Recent “rebuilds” in the CFL have been interesting to watch.
The Ottawa RedBlacks started from scratch in 2014, and took their lumps winning just twice in their opening season. 2015 was much better and after two seasons the RedBlacks were 14-22, and 1-1 in playoff games with a Grey Cup appearance.
The Riders are in a similar situation two years into this regime led by Chris Jones. Saskatchewan is 15 and 21 with a 1 and 1 playoff record. The Riders have one more regular season win under Jones, but one less Grey Cup appearance than the RedBlacks did in the “rebuild.”
The key for Jones’ now, perhaps after his contract is renewed, is to try and maintain consistency in the lineup. Ed Gainey has openly talked about NFL opportunities, while Duron Carter and Brandon Bridge will be looking at all options going in to next season.
We all saw what happened in Ottawa with year three of the “rebuild” in 2016.
A championship 2018 would be year three of the Chris Jones “rebuild.”