Stampeders take suddenly explosive offence into season-defining Regina trip

After an underwhelming start, the Calgary Stampeders finally seeing an offense that could make the final weeks of their season considerably more interesting. Calgary improved to 7-8 with a 45-31 victory over Ottawa Saturday, powered by one of Vernon Adams Jr.’s best games of the year. Adams completed 24 of 30 passes for 422 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, helping the Stampeders pile up 520 net yards and secure their second victory over the Redblacks in as many weeks.

The production was spread throughout Calgary’s receiving corps. Jalen Philpot caught six passes for 127 yards and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his CFL career. Tevin Jones added eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown, while Clark Barnes finished with 109 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown that finally shut the door after Ottawa had pulled within seven points late in the fourth quarter. Deonta McMahon also scored twice as Calgary generated five explosive plays against the Redblacks.

Ottawa, however, represents only the beginning of Calgary’s late-season test. The Stampeders visit Saskatchewan Friday night before travelling to Winnipeg on October 10 and returning home to finish against BC on October 17. At 7-8, there is little room left for wasted opportunities, but consecutive wins have at least put Calgary in position to make those final games meaningful. The question in Regina will not simply be whether Adams can keep producing big numbers; it will be whether an offence that has scored 85 points over the past two games can carry that production against the stronger opponents Calgary must now chase down.