Elks head to Winnipeg aiming for 3-0 start

The Edmonton Elks are heading to Winnipeg with aspirations of achieving a 3-0 season start, a feat not accomplished since 2017. The team is riding a high after winning their first two games, marking their best start since 2019.

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We already knew we’re a good football team. More importantly, it puts the league on notice. This isn’t the same Edmonton Elks organization that it was a couple of years ago. That’s what my message to the guys in the locker room is, the standard’s changed here. We win football games. It doesn’t matter how it looks, we win football games.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo expressed confidence in the team's current form, stating, "We already knew we’re a good football team." He highlighted a shift in the organization's culture, emphasizing, "This isn’t the same Edmonton Elks organization that it was a couple of years ago. That’s what my message to the guys in the locker room is, the standard’s changed here. We win football games."

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It’s something we haven’t been good at the past two weeks and it’s definitely something we need to clean up and be better at. It’s definitely a priority for us and that’s our main focus going into this game.

A key factor in the Elks' success has been the dominant run game, spearheaded by running back Justin Rankin. Rankin leads the CFL with 281 rushing yards and an impressive 8.9-yard average per carry. This potent ground attack presents a significant challenge for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who have struggled to stop the run in their opening games.

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It’s gonna be a tall task. He’s a great runner. Like, one of the best in the league, if not the best in the league.

Winnipeg defensive lineman Jake Ceresna acknowledged the threat, calling Rankin "one of the best in the league, if not the best in the league." The Bombers are prioritizing improving their run defense after allowing opponents to gain significant yardage in recent matches. Linebacker Tony Jones noted the defense's inconsistency, stating, "We were taking turns messing up and being out of gaps." The team is eager to demonstrate improved performance against the high-flying Elks.

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The guy is very special with the ball in his hands and I think that, as a fan, it’s very exciting to watch his game. I envy his speed. When the ball is in his hands, he has the ability to take it 70, 80, 90 yards.