The Ottawa Redblacks have now set a new record for the longest losing streak in the modern era of the CFL. Their latest defeat, a 33-21 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday night, marks their 15th consecutive loss, extending back to the previous season. This surpasses the previous record held by the Shreveport Pirates, who endured 14 straight losses in 1994, as confirmed by Steve Daniel, a CFL historian and the league’s associate vice-president of football analytics and statistics.
Expressing disappointment, Jimmy Fata, a devoted Redblacks fan who witnessed the record-setting loss in Winnipeg, emphasized the need to identify and address the team’s underlying issues. The tradition of cutting a “wood cookie” for every touchdown at home games has seen a decline due to the team’s recent lack of success, noted Fata, who has been part of this tradition for years.
In addition to setting a modern-day CFL record, the Redblacks’ losing streak now ranks as the third-longest in the entire CFL record book dating back to 1907. A loss against the Montreal Alouettes would tie them with the Hamilton Wildcats for the second-longest losing streak. The record for the longest losing streak in CFL history belongs to two Ottawa clubs, the Ottawa Rough Riders and the Ottawa Senators, which collectively lost 25 consecutive games between 1928 and 1932.
Daniel highlighted the team’s need for continued roster improvements, particularly on defense. Despite recent changes made by head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, including defensive line adjustments, Daniel sees room for progress following a stronger performance in their latest game. He pointed out the team’s struggles in scoring when in the red zone, emphasizing the importance of fan support during challenging times.
Fata echoed the sentiment of standing by the team through thick and thin, likening it to supporting a child through both successes and setbacks. While acknowledging the difficulty of witnessing continuous losses, he remains a dedicated fan, optimistic about the team’s future prospects.