The Ottawa Redblacks have now set a new record for the longest losing streak in the CFL’s modern era. Their 15th consecutive loss came on Friday night, as they were defeated 33-21 by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, extending their losing streak from the previous season. This surpasses the previous record held by the Shreveport Pirates, who lost 14 consecutive games in 1994.
As confirmed by Steve Daniel, a CFL historian and the league’s associate vice-president of football analytics and statistics, Ottawa now holds the modern-day record for the longest losing streak in the CFL. The news was met with disappointment by fans like Jimmy Fata, who expressed frustration over the team’s performance and the lack of a clear solution to the ongoing struggles.
The Redblacks’ losing streak is not only a modern-day record but also ranks as the third-longest in the entire CFL record book dating back to 1907. Another loss in the upcoming game against the Montreal Alouettes would tie them with the Hamilton Wildcats for the second-longest losing streak in CFL history. However, the distant first place is held by two Ottawa CFL clubs from 1928 to 1932, totaling 25 consecutive losses.
According to Daniel, the evolution of the league post-World War II marked a shift towards professionalism in Canadian football. He highlighted the progress made in player compensation and competitiveness in the league compared to the amateur status of the sport in earlier eras.
Analyzing the Redblacks’ current situation, Daniel emphasized the need for a continued roster rebuild, especially on the defensive side. Despite recent changes, including new players and adjustments in the defensive line, the team’s struggles persist. Daniel noted that improvements were seen in their latest game, signifying a step in the right direction.
One significant area of concern for the Redblacks is their performance in the red zone, where they have the lowest success rate in the league. This ongoing issue of failing to convert scoring opportunities has contributed to their string of losses.
Despite the challenging times, Fata emphasized the importance of unwavering support for the team, urging fans to stand by the Redblacks through thick and thin. He remains optimistic about the team’s future and believes that staying loyal during tough times is essential for true fans of the sport.
