway point of its 2024 season, and it’s time to take a deep dive into the offensive line rankings. At the top of the list, we find the Toronto Argonauts, who have excelled in both overall and run-blocking grades. This stellar performance can be attributed to key players like left tackle Isiah Cage and right tackle Dejon Allen. Cage boasts a Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall grade of 74.6, making him the top run-blocker, while Allen has an impressive 74.2 overall grade, leading in pass protection. Both players have earned spots on the first-half CFL East all-star team, underscoring their significant contributions to the Argonauts’ success.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Elks have shown considerable improvement, climbing up the rankings after securing two wins in Week 10. The Elks now rank third in overall and run-blocking grades and sixth in pass-blocking grade. Left tackle Martez Ivey has been a standout performer for the Elks, with a 73.4 overall grade, an outstanding 82.6 run-blocking grade, and a 59.8 pass-blocking grade. Ivey’s performance has earned him a spot on the first-half CFL West all-star team and made him a contender for the West representative for the most outstanding offensive lineman award. Centre Mark Korte also deserves mention, with a 67.6 PFF overall grade, securing his place on the CFL West all-star team.

The Montreal Alouettes, who previously held the top spot, have now dropped to second place but still boast the best pass-blocking unit and the fourth-best run-blocking group. Pier-Olivier Lestage has been the Alouettes’ top offensive lineman, with a remarkable 77.7 PFF overall grade, a 79.3 run-blocking grade, and a 79.0 pass-blocking grade. Lestage’s performance has earned him a spot on the first-half CFL East all-star team, and he is a strong contender for the East representative for the most outstanding offensive lineman award. Another notable performer for the Alouettes is Justin Lawrence, who has earned a 71.4 PFF overall grade and a place on the CFL East all-star team.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have also made their mark, ranking as the fourth-best offensive line with the fifth-ranked run-blocking group and the second-best pass-blocking group. Rookie Brendan Bordner has emerged as the Tiger-Cats’ top offensive lineman, with a 70.0 overall grade, a 67.3 run-blocking grade, and a 68.3 pass-blocking grade. Coulter Woodmansey joins Bordner on the first-half CFL East all-star team, with a 68.7 overall grade, a 67.3 run-blocking grade, and a 71.0 pass-blocking grade. These performances highlight the depth and talent within the Tiger-Cats’ offensive line.

The Ottawa Redblacks, on the other hand, find themselves in sixth place in the overall grade, eighth in run-blocking, and fifth in pass-blocking. Left tackle Dino Boyd has been a bright spot for the Redblacks, earning a 68.7 PFF overall grade, a 58.6 run-blocking grade, and a 75.2 pass-blocking grade. Despite the team’s struggles, Boyd’s individual performance stands out as a beacon of hope for the Redblacks’ offensive line.

Elsewhere in the league, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have seen standout performances from Stanley Bryant, who has been their top offensive lineman with a 66.1 overall grade, a 60.8 run-blocking grade, and a 67.8 pass-blocking grade. Similarly, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have benefited from the efforts of Logan Ferland, who has achieved grades of 65.8 overall, 69.0 in run-blocking, and 61.0 in pass-blocking. These individual performances highlight the competitive nature of the CFL’s offensive lines and the importance of having reliable players in these crucial positions.

In addition to these rankings, the CFL Honour Roll for Week 10 recognized several outstanding players. Quarterback Shea Patterson of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and safety Royce Metchie of the Toronto Argonauts were named the top offensive and defensive players, respectively. Patterson received a grade of 85.2 from Pro Football Focus for his performance against the Edmonton Elks, where he completed 22-of-38 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns, along with rushing for 30 yards and a touchdown on four carries. Metchie earned a grade of 92.7 for his play in Toronto’s loss to the Calgary Stampeders, recording nine tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ offensive line also received recognition, earning the top grade of 73.0 for their performance in a loss to the Montreal Alouettes. The three highest-graded players on the line were Brendan Bordner (71.8), Jordan Murray (71.7), and Coulter Woodmansey (69.8). Edmonton’s Shane Richards had the highest individual grade among offensive linemen with a score of 76.1. Other top-graded players included Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira (83.2), Calgary receiver Marken Michel (75.6), and defensive linemen Willie Jefferson (88.1) and linebacker Adam Bighill (76.2) of the Blue Bombers.

Special teams players also had their moments of glory, with Saskatchewan returner and special teams player Mario Alford earning grades of 68.0 and 90.6, respectively. Winnipeg kicker Sergio Castillo delivered an impressive performance, receiving a grade of 91.1. These weekly recognitions by Pro Football Focus provide valuable insights into the top performers in the CFL, highlighting their individual contributions to their teams’ success.

As the CFL season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these rankings evolve and which players continue to stand out. The Toronto Argonauts’ dominance in the offensive line rankings is a testament to their strong roster and effective coaching. The Edmonton Elks’ improvement is also noteworthy, indicating that they are a team to watch in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Ottawa Redblacks will be looking to build on their current performances and climb higher in the rankings.

The importance of a strong offensive line cannot be overstated in Canadian football. These players are the unsung heroes who protect the quarterback and create opportunities for the running game. Their performance directly impacts the success of the entire team, making the offensive line a critical component of any winning strategy. As we move into the second half of the CFL season, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on these rankings and the players who make them possible.

In conclusion, the CFL Week 10 offensive line rankings provide a fascinating snapshot of the league’s top performers at the midway point of the 2024 season. The Toronto Argonauts lead the pack with their exceptional overall and run-blocking grades, thanks to standout players like Isiah Cage and Dejon Allen. The Edmonton Elks’ rise in the rankings showcases their improvement and the impact of players like Martez Ivey. The Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Ottawa Redblacks also have notable performers who contribute to their teams’ success. As the season continues, these rankings will undoubtedly shift, reflecting the dynamic and competitive nature of Canadian football.