The Ottawa Redblacks have set a new record in the CFL, now holding the longest losing streak in the modern era. Their 15th consecutive loss occurred on Friday night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, extending back to the previous season. This surpasses the 14-game losing streak of the Shreveport Pirates in 1994, as confirmed by CFL historian Steve Daniel.
Expressing disappointment, dedicated Redblacks fan Jimmy Fata, present at the game, highlighted the team’s struggles and the lack of clarity on the root cause. The tradition of cutting a “wood cookie” for every touchdown has been impacted by the team’s recent lack of success, as noted by Fata, a longtime participant in the ritual.
The Redblacks’ losing streak not only stands as a modern-day CFL record but also ranks as the third-longest in CFL history dating back to 1907. Another loss against the Montreal Alouettes this Thursday would tie them with the Hamilton Wildcats for the second spot with 16 continuous losses. The Ottawa Rough Riders and Ottawa Senators, considered a single entity in historical records, hold the top spot with 25 straight losses between 1928 and 1932.
According to Daniel, the evolution of the league post-World War II marked a shift towards professionalism and competitiveness. The Wildcats, formed hastily after the departure of Hamilton’s previous team, struggled during their short existence, winning only one game.
Reflecting on the Redblacks’ current situation, Daniel emphasized the need for a continued roster rebuild, particularly in the defensive line. Coach Ryan Dinwiddie’s adjustments have shown improvement, with Daniel recognizing the team’s progress in the recent game as a positive step.
Acknowledging the Redblacks’ challenges in scoring within the red zone, Daniel highlighted the team’s struggles in converting opportunities into points. Fata emphasized the importance of steadfast support for the team through thick and thin, rejecting fair-weather fandom and remaining optimistic about the team’s future despite the ongoing losses.
