After a string of disappointing seasons, the Ottawa Redblacks finally had something to cheer about in 2024. The Redblacks made the playoffs for the first time since 2018, and while they lost 58-38 to the Toronto Argonauts in the East semifinal there is now a foundation to build on. One of the biggest improvements this year was the team's performance at home, where it posted an impressive 7-1-1 record.
"We talked about it from day one that we want to make sure that this stadium (TD Place) is a place where people don't want to come," said head coach Bob Dyce. "Ottawa is a beautiful city. One thing you always found whether it be talking to coaches or opposing players, `oh, we love coming to Ottawa.
' "I don't think they like coming to Ottawa nearly as much this year and that's what we want to continue to build here." They'll need to build on this momentum next season by improving their performance on the road, where they struggled with a 2-7-0 record. A key factor in Ottawa's success this year was the stability provided by quarterback Dru Brown, who finished third in the league with 3,959 passing yards in his first season as a starter.
After years of searching for a reliable QB, Brown's season gave Ottawa a much-needed anchor on offence. The 27-year-old showed poise under pressure and set the foundation for an offence that became increasingly difficult to defend. "He was everything as advertised," said general manager Sean Burke.
"He comes to work every day, knows areas he needs .