MBT's Near 500-Yard Game Guides Edmonton Over Calgary in Labour Day Finale

McLeod Bethel-Thompson lit it up for the Edmonton Elks as they defeated the Calgary Stampeders on Monday night.

Jun 14, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (10) throws a pass during the first half against the Montreal Alouettes at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports / Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

There were fireworks to close out the Labour Day weekend as the Edmonton Elks picked up a much-needed 35-20 win against the Calgary Stampeders on Monday night.

Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson was the star of the game with 486 passing yards and three touchdowns with zero turnovers. Receiver Tevin Jones caught all five of his targets for 208 yards and two scores, including an 81-yard touchdown. The offense gained 588 yards while the defense forced five turnovers.

It was a nightmare performance for the Stampeders offense as quarterback Jake Maier threw four interceptions and was benched late in the fourth quarter. Calgary had 18 rushing yards on eight carries as a team.

Edmonton improves to 4-8 on the season while the Stampeders move to 4-7, now just a half-game in front of the Elks for fourth in the West Division.

3 Takeaways from Elks Victory

1. Bethel-Thompson Outshines Maier

Jun 14, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Montreal Alouettes defensive end Avery Ellis tackles Edmonton Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson(10) during the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports / Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

After losing his job as the starting quarterback, Bethel-Thompson stepped back in following the Ford injury and has performed well since then. He had his best game of the season on Monday, with almost 500 passing yards. The man he faced, Maier, struggled mightily with four interceptions. Maier will have a short week to bounce back while Bethel-Thompson waits to see if Ford gets the start after being his backup on Monday.

2. Edmonton Secondary Proves Play-Making Skills

Jun 14, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Elks defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy (0) knocks down a pass intended for Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Kaion Julien-Grant (11) during the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports / Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

The defense in Edmonton has not been a shining spot for the team, but Monday's performance was memorable from the secondary. Loucheiz Purifoy and Devodric Bynum each had two interceptions in the win. Edmonton had 11 interceptions going into the game. Creating five turnovers and shutting down one of the best passing offenses in the league is a big testament to the defense's improvement over the last month.

3. Edmonton Legit Contenders for the West?

Jun 14, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Elks running back Javon Leake (22) is tackled by Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Regis Cibasu (3) and Montreal Alouettes linebacker TYrice Beverette (26) during the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports / Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

A ton of credit must be given to interim head coach Jarious Jackson, who has been 4-3 since taking over as the head man in Edmonton. The Elks are one win away from removing themselves from last place in the West Division, as they need to beat Calgary again on Saturday to accomplish that. With the lack of a dominant team in the West, Edmonton could sneak into the playoffs and still has an outside shot of winning the division. The Elks are a dangerous team regardless.

Up Next

Calgary Stampeders at Edmonton Elks (Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:00 pm EST)

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