Canada – CFL Statistics
Introduction
The Canadian Football League (CFL) is a professional football league played in Canada. The league is known for its unique rules and exciting gameplay. In this article, we will explore some of the key CFL statistics and how they are used.
Offensive Statistics
Offensive statistics are crucial for evaluating a team's performance. Here are some of the key offensive statistics in the CFL:
- Points scored: This metric tracks the total number of points a team scores over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats led the league in this category with 551 points.
- Passing yards: This metric tracks the total number of passing yards a team accumulates over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers led the league in this category with 5,190 passing yards.
- Rushing yards: This metric tracks the total number of rushing yards a team accumulates over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, the Edmonton Eskimos led the league in this category with 1,905 rushing yards.
Passing Statistics
Passing is a critical aspect of the CFL game, and several key statistics help evaluate a quarterback's performance. Here are some of the key passing statistics in the CFL:
- Completion percentage: This metric tracks the percentage of passes a quarterback completes out of the total number of passes attempted. In the 2019 season, Cody Fajardo of the Saskatchewan Roughriders led the league in this category with a completion percentage of 71.7%.
- Passing touchdowns: This metric tracks the total number of touchdown passes a quarterback throws over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Vernon Adams Jr. of the Montreal Alouettes led the league in this category with 24 touchdown passes.
- Interceptions thrown: This metric tracks the total number of interceptions a quarterback throws over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Mike Reilly of the BC Lions led the league in this category with 18 interceptions thrown.
Rushing Statistics
Rushing is also a critical aspect of the CFL game, and several key statistics help evaluate a team's rushing performance. Here are some of the key rushing statistics in the CFL:
| Year | Leading rusher | Rushing yards | Yards per carry | Rushing touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | William Powell (Saskatchewan Roughriders) | 1,093 | 5.8 | 6 |
| 2018 | Trevor Harris (Ottawa Redblacks) | 2,045 | 7.0 | 11 |
| 2017 | Jeremiah Johnson (BC Lions) | 1,185 | 5.9 | 8 |
| 2016 | Jerome Messam (Calgary Stampeders) | 1,198 | 5.8 | 11 |
| 2015 | Tyrell Sutton (Montreal Alouettes) | 1,059 | 5.8 | 5 |
| 2014 | Jon Cornish (Calgary Stampeders) | 1,082 | 5.8 | 14 |
| 2013 | Kory Sheets (Saskatchewan Roughriders) | 1,598 | 5.6 | 12 |
| 2012 | Jon Cornish (Calgary Stampeders) | 1,457 | 5.6 | 11 |
| 2011 | Brandon Whitaker (Montreal Alouettes) | 1,381 | 5.5 | 9 |
As shown in the table, William Powell led the league in rushing yards in the 2019 season, while Jon Cornish led the league in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
Receiving Statistics
Receiving is another critical aspect of the CFL game, and several key statistics help evaluate a receiver's performance. Here are some of the key receiving statistics in the CFL:
- Receptions: This metric tracks the total number of receptions a receiver makes over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Brandon Banks of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats led the league in this category with 112 receptions.
- Receiving yards: This metric tracks the total number of receiving yards a receiver accumulates over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Brandon Banks also led the league in this category with 1,550 receiving yards.
- Receiving touchdowns: This metric tracks the total number of touchdown receptions a receiver makes over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Dominique Rhymes of the Ottawa Redblacks and Eric Rogers of the Calgary Stampeders led the league in this category with 10 touchdown receptions each.
Defensive Statistics
Defensive statistics are crucial for evaluating a team's performance. Here are some of the key defensive statistics in the CFL:
- Total tackles: This metric tracks the total number of tackles a player makes over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Simoni Lawrence of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats led the league in this category with 98 total tackles.
- Sacks: This metric tracks the total number of sacks a player makes over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Willie Jefferson of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers led the league in this category with 12 sacks.
- Interceptions: This metric tracks the total number of interceptions a player makes over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Winston Rose of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers led the league in this category with nine interceptions.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams play a critical role in the CFL game, and several key statistics help evaluate a team's special teams performance. Here are some of the key special teams statistics in the CFL:
- Punt return yards: This metric tracks the total number of yards a player returns punts for over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, Janarion Grant of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers led the league in this category with 1,138 punt return yards.
- Kickoff return yards: This metric tracks the total number of yards a player returns kickoffs for over the course of a season. In the 2019 season, DeVonte Dedmon of the Ottawa Redblacks led the league in this category with 1,137 kickoff return yards.
- Kicking percentage: This metric tracks the percentage of field goals a kicker makes out of the total number of field goals attempted. In the 2019 season, Tyler Crapigna of the Saskatchewan Roughriders led the league in this category with a kicking percentage of 92.3%.
Conclusion
The CFL is a unique and exciting football league with its own set of rules and statistics. By tracking and analyzing CFL statistics, we can gain insights into which teams and players are performing well, and identify areas for improvement. Over the years, we have seen many remarkable performances and outstanding statistical achievements. From the passing of Ricky Ray to the rushing of Jon Cornish and the receiving of Brandon Banks, these statistics tell the story of the CFL. By continuing to track and analyze CFL statistics, we can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of this great game.
