There are 3 more weeks in the 2022 CFL Season. Let's discuss which specialists are making the most of it in this week's write-up;
Kickers
Kickers across the league, statistically speaking, played well. They put up a decent stat line of 19/20 on field goals, and 18/19 on converts. No one really impressed me and I believe some cracks are showing here if we look a little deeper. Let's discuss how each of the players performed with a look at my (un)Official Week 18 CFL Kicker Power Rankings;
Working top-down;
Rene Paredes (CGY) had a Bye Week this week.
Marc Liegghio (WPG) had a great week making both of his field goals (long of 43 yards), all 6 of his convert attempts, and this nice tackle on a kickoff return. He continues to defy expectations and I am immensely happy to see him play well. He is one of the best kickers in the CFL this year and it is hard to argue otherwise.
Sean Whyte (BC) did not have a great night in terms of fan opinion. He played o.k., making 2 of his 3 field goals and both of his convert attempts. He did, however, miss a vital, game-tying field goal from 41 yards out. He also kind of flopped after a kick. It was also a pretty poor acting job if you ask me but I guess you can't fault a guy for trying to draw a penalty.
Seth Small (HAM) experiences highs and lows this week. He completed all 4 of his field goals with an impressive 42 yard long, but, he missed his first PAT. He was the last remaining kicker in the CFL with 100% on converts. He was the first CFL kicker to make his first 20 converts since the PAT was moved to the 25 yard line.
Brett Lauther (SSK) didn't attempt any field goals this week but did make both his converts. He was a guest on Countdown to Kickoff before the game and shows he is taking things one game at a time. Check it out here. Also, look at this sick shirt!
David Côté (MTL) needed this week. He missed 2 50+ field goals this week and the Montreal front office set out to make him a bit more confident. He made all 4 of his field goals, however, his longest was from only 25 yards out. He and Holder/Punter Joseph Zema did manage to get pretty lucky after a fumbled hold still went between the uprights from 16 yards out.
Sergio Castillo (EDM) made a field goal from 16 yards out and made his only PAT. I expect just about every kicker to be 100% in this situation. He's been playing well this year.
Lewis Ward (OTT) was also given a confidence boost this week after making all 3 of his field goal attempts as well as his single convert.
Boris Bede (TOR) was the third kicker requiring a confidence boost this week. He was 100% on all 3 of his field goals and both his PATs.
Punters
This was the best of nights, and it was the worst of nights. We were treated to a few decent games but just as many statistical anomalies. I would say half of the Punters impressed me this week. Let's discuss how each of the players performed with a look at my (un)Official Week 18 CFL Punter Power Rankings;
Working top-down;
Cody Grace (CGY) had a Bye Week this week and will remain in the First Position.
Richie Leone (OTT) played his 100th CFL game this week! He punted 4 times for an avg. of 46.3 yards and 39.5 Net yards. Leone is quoted as saying that he is "Ready to saddle up for another 100 (games)".
Joseph Zema (MTL) had, in my opinion, a good game. He punted 5 times for 203 yards (40.6 avg.) and 145 Net yards (29 Net Avg.). His Net average was low but was made up for his 2 punts that were pinned inside the 20 yard line and his 1 punt that was muffed and recovered by Montreal. The drive continued and ended in a 3-point field goal from his partner David Côté. He will jump 1 spot in the Power Rankings.
Stefan Flintoft (BC) celebrated his 27th birthday this week! Happy Birthday, Stefan! He spent his birthday putting on a clinic, punting 7 times for 315 yards (45 avg.) and 272 Net yards (38.9 Net Avg.). He also pinned a punt on the Argonauts' 1 yard line and had 3 punts over 50 yards.
John Haggerty (TOR) wears number #29. I am a bozo and have been foolishly listing him as #71 (what he wore during camp). It has been fixed and thank you for telling me! He had a great game, punting 8 times with an avg. of 44 yards and a Net avg. of 34.6 Net yards per punt. He also pinned 50% of his kicks inside the Lions' 20 yard line and had 2 punts over 50 yards. Just overall a really good game will push him into the Top 5 in the Power Rankings.
Marc Ligghio (WPG) only punted 2 times. His stat line was roughly league average and he has been struggling a bit since week 10. He has that dawg in him though, so I expect him to bounce back for the last 3 weeks of the season, especially if the Bombers won't be playing their starting offence (We might see a lot of him in the next few games).
Michael Domagala (HAM) had a great game punting outside of a blocked punt in the Second Quarter. He punted 4 times with an average of 41 yards and 36 Net yards per punt. 50% of his punts went inside the 20 yard line and 1 of those went out at the 8 yard line. He will jump Vedvik into the Seventh Position.
Kaare Vedvik (SSK) had a bad, bad game. I'll just say this; 8 punts, 30.3 avg., and 22.8 Net avg. He also had the first Dribbled Kick that I've ever seen. Check out the article I wrote about it here!
Jonathan Ryan (EDM) didn't impress me at all and will remain in the Ninth Position. He punted 6 times for 260 yards (43.3 Avg.) and 179 Net yards (29.8 Net Avg.). This just isn't what we are used to seeing when we hear the name "Jon Ryan". I hope he gets back on his horse soon, or else the Elks may be looking for a new punter in the offseason.
Thank you for making it this far in my article! Please make sure to let me know what you think. -Big Ups to everyone on Twitter who continues to post great Specialist content. -
I couldn't do it without you :)
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