Jason Maas Takes the Offensive Reins

By: Santino Filoso Yesterday afternoon, the Ottawa Redblacks held a press conference to formally introduce Jason Maas as the team's new offensive co-ordinator. Maas' hiring had been rumoured since the weekend but only became official on Wednesday afternoon. Maas, a former QB, played 11 seasons in the CFL with the Eskimos, Ticats and Alouettes. Twice he was … Continue reading Jason Maas Takes the Offensive Reins

A Look Back at the Redblacks Inaugural Season

By: Santino Filoso Before closing the books on the Redblacks 2014 season, it's worth one final look back at how they got to their league worst 2-16 record and why they'll be drafting 1st overall in May. Game #1: 36-28 loss to Winnipeg After exploding for 21 points in the 1st quarter, the Redblacks’ offense bogged … Continue reading A Look Back at the Redblacks Inaugural Season

Positional Review of the 2014 Redblacks

By: Santino Filoso After having a few weeks to digest the Redblacks' inaugural season, we here at Defend the R thought it was fitting to have a conversation and break down the team's performance by position. Quarterback: @RedBlackGade: While Burris certainly didn't get a lot of help from his teammates or offensive co-ordinator, he simply didn't live up … Continue reading Positional Review of the 2014 Redblacks

Mike Gibson Makes History

By: Santino Filoso In a somewhat surprising move yesterday, the Ottawa Redblacks fired offensive co-ordinator Mike Gibson. Don’t get me wrong, the firing itself isn’t unexpected or undeserved, but the timing is, as most teams normally wait until after the Grey Cup to make coaching changes. Perhaps the Redblacks simply wanted a head start in finding … Continue reading Mike Gibson Makes History

Redblacks Recap: Ottawa goes out with a whimper

By: Santino Filoso On Friday night, the Redblacks inaugural season game to an end in the soulless stadium once known as Sky Dome. An Ottawa team playing for nothing but pride took on an Argos squad fighting for their playoff lives in front of the biggest home crowd of the year (roughly 19,000) and two dozen members … Continue reading Redblacks Recap: Ottawa goes out with a whimper

It’s a social thing; The man behind @Redblacks, Mat Smith

Having a social media presence is pretty well a requirement for all modern businesses. Few, however, use it to its full potential, actively engaging with fans and customers. In less than a year, Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group's social media coordinator Mat Smith and the Ottawa Redblacks have established themselves as a model for social … Continue reading It’s a social thing; The man behind @Redblacks, Mat Smith

Redblacks Recap: Ottawa Implodes as Ticats Claw Out Win

By: Santino Filoso On a cold, windy, Halloween night, the Ticats rolled into town for the Redblacks final home game of the season. As has come to be expected, R-Nation packed TD Place, selling it out for the 9th straight time and proving once and for all that Ottawa IS a football town. Though the home … Continue reading Redblacks Recap: Ottawa Implodes as Ticats Claw Out Win

Redblacks Recap: Ottawa Wins Even if the Redblacks Lose

By: Santino Filoso On an emotional Friday night, and on the first big gathering since Wednesday’s shooting, Ottawa came together as a community to begin healing through the power of sports. The Redblacks played an inspired game, buoyed by the energy and emotion of an 8th straight sell out crowd at TD Place but unfortunately still … Continue reading Redblacks Recap: Ottawa Wins Even if the Redblacks Lose

Redblacks Recap: Steel Town Frowns

By: Santino Filoso On a windy Friday night, the Redblacks rolled into Steel Town seeking to play spoiler after being embarrassed last week in BC. Though the defence was once again back in fine form, ultimately a toothless offence and a number of penalties prevented Ottawa from getting its first win on the road. With the … Continue reading Redblacks Recap: Steel Town Frowns

BC Place, where faint playoff hopes go to die

By: Santino Filoso Riding high after last week's huge home win, the Redblacks headed to Vancouver attempting to do something exceedingly rare in Ottawa’s CFL history, win in BC. Unfortunately with their backs against the wall, they laid a complete egg, coming out flat and getting their ass kicked on both sides of the ball. Pre-Game: … Continue reading BC Place, where faint playoff hopes go to die