CFL Week 20 - Thoughts and Picks

First off, we have Toronto heading to Ottawa, where the Red Blacks have one more chance this season to break their fans' hearts at home.

But before we get into the matchup, I need to talk about Ottawa, because the potential for the Red Blacks to go winless this season feels like a bit of an I told you so moment.

I've been talking about the irresponsibility of Ryan Dinwiddie holding three positions within this organization since the beginning of the season, since before the beginning of the season.

Head coach, general manager, and offensive coordinator.

Three incredibly demanding jobs.

And now we're looking at a team that hasn't won a single game.

I'm not saying the structure is solely responsible for the probability of a winless season, but I think it's completely irresponsible to put an entire organization, coaching staff, and group of athletes in this position.

And that brings me to McLeod Bethel-Thompson's comments about last game.

I've seen people criticizing him for airing dirty laundry publicly, but here's my perspective.

This is a veteran quarterback.

He's been media trained, he knows this league, and he damn well knows the potential consequences of publicly criticizing the team's staff, actions, and decisions.

And he said it anyway.

So maybe instead of immediately criticizing him for speaking up, we should be asking why he felt the need to.

I don't know his motivation, but I wonder whether part of it is wanting to see change so other players don't have to experience what this team is going through.

I haven't been in that building, and I'm not pretending to know what happens behind closed doors, but from the outside, there's enough evidence to seriously question the leadership decisions that got Ottawa here.

This season has been a heartbreaker for Ottawa fans, but honestly, it shouldn't be that much of a surprise given the circumstances they started the season in, at least in my opinion.

As for the game, Toronto has already secured its playoff position, so motivation is my only real concern.

But with Chad Kelly returning, I think there's value in getting him game reps before the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Ottawa's rookie quarterback brings an interesting wrinkle with his mobility, but I don't think their offense can match Toronto's if Kelly starts making big plays.

And I don't think this Red Black's defense has what is needed to hold back this Toronto offense.

I'm taking Toronto.