Stampeders look to steady offense in critical matchup with winless Redblacks

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders aren't in a position to overlook anyone.



Calgary enters Saturday's matchup with the winless Ottawa Redblacks at McMahon Stadium at 5-8, having dropped consecutive games to Edmonton with five games remaining in the regular season. Ottawa is 0-12 but came within a field goal of Toronto last week, losing 26-23 on the final play.



"We understand the critical time of the year, that we need wins, and it has to start this week," Stampeders coach and general manager Dave Dickenson said Friday.



For Dickenson, one of the biggest priorities is keeping Calgary's offense on the field.



"Our big thing is, we've got to stay on the field," Dickenson said. "Lately we've been too many two-and-outs."



Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. is also looking for a reset after acknowledging Friday that he has felt "a little tight" in recent weeks.



"Have more swagger, play more free," Adams said of what he wants from himself. "Whatever happens, just on to the next play, good, bad, whatever."



Calgary will have to do it without leading rusher Dedrick Mills, who was injured against Edmonton. Mills has 943 rushing yards this season, while Deonta McMahon is listed as the starter against Ottawa.



McMahon said he's ready for the opportunity.



"I'm definitely excited," McMahon said. "I'm ready to get out there and get my feet wet and just show everybody what I can do."



Receiver Jalen Philpot, who leads Calgary with 797 receiving yards, said moving the chains has been a focus for the offense this week.



"We're an explosive group," Philpot said. "That just means going out there, making plays, yards after catch whenever we get the ball, and just moving the chains and getting first downs."



Calgary and Ottawa meet again next week in the nation's capital, making Saturday the first half of a two-game set that could prove significant for the Stampeders' late-season push.