Which Eskimos have made the trek across the Rockies in this week four, the Eskimos of last week's convincing 42-10 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, or the team from the week before that couldn't manage anything more than a single?
That is the question Edmonton fans will be wondering about as they settle in for TSN's Friday Night Football match up with the BC Lions.
The Eskimos quelled some of the growing unease in the Alberta capital with their timely victory over Winnipeg, the only point of concern perhaps that the victory was against a battered and clearly confused Bomber squad.
A more realistic test perhaps arrives tonight when the Eskimos play the Lions, BC still smarting from their three point loss to Saskatchewan last week, a loss that toppled them from the ranks of the undefeated.
Special teams proved to be their undoing last weekend and with a week to contemplate what could have been, Lions kick Paul McCallum has vowed to get his kicking game back on track.
The Eskimos will take on a defensive squad that enjoys making things uncomfortable for visiting quarterbacks, giving Kavis Reed something to work on as he tries to find the right game plan to take advantage of Stephen Jyles skill set.
Edmonton is still very much a work in progress, trying to come to terms with the off season changes and the impact that they have had on their execution and expectations.
One bright spot for coach Reed however is his defensive side, which has been tough and focused in the first three weeks of the season. A trait we imagine will continue as the Eskimos seek to make life difficult for Travis Lulay's offensive unit.
The Lions started the season off much like they finished 2011, last week's loss a helpful wake up call that in the CFL your fortunes can turn around quickly, not that they need any reminders on that fact, but a close loss such as last weeks can do wonders to help a team refocus on the little things that can be the difference between victory and defeat.
With Saskatchewan losing last night in Calgary, the West has tightened up significantly in the last 24 hours, a victory by either the Lions or the Eskimos will provide further congestion in the West standings and signal that no one team is destined to run away with the division just yet.
Game Time 7 PM PT (8 MT, 10 ET) BC Place (TSN)
Edmonton 27 at British Columbia 14 (28,335)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Lions kicker McCallum takes blame for misses, looks to rebound ...
National Post-- Lions bracing for Eskimos' tough defence
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos 0-fer in revamped BC Place
Edmonton Journal-- Frustrated Stamps is still Esks' leading receiver
Vancouver Sun-- Players to watch, three themes to the game
Vancouver Province-- B. C. Lions' Paris Jackson ready to resume regular service
Team Backgrounders
Edmonton Eskimos
British Columbia Lions
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
Globe and Mail-- Eskimos gain share of first place in West with win over Lions
National Post-- Lions' costly mistake hands Eskimos key victory
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos beat Lions at BC Place
Edmonton Journal-- Do-it-all Burnett leads Eskimos to big win over Lions
Vancouver Sun-- Big Play costly as Lions bow to Eskimos
Vancouver Province-- Eskimos win 27-14 as B. C. Lions offence goes missing
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