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Who starred in week 20? CFL bests on offense, defense and special teams

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Who starred in week 20? CFL bests on offense, defense and special teams

Here are SI.com’s top picks for Week 20 of the CFL on offense, defense and special teams.

Offensive Player of the Week: Hamilton Tiger-Cats QB Bo Levi Mitchell

Mandatory credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images

June 16, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Hamilton Tiger Cats fullback Beau Levi Mitchell (19) scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Saskatchewan Rough Riders at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory link: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images / Gerry Angus-Imagn Images

Bo Levi Mitchell’s late-season commitment to showing the CFL that he can still play at a high level continues to impress. Game after game, Mitchell surpassed his previous performance, throwing for 450 yards and five touchdowns and one interception in Hamilton’s 42-20 win over the Calgary Stampeders. Even though the Tigercats are out of playoff contention, Mitchell has proven to be one of the best defensive players in the league and could be in contention for the MOP job.

Defensive Player of the Week: BC Lions LB Ben Hladik

Mandatory credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

June 17, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Edmonton Elks running back Kevin Brown (4) is hit by BC Lions linebacker Ben Hladik (46) and linebacker Boseko Lokombo (20) in the first half at BC Place. Mandatory link: Bob Frid-Imagn Images / Bob Frid-Imagn Images

BC desperately needed a win and the defense put on its best performance of the year, crushing the Montreal Alouettes 27-3. Lions linebacker Ben Hladik played a big role as usual, making four tackles, one tackle for loss, one fumble recovery and one sack in the win. When Hladik was on the field, he was a dominant force on defense and will be needed as the team enters its final bye week before the playoffs.

Special Teams Player of the Week: Montreal Alouettes Joseph Zema

Mandatory credit: David Kirouac-Imagne Images

September 2, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Alouettes’ Josef Zema (36) scores against the Ottawa Redblacks during the second quarter at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory credit: David Kirouac-Imagne Images / David Kirouac-Imagne Images

It’s time to show some love to the players who made a big impact on the weekend. Montreal’s Joseph Zema had to work hard in the Alouettes’ loss to the Lions. He returned seven punts for an average of 49.3 yards per punt. Montreal’s offense hasn’t had much going on, but Zema has made his presence known as they prepare for the postseason.

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