The Ottawa Redblacks have set a new record for the longest losing streak in the modern history of the CFL. Their 15th consecutive defeat was against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday night, extending their losing streak from the previous season. This surpasses the Shreveport Pirates’ 14-game losing streak in 1994, as confirmed by Steve Daniel, a CFL historian and the league’s associate vice-president of football analytics and statistics.
Jimmy Fata, a devoted Redblacks fan, expressed disappointment over the team’s new record and the lack of clarity on the reasons behind their struggles. The tradition of cutting a log section, known as a “wood cookie,” for every touchdown at home games has been impacted by the team’s recent lack of success, as noted by Fata.
The Redblacks’ losing streak is not only a modern CFL record but also ranks as the third-longest streak in the entire CFL record book dating back to 1907. Another loss to the Montreal Alouettes would tie them with the Hamilton Wildcats for the second-longest losing streak. The league’s evolution post-Second World War, transitioning from amateur to professional, has significantly impacted the competitiveness of teams like the Redblacks today.
Despite the challenges, Daniel believes the Redblacks are making progress with roster changes and defensive adjustments. The team’s struggles in the red zone have been a significant issue, with a low success rate in scoring opportunities. Fata emphasizes the importance of unwavering support for the team through thick and thin, echoing the sentiment of standing by the Redblacks during their difficult period.