Are the 2025 Calgary Stampeders for Real?
The Calgary Stampeders are off to a red-hot 4-1 start.
As much as I want to keep reminding people that it’s early in the season, and we shouldn’t read too much into it. The question keeps getting louder with each passing week.
Are the Calgary Stampeders for real?
Before the season, most writers were pessimistic about the Stamps’ season outlook. Which was fair enough considering they missed the playoffs for the first time in 20 years.
But now they’re in first place in the West Division.
They have also jumped to first in the CFL News Hub Power Rankings.
But, is this just early-season success?
Or, are they legit title contenders?
There are signs that point both ways.
Calgary Stampeder Offense
The Calgary Stampeders’ offense is currently averaging 24 points per game.
That’s not the most impressive average in the league, but they have done enough to get the job done so far.
They also boast an impressive collection of offensive weapons, which gives me confidence that they can improve as the season goes on.
Vernon Adams Jr.
Vernon Adams Jr. is the unquestioned leader of this offense. His early-season play has been impressive:
- 94/139
- 1,453 yards
- 5 tds
- 5 ints
Adams’ leadership qualities can’t be understated; he’s the heart and soul of the team.
He’s also a veteran who makes good reads and can make things happen with his legs.
The one knock on his early-season play is consistency. He makes plenty of great plays, but some bad ones too.
Five interceptions in five games isn’t ideal. Also, he does have he tendency to miss some throws at times.
But his productions mixed with the Stamps’ potent rushing attack have been enough to cause defenses headaches so far.
Rushing Attack
Balance is important to success on offense. It keeps the defense guessing and gives you multiple ways to attack.
Thankfully for the Calgary Stampeders, they have Dedrick Mills.
- 77 carries
- 396 yards
- 5 tds
Mills’ strong running opens up passing opportunities for Adams, and vice versa.
It’s also worth mentioning how well rookie Quincy Vaughn has done in short-yardage situations. He’s a perfect 12 for 12 on the season, converting first downs.
That type of short-yardage success is a real weapon.
First of all, it helps keep the offense on the field.
Secondly, it opens up more second-down options. With a strong short-yardage package, 2nd and 5 can be a running or passing down, keeping the defense guessing.
It also gives Adams the option of checking the ball down on second down, knowing that if they are short by a little, Vaughn is there to convert on 3rd.
Receiving Core
The win over Saskatchewan really showcased the Calgary Stampeders’ receiver depth.
The Stamps have four receivers with over 200 yards receiving this season:
- Jalen Philpot: 310 yards
- Dominique Rhymes: 272 yards
- Damien Alford: 221 yards, 3 tds
- Clark Barnes: 216 yards, 1 td
Having multiple receiving options is a nightmare for any defense to cover.
Calgary Stampeder Defense
As well as the offense has played this season, the defense has been the star of the show.
Coming into week 6, Calgary was leading the league in points allowed at 20.3. That lead only grew after allowing just 10 points in Saskatchewan.
Rushing Defense
One of the most surprising parts of the victory in Saskatchewan was how well they handled the run. Coming into the game, AJ Ouellette was the CFL’s leading rusher.
The Calgary Stampeders’ defense held Ouellette to 9 rushing yards.
I feel silly for being surprised.
With the exception of a rough week 3, the Stampeders’ defense has done a good job of stopping the run. They’ve allowed less than 100 yards per game in all four of their wins this season.
Passing Defense
On paper, the Stamps’ passing defense isn’t great. They’re allowing an average of 332 yards per game in the air. And, they haven’t held a single team under 300 yards all season.
But the stats don’t tell the whole story. After all, they allowed 428 yards passing in week 6, yet only allowed 10 points.
They manage that by keeping teams out of the endzone and forcing turnovers.
The Stampeders’ defense has forced 16 turnovers in five games this season:
- 10 downs
- 4 ints (3 pick-6s)
- 2 fumbles
Keeping teams out of the endzone and forcing turnovers is a formula for winning a bunch of games.
Calgary Stampeder Special Teams
Special teams have been the most inconsistent part of the Calgary Stampeders’ season.
The punt and kick return coverage team has looked good at times, and gotten gashed other times.
The Stampeders have also generated some nice returns themselves, but other times not so much.
The punting situation is solid. Both Fraser Masin (47.6 average) and Mark Vassett (51.6 average) have had their moments. But they also both have room for improvement.
As usual, Rene Paredes is the star of the special teams unit. The ageless wonder is 10/13 on field goals this season. However, it’s worth noting that all 3 of his misses were in bad weather games.
Overall, the special teams aren’t bad, but they need to find more consistency if they want to make a deep playoff run.
What’s Next for the Calgary Stampeders?
The Stampeders have another big test coming their way next week. Winnipeg is coming off a bye week, looking to avenge their loss from two weeks ago. The winner of that game will be in first place in the West Division.
My Thoughts on the Calgary Stampeders
In my opinion, yes, the Calgary Stampeders are for real.
It’s hard for me to envision them missing the playoffs for a second straight season. But, are they true title contenders?
I’m not sure yet, only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this season promises to be a lot more fun to watch than last year.
If the defense keeps generating turnovers, the offense scores a few more points, and the special teams find more consistency, the Stampeders can compete with anyone in the CFL.
The post Are the 2025 Calgary Stampeders for Real? first appeared on CFL News Hub.
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