You can\u0027t measure the return of cornerback Brandin Dandridge to the Ottawa Redblacks\u0027 starting lineup by the statistics.
The three touchdowns he’s scored this season – two on interceptions and another on a punt return – show what he means to his team. He’s got four interceptions and two fumble recoveries; that’s six takeaways on a Redblacks team that leads the CFL with 30 in 10 games.
But it’s another intangible, a quiet confidence that helps push the 27-year-old to a different level. Swagger without the swagger, if that makes any sense. Getting Dandridge back is big for Sunday’s game in Edmonton, for an Ottawa team which, while it continues to force turnovers on the defensive side, too frequently gives up big chunks of yardage in the air. The Elks have been trying to overcome problems of their own. Edmonton, which halted a 13-game losing streak with a 24-10 win over Hamilton last week, last won at home 1,415 days ago; that’s an unfathomable 22 straight losses at Commonwealth Stadium.Article content Dandridge last played July 27 against Hamilton, when he suffered a foot injury. He’s got 13 tackles to go with his big-play ability. “It’s tough to be on the sidelines,” said Dandridge, who doesn’t say much. He’s not a big talker and, when asked about his accomplishments, prefers to deflect the praise to others. “I like to play football,” he said. “That’s what I’m passionate about, playing football. I don’t get too much into the talking. I’ve never really been an individual that just praises myself. I praise coaches, I praise my teammates who allow me to be able to do my job. I feel like I’m always a team-first guy. “Since I was a baby, I’ve been quieter. My mom and dad are pretty outgoing, pretty loud. There was a lot of that in the house. But this is who I am; it’s my personality. I’m humble. I know there are a million guys who would want to be in my position, so I appreciate what I have. I feel so blessed to be here playing a child’s game.”Article content After playing for the Redblacks in 2019 and 2021 , Dandridge was signed by the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs in early 2022. He was waived late in August, signing with the Redblacks two weeks later. “When I had an opportunity to go , you realize how fast how everything can change so quickly,” said Dandridge. “You never know when your last down will be so you try to take advantage of every moment.” BRALON’S BACK: It’s been a long, sometimes difficult road for receiver Bralon Addison, who will play his first football game in more than a year, making his1,236 yards in catches and rushed 36 times for 218 yards for Hamilton, Addison is coming off a torn Achilles tendon injury that has sidelined him for more than a year.Article content“I’m feeling a combination of excitement and nervousness, I haven’t done this in awhile,” said Addison. “It’s definitely been a long road. I’ve been waking up in the morning with a lot of energy and having to calm myself down.”“That’s going to be the question, but, yeah, for sure,” he said. “I’ve been plagued with injuries. But if you watch the tape from the last two years, even though it’s been in short spurts, it’s still in me. I’m big on faith and belief. I’m not worried, I’m confident. I’m excited to get out there and be with the team. I’m excited to prove I’ve still got it.”Article content DEFENDING TRE: Asked about defending against mobile Elks quarterback Tre Ford, who was buried on the depth chart when Ottawa thumped the Elks 26-7 earlier this year, Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce said: “W e can’t give up open lanes. He’s such a great athlete, if he gets an open field, he can really do some damage. We have to make sure we’re disciplined not only in our drops, but in our front and with our linebackers, making sure we keep him contained in the pocket and don’t allow him to beat us with his legs.” THE END AROUND: While Dandridge is back, DB Tobias Harris is listed as the team’s kick returner … The odds have been bouncing back and forth all week, but it looks like the Redblacks are now a one-point favourite to beat the Elks. Whatever direction the oddsmakers lean, it’s not bothering the Redblacks. Said receiver Jaelon Acklin: “It doesn’t bother me who anyone picks or what anybody says.” … Asked about playing against the Elks’ defence, with the playcalling by head coach Chris Jones, Acklin said: “He’s an aggressive guy who runs a lot of fronts. He’s going to throw a lot of stuff at you. They have big, athletic defensive backs. So, if we throw the ball up, we have to find a way to make plays. And, if we can make those plays, we have a good chance to win.” … Asked how the Redblacks had changed since they last played the Elks, Dyce said: “We’re a team that can establish the run. We don’t turn the ball over like we did back then. Offensively, we’re more efficient than what we were. Our defence has been extremely aggressive in taking the ball away and we’ve got to continue that. With special teams, we’re continuing to evolve.” … In his last eight games, Redblacks kicker Lewis Ward has made 22-of-23 field goal attempts, missing only from 52 yards.
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