Saskatchewan Roughriders 2015
- Thread starter petros
- Start date
Crap, that's not good! Problem with the cable/satellite/whatever?I won't be able to watch the playoffs or grey cup this year or NFL
Lots of it is online. Would that help maybe?
No cable, no CDN or US sattelite TV. I won't know until I get there. TSN Go App might work. If not, Rider Radio on the Rider app or CKRM listen online.
I have watched some NFL games, Tec. Matter of fact I jumped on the Seahawk bandwagon last year and caught a few of their games. I was also watching the Chicago Bears for awhile when Mark Trestman was coaching them. So I'm not a newbie. I just prefer our game as it is raw and real whereas I find the NFL very polished and corporate.
I'm a Raiders guy. Every time they played in Seattle In 90's I was there. Been to a Vikings game too.
why on earth would saskatewan fans be making fun of the lions, or do they just want another team
to go down the toilet with them, that YANA feeling, 'you are not alone', I'm certainly not up to
date on the CFL, so guess I'm missing something, or is it just an ongoing hate situation.
In the NFL, its Go Steelers. Second favourite is Seahawks, 3rd is wherever Payton Manning plays. After that its whomever is playing the New England Patriots or the Dallas Cowboys on any given week.
Seahawks? F*CKING SEAHAWKS?!?!?! All right, I WITHDRAW the invitation, you bastard!
Just kidding.
Vanstone: Here's what is wrong with the 2015 Riders
1. Matador defence:
Although there have been signs of a pulse lately, the Roughriders' defence remains an area of considerable concern (especially in the fourth quarter). Saskatchewan has allowed 225 points - the most in the league - after seven games. Granted, the total is skewed by two overtime games and three pick-sixes thrown by Saskatchewan quarterbacks, but the Roughriders' defence is a liability by any measure. One source of optimism is the fact that Saskatchewan has registered nine of its 15 sacks over the past two games. As a counterbalance, the Green and White has forced only two turnovers, and a Saskatchewan defensive back has yet to register an interception in 2015. Where have you gone, Ken McEachern?
2. Coaching errors:
Corey Chamblin has struggled as the head coach and de-facto defensive co-ordinator. Chamblin made a series of head-scratching coaching moves July 17 when the Roughriders coughed up a 29-18 lead in the final two minutes of regulation time and lost 35-32 in overtime to the host B.C. Lions. The Roughriders' chief strategist should have gone for a two-point convert after his team's final touchdown, and his decision to attempt a field goal on third-and-one in overtime was tantamount to waving a (green-and-) white flag. As mentioned earlier, the Chamblin-influenced defensive schemes are suspect. Is this the same guy who so adeptly guided Saskatchewan to a Grey Cup championship in 2013?
3. Lack of discipline:
Saskatchewan leads the CFL in penalties, with 109 for 924 yards. Worse yet, there isn't any sign that the problem is being eradicated. On Saturday, for example, the Roughriders were flagged 24 times - the most in franchise history - for 192 yards en route to losing 30-26 to the host Toronto Argonauts. Five Saskatchewan touchdowns have been called back this season, with Chris Getzlaf losing out on a TD catch on three occasions. A scoring grab by Weston Dressler and a pick-six by Geoff Tisdale have also been washed away. How bad is it? On Saturday, the Roughriders' bench was called for unnecessary roughness. And what can be done? How can you bench the violator when he is already on the bench?
4. Injuries:
Saskatchewan has had an inordinate amount of bad luck, as evidenced by injuries to not one, but two starting quarterbacks - namely Darian Durant and Kevin Glenn. In the first half of the regularseason opener, Durant (ruptured left Achilles tendon) and middle linebacker Shea Emry (neck) suffered significant injuries. Glenn (torn right pectoral muscle) has plenty of company on the six-game injured list. Yes, rival teams have been able to withstand injuries, but fragility cannot be discounted as a key factor behind the Roughriders' horrid start.
5. Lack of speed:
The Roughriders' defence looked slower than erosion in Saturday's fourth quarter, when the Argos' Diontae Spencer sped away from everyone while scoring what proved to be the game-winning touchdown - a 52-yard collaboration with quarterback Trevor Harris.
That game-altering play underlined one of the Roughriders' chronic deficiencies. They simply are not fast enough. Complicating matters, Chamblin has frequently accentuated the importance of "playing fast." Uh, good luck with that. On offence, the Roughriders could also use a genuine burner, such as Spencer. Where have you gone, Jeff Fairholm?
6. Diminished Canadian depth:
The core of national talent is not what it once was. Injuries have not helped, either, but the Roughriders used to boast enough starting-calibre Canadians to weather such misfortunes. The onus is on general manager Brendan Taman and director of player personnel Craig Smith to upgrade the Canadian base.
7. Advanced age:
Taman assembled a veteran-laden team with the intent of winning now. Such a formula was an unqualified success in 2013. All of the Roughriders' 30-something players enhanced their already impressive resumes during a magical season. In 2015, by contrast, veterans such as defensive tackle Tearrius George, defensive halfback Terrell Maze and safety Tyron Brackenridge have stopped making plays on a consistent (or even periodic) basis. Aging receivers Taj Smith and Jamel Richardson have already been phased out. Gainer, at 38, is apparently safe.
The Roughriders' habitual losing - they have failed to win 14 of their last 16 meaningful games, dating back to mid-September - is also getting very old.
Vanstone: Here's what is wrong with the 2015 Riders
Vanstone: Here’s what is right with the 2015 Riders
Yesterday in this cherished space, we enumerated the reasons why the Saskatchewan Roughriders are 0-7.
So now, in the interest of balance, here is another top-seven list — detailing what is right with the CFL’s only winless team:
1. Quarterbacking: Last September, a season-ending elbow injury to quarterback Darian Durant effectively signalled the conclusion of the Roughriders’ campaign. This time around, quarterbacking is an area of strength, even though Saskatchewan is now starting rookie Brett Smith *— who was third on the depth chart when the irregular season began. After Durant suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon in the regular-season opener, veteran Kevin Glenn took over and the offence continued to purr. Now that Glenn is on the six-game injured list with a torn right pectoral muscle, Smith looks like a pivot of considerable promise. Durant, Glenn and Smith have helped Saskatchewan lead the league in touchdowns (17), first downs (160) and passing yardage (2,153).
2. Jerome Messam: The 30-year-old tailback has demonstrated an ability to run over or away from defenders while contributing on the ground and through the air. With 417 yards, Messam is the league’s second-leading rusher *— and the owner of a 7.3-yard average per carry. He is also second in yards from scrimmage, with 733. Moreover, he is first in yards after the catch (215). The only objection: Messam should be handed the ball more frequently. He has reached double digits in carries only once in seven games. Nonetheless, Saskatchewan sits atop the CFL in rushing yardage (Nine hundred and twenty-eight).
3. Special teams: Last season, the special teams — co-ordinated by Bob Dyce — were routinely and rightfully maligned. The kick coverage was comical, the punting was unremarkable and field-goal attempts were an adventure. Fast forward to 2015. The Roughriders’ kick coverage is generally airtight. Ray Early is second in the league in average yards per punt (47.6) and net average (39.7). Paul McCallum, who replaced Chris Milo after Week 1, has hit 15 of 17 field-goal attempts, including a pair of 50-yarders. Dylan Ainsworth’s eight special-teams tackles place him second in the CFL, one behind Deon Lacey of the Edmonton Eskimos.
Saskatchewan also has missed field-goal returns of 93 yards (by Nic Demski) and 55 yards (by Weston Dressler). The only sore point is a lack of production on punt and kickoff returns. The Roughriders are averaging 19.2 yards per kickoff return (with a long gain of 33) and 5.7 yards per punt return. The longest punt return is a mere 12 yards, although Steven Miller is capable of a long-gainer. Penalties washed away two impressive returns Saturday during a 30-26 loss to the host Toronto Argonauts.
4. Dan Clark: Entering the season, questions were swirling about whether Clark could fill a sizable void created by the release of veteran centre Dominic Picard (now of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers). Clark, a former standout with the Thom Trojans and Regina Thunder, has performed with aplomb in his first year as a full-time starter.
5. Jake Doughty and Jeff Knox Jr.: There haven’t been many reasons to applaud Saskatchewan’s defence, but two emerging linebackers — Doughty and Knox — are worthy of commendation. Doughty, who has a team-high four tackles for a loss along with the Roughriders’ only interception, was elevated to a primary role after middle linebacker Shea Emry suffered a neck injury in the opener.
Knox, who has been in the lineup from the outset, has 41 defensive tackles and is tied with the B.C. Lions’ Solomon Elimimian — the league’s reigning most outstanding player and top defensive player — for second in the league in that category. B.C.’s Adam Bighill leads the way with 46 tackles.
6. Chris Getzlaf: The Regina-born slotback is enjoying a bounce-back year after being hampered by injuries for most of 2014. He has four touchdown receptions and has had three other majors negated by penalties. The four touchdown catches place Getzlaf one behind the league leader, Eric Rogers of the Calgary Stampeders. The Green and White has also had strong performances from Dressler (whose 416 receiving yards place him fourth in the CFL) and Ryan Smith (372 yards; ninth overall). Dressler and Smith are in the top 10, yardage-wise, despite each missing two games due to injuries.
7. Exciting football: Win or lose, the 2014 Roughriders were not especially entertaining. The 2015 edition, by contrast, has played exciting football in all but one game (a 30-5 loss in Edmonton on July 31). Saskatchewan has lost by four or fewer points on five occasions. The nailbiters are riveting to watch. Only the 0-7 record is an eyesore.
Vanstone: Here’s what is right with the 2015 Riders
These articles were written back on August 12th so some of the stats re other teams have changed but I have to agree on balance with much of what Van has to say - though for me discipline really should be the number 1 problem considering the stats.
The Calgary Stampeders - currently tied for 1rst place in the West with the Eskimos - will be in Regina to play our Riders. I will be watching closely to see if CC has finally got a handle on discipline because if he has I think we have a good chance of making a game of it with Calgary. Bo Levi has had his struggles as had the Calgary D. Hopefully the bye-week will see our guys come back stronger, more disciplined and well able to put points on the board that will stay there. They are my CFL pick for the game - have been all season no matter who they played but it would be so sweet to actually be in the winning column. GO RIDERS, GO.
1. Matador defence:
Although there have been signs of a pulse lately, the Roughriders' defence remains an area of considerable concern (especially in the fourth quarter). Saskatchewan has allowed 225 points - the most in the league - after seven games. Granted, the total is skewed by two overtime games and three pick-sixes thrown by Saskatchewan quarterbacks, but the Roughriders' defence is a liability by any measure. One source of optimism is the fact that Saskatchewan has registered nine of its 15 sacks over the past two games. As a counterbalance, the Green and White has forced only two turnovers, and a Saskatchewan defensive back has yet to register an interception in 2015. Where have you gone, Ken McEachern?
2. Coaching errors:
Corey Chamblin has struggled as the head coach and de-facto defensive co-ordinator. Chamblin made a series of head-scratching coaching moves July 17 when the Roughriders coughed up a 29-18 lead in the final two minutes of regulation time and lost 35-32 in overtime to the host B.C. Lions. The Roughriders' chief strategist should have gone for a two-point convert after his team's final touchdown, and his decision to attempt a field goal on third-and-one in overtime was tantamount to waving a (green-and-) white flag. As mentioned earlier, the Chamblin-influenced defensive schemes are suspect. Is this the same guy who so adeptly guided Saskatchewan to a Grey Cup championship in 2013?
3. Lack of discipline:
Saskatchewan leads the CFL in penalties, with 109 for 924 yards. Worse yet, there isn't any sign that the problem is being eradicated. On Saturday, for example, the Roughriders were flagged 24 times - the most in franchise history - for 192 yards en route to losing 30-26 to the host Toronto Argonauts. Five Saskatchewan touchdowns have been called back this season, with Chris Getzlaf losing out on a TD catch on three occasions. A scoring grab by Weston Dressler and a pick-six by Geoff Tisdale have also been washed away. How bad is it? On Saturday, the Roughriders' bench was called for unnecessary roughness. And what can be done? How can you bench the violator when he is already on the bench?
4. Injuries:
Saskatchewan has had an inordinate amount of bad luck, as evidenced by injuries to not one, but two starting quarterbacks - namely Darian Durant and Kevin Glenn. In the first half of the regularseason opener, Durant (ruptured left Achilles tendon) and middle linebacker Shea Emry (neck) suffered significant injuries. Glenn (torn right pectoral muscle) has plenty of company on the six-game injured list. Yes, rival teams have been able to withstand injuries, but fragility cannot be discounted as a key factor behind the Roughriders' horrid start.
5. Lack of speed:
The Roughriders' defence looked slower than erosion in Saturday's fourth quarter, when the Argos' Diontae Spencer sped away from everyone while scoring what proved to be the game-winning touchdown - a 52-yard collaboration with quarterback Trevor Harris.
That game-altering play underlined one of the Roughriders' chronic deficiencies. They simply are not fast enough. Complicating matters, Chamblin has frequently accentuated the importance of "playing fast." Uh, good luck with that. On offence, the Roughriders could also use a genuine burner, such as Spencer. Where have you gone, Jeff Fairholm?
6. Diminished Canadian depth:
The core of national talent is not what it once was. Injuries have not helped, either, but the Roughriders used to boast enough starting-calibre Canadians to weather such misfortunes. The onus is on general manager Brendan Taman and director of player personnel Craig Smith to upgrade the Canadian base.
7. Advanced age:
Taman assembled a veteran-laden team with the intent of winning now. Such a formula was an unqualified success in 2013. All of the Roughriders' 30-something players enhanced their already impressive resumes during a magical season. In 2015, by contrast, veterans such as defensive tackle Tearrius George, defensive halfback Terrell Maze and safety Tyron Brackenridge have stopped making plays on a consistent (or even periodic) basis. Aging receivers Taj Smith and Jamel Richardson have already been phased out. Gainer, at 38, is apparently safe.
The Roughriders' habitual losing - they have failed to win 14 of their last 16 meaningful games, dating back to mid-September - is also getting very old.
Vanstone: Here's what is wrong with the 2015 Riders
Vanstone: Here’s what is right with the 2015 Riders
Yesterday in this cherished space, we enumerated the reasons why the Saskatchewan Roughriders are 0-7.
So now, in the interest of balance, here is another top-seven list — detailing what is right with the CFL’s only winless team:
1. Quarterbacking: Last September, a season-ending elbow injury to quarterback Darian Durant effectively signalled the conclusion of the Roughriders’ campaign. This time around, quarterbacking is an area of strength, even though Saskatchewan is now starting rookie Brett Smith *— who was third on the depth chart when the irregular season began. After Durant suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon in the regular-season opener, veteran Kevin Glenn took over and the offence continued to purr. Now that Glenn is on the six-game injured list with a torn right pectoral muscle, Smith looks like a pivot of considerable promise. Durant, Glenn and Smith have helped Saskatchewan lead the league in touchdowns (17), first downs (160) and passing yardage (2,153).
2. Jerome Messam: The 30-year-old tailback has demonstrated an ability to run over or away from defenders while contributing on the ground and through the air. With 417 yards, Messam is the league’s second-leading rusher *— and the owner of a 7.3-yard average per carry. He is also second in yards from scrimmage, with 733. Moreover, he is first in yards after the catch (215). The only objection: Messam should be handed the ball more frequently. He has reached double digits in carries only once in seven games. Nonetheless, Saskatchewan sits atop the CFL in rushing yardage (Nine hundred and twenty-eight).
3. Special teams: Last season, the special teams — co-ordinated by Bob Dyce — were routinely and rightfully maligned. The kick coverage was comical, the punting was unremarkable and field-goal attempts were an adventure. Fast forward to 2015. The Roughriders’ kick coverage is generally airtight. Ray Early is second in the league in average yards per punt (47.6) and net average (39.7). Paul McCallum, who replaced Chris Milo after Week 1, has hit 15 of 17 field-goal attempts, including a pair of 50-yarders. Dylan Ainsworth’s eight special-teams tackles place him second in the CFL, one behind Deon Lacey of the Edmonton Eskimos.
Saskatchewan also has missed field-goal returns of 93 yards (by Nic Demski) and 55 yards (by Weston Dressler). The only sore point is a lack of production on punt and kickoff returns. The Roughriders are averaging 19.2 yards per kickoff return (with a long gain of 33) and 5.7 yards per punt return. The longest punt return is a mere 12 yards, although Steven Miller is capable of a long-gainer. Penalties washed away two impressive returns Saturday during a 30-26 loss to the host Toronto Argonauts.
4. Dan Clark: Entering the season, questions were swirling about whether Clark could fill a sizable void created by the release of veteran centre Dominic Picard (now of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers). Clark, a former standout with the Thom Trojans and Regina Thunder, has performed with aplomb in his first year as a full-time starter.
5. Jake Doughty and Jeff Knox Jr.: There haven’t been many reasons to applaud Saskatchewan’s defence, but two emerging linebackers — Doughty and Knox — are worthy of commendation. Doughty, who has a team-high four tackles for a loss along with the Roughriders’ only interception, was elevated to a primary role after middle linebacker Shea Emry suffered a neck injury in the opener.
Knox, who has been in the lineup from the outset, has 41 defensive tackles and is tied with the B.C. Lions’ Solomon Elimimian — the league’s reigning most outstanding player and top defensive player — for second in the league in that category. B.C.’s Adam Bighill leads the way with 46 tackles.
6. Chris Getzlaf: The Regina-born slotback is enjoying a bounce-back year after being hampered by injuries for most of 2014. He has four touchdown receptions and has had three other majors negated by penalties. The four touchdown catches place Getzlaf one behind the league leader, Eric Rogers of the Calgary Stampeders. The Green and White has also had strong performances from Dressler (whose 416 receiving yards place him fourth in the CFL) and Ryan Smith (372 yards; ninth overall). Dressler and Smith are in the top 10, yardage-wise, despite each missing two games due to injuries.
7. Exciting football: Win or lose, the 2014 Roughriders were not especially entertaining. The 2015 edition, by contrast, has played exciting football in all but one game (a 30-5 loss in Edmonton on July 31). Saskatchewan has lost by four or fewer points on five occasions. The nailbiters are riveting to watch. Only the 0-7 record is an eyesore.
Vanstone: Here’s what is right with the 2015 Riders
These articles were written back on August 12th so some of the stats re other teams have changed but I have to agree on balance with much of what Van has to say - though for me discipline really should be the number 1 problem considering the stats.
The Calgary Stampeders - currently tied for 1rst place in the West with the Eskimos - will be in Regina to play our Riders. I will be watching closely to see if CC has finally got a handle on discipline because if he has I think we have a good chance of making a game of it with Calgary. Bo Levi has had his struggles as had the Calgary D. Hopefully the bye-week will see our guys come back stronger, more disciplined and well able to put points on the board that will stay there. They are my CFL pick for the game - have been all season no matter who they played but it would be so sweet to actually be in the winning column. GO RIDERS, GO.
Really, and why might that be, petros? I thought he made some very valid observations about the team. If not he, then who do they take seriously, pray tell. :smile:
Four hours till game time, Rider fans. As always I pick my guys to win though I have to admit that it is more of an emotional than logical pick considering our current standing in the league and the fact that Calgary is sitting at top spot in the West division. Still, they are coming off a bye week which gave the plenty of time to recoup and re-group and generally get their stuff together. Apparently, Mosaic is sold-out for the first time this year - good to know as the fan support will surely be needed against the Stamps.
At half-time this years crop of CFL Hall of Fame inductees will be honored - Gene Makowsky and Eddie Davis will be among them. Congrats to Gene and Eddie.
GO RIDERS!
At half-time this years crop of CFL Hall of Fame inductees will be honored - Gene Makowsky and Eddie Davis will be among them. Congrats to Gene and Eddie.
GO RIDERS!
SOLD OUT!!!
4 hours until I get soaked and freeze but first a Stampeder burger and a couple pints at Bushwakker.
Game Day Preview- Stampeders at Riders
Dan Plaster
*
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Henry Ford
*
The horror of the first third of the season can finally be put in the rearview mirror with the end of the Riders first bye week of the season.
There were numerous issues that plagued the Football Club that attributed to the woeful start: penalties (most in the CFL), lack of turnovers (least in the CFL and on track towards a record in futility), injuries (22 six-game injury designations; 19 different players with Shea Emry, Darian Durant and Cam Sheffield entering their second six-game stint), red zone defence (teams score touchdowns a league high 65% of the time) and just bad plays at unfortunate times during the game.*
That is the negative, but let's look at the positives beginning with the Rider offensive line. This was a group that many thought was the weakest on the team; they have proved different. The offensive line is the anchor of what is still one of the top offences in the league, even with three different quarterbacks starting games this season. The quintet of Brendon LaBatte, Chris Best, Xavier Fulton, Dan Clark and Levy Adcock paved the way for the CFL’s top running game and the overall third best offence.*
The only hiccup was Brett Smith’s first CFL start, but the improvements were ten-fold a game later in the loss to the Argos in Toronto before the bye week break. The offensive line did take a hit with Adcock suffering a knee injury and being placed on the six-game injury list, but former Missouri State Bulldog, Randy Richards will fill in admirably for him. If this group can continue their high level play, good things will come.
The play of rookie linebackers, Jeff Knox Jr. and Jake Doughty has been the highlight of the defence. Knox is the team’s top tackler and in the top five in the CFL in overall tackles while Doughty is in the top 20 in the league. You have to remember, both missed the first game of the season.
The punting of Ray Early and the cover teams are the envy of the CFL. With teams having problems with the top returners in the CFL, the Riders are tops in net average at a shade under 40 yards per punt (39.7).*
Finally, with the glut of injuries this season, that meant first and second year players have had to make their mark. With the play of Ryan Smith, Nic Demski, Ray Early, Jeff Knox Jr., Jake Doughty, Brandon Tennant, Rory Connop, Brett Smith and many others, the future is incredibly bright!
Now to the Calgary Stampeders. The defending Grey Cup champions are also going through their injury woes. Their offensive line is so young, that Calgary Colt junior, Spencer Wilson has the most experience with five years under his belt. The other four starters are either in their first or second CFL season. With the addition of Jon Cornish to this list, one would figure the Stampeder offence would hiccup. This is not the case as the offence rolled to a 48-3 victory over Ottawa last week at home.*
A lot of the credit for that victory should go to the Stampeder defence. They forced five Ottawa turnovers and a meagre 162 yard offence in the biggest point margin for a victory this season. This all starts with former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker, Juwan Simpson. The eight year CFL vet does it all: rushes the QB, stops the run, fantastic in coverage and is their emotional leader. Simpson, along with defensive linemen Charleston Hughes (six sacks) and Freddie Bishop (three sacks), and defensive backs Fred Bennett, Joe Burnett and Keon Raymond make this Calgary defence one of the top overall units in the CFL.
*
Quick hitters:
*- Week eight of the CFL saw a season low in penalties, but with the Riders taking the field again this weekend, that may change.
*- Weston Dressler is still three catches from 500 in his CFL career.*
*- Rob Bagg is 13 catches away from 250 in his CFL career.*
*- Brett Smith will start at quarterback for the first time at home in front of a sold-out Mosaic Stadium.*
*- There may not be much scoring in the first quarter. Saskatchewan and Calgary are in the bottom three in the CFL in points scored in the opening frame.*
*- The Stampeders are a perfect 7-7 on two-point conversions this season.
*- The Riders are the only team in the CFL perfect on 1-point coverts in 2015 (11-11).*
*- The Riders are the only team in the CFL that have had all of their points scored from the offence.*
*- Both the Stampeders and Riders have a pair of touchdown drives of 90+ yards (starting inside their own 20). The Alouettes also have two.
*- Randy Richards and Junior Mertile will be playing in their first CFL game, while Don Unamba will be playing in his first game as a Saskatchewan Roughrider.*
*- Jake Doughty, Levy Adcock and Nathan Kanya were added to the six-game injured list this week.*
*- This will be Dan West’s 50th career CFL game.**
What to watch:
Brett Smith - This will be his first start at home and he will have a sold-out Mosaic Stadium to back him up. If he improves on the Toronto game two weeks ago as much as he did from the Edmonton game prior to that, he will give the fans a reason to cheer.*
Pound the rock - Let Jerome Messam and the Rider offensive line do their thing and keep a solid Stampeder offence off the field.*
Turnovers - The sorest of sore spots for the Green and White. If the Riders can win this battle for the first time this season, it will also mean their first win of the season.*
Return game - Nic Demski’s field goal return of 93 yards in week seven could be the beginning of something big for the Rider return game. Calgary’s cover teams are ripe for the picking too. They have given up a league high five returns of 30+ yards this season.*
Get to Bo Levi - With a very young Stampeder offensive line and no Jon Cornish, this could be the time the Rider front seven can pin their ears back and get after Mitchell.*
Riderville.com
4 hours until I get soaked and freeze but first a Stampeder burger and a couple pints at Bushwakker.
Game Day Preview- Stampeders at Riders
Dan Plaster
*
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Henry Ford
*
The horror of the first third of the season can finally be put in the rearview mirror with the end of the Riders first bye week of the season.
There were numerous issues that plagued the Football Club that attributed to the woeful start: penalties (most in the CFL), lack of turnovers (least in the CFL and on track towards a record in futility), injuries (22 six-game injury designations; 19 different players with Shea Emry, Darian Durant and Cam Sheffield entering their second six-game stint), red zone defence (teams score touchdowns a league high 65% of the time) and just bad plays at unfortunate times during the game.*
That is the negative, but let's look at the positives beginning with the Rider offensive line. This was a group that many thought was the weakest on the team; they have proved different. The offensive line is the anchor of what is still one of the top offences in the league, even with three different quarterbacks starting games this season. The quintet of Brendon LaBatte, Chris Best, Xavier Fulton, Dan Clark and Levy Adcock paved the way for the CFL’s top running game and the overall third best offence.*
The only hiccup was Brett Smith’s first CFL start, but the improvements were ten-fold a game later in the loss to the Argos in Toronto before the bye week break. The offensive line did take a hit with Adcock suffering a knee injury and being placed on the six-game injury list, but former Missouri State Bulldog, Randy Richards will fill in admirably for him. If this group can continue their high level play, good things will come.
The play of rookie linebackers, Jeff Knox Jr. and Jake Doughty has been the highlight of the defence. Knox is the team’s top tackler and in the top five in the CFL in overall tackles while Doughty is in the top 20 in the league. You have to remember, both missed the first game of the season.
The punting of Ray Early and the cover teams are the envy of the CFL. With teams having problems with the top returners in the CFL, the Riders are tops in net average at a shade under 40 yards per punt (39.7).*
Finally, with the glut of injuries this season, that meant first and second year players have had to make their mark. With the play of Ryan Smith, Nic Demski, Ray Early, Jeff Knox Jr., Jake Doughty, Brandon Tennant, Rory Connop, Brett Smith and many others, the future is incredibly bright!
Now to the Calgary Stampeders. The defending Grey Cup champions are also going through their injury woes. Their offensive line is so young, that Calgary Colt junior, Spencer Wilson has the most experience with five years under his belt. The other four starters are either in their first or second CFL season. With the addition of Jon Cornish to this list, one would figure the Stampeder offence would hiccup. This is not the case as the offence rolled to a 48-3 victory over Ottawa last week at home.*
A lot of the credit for that victory should go to the Stampeder defence. They forced five Ottawa turnovers and a meagre 162 yard offence in the biggest point margin for a victory this season. This all starts with former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker, Juwan Simpson. The eight year CFL vet does it all: rushes the QB, stops the run, fantastic in coverage and is their emotional leader. Simpson, along with defensive linemen Charleston Hughes (six sacks) and Freddie Bishop (three sacks), and defensive backs Fred Bennett, Joe Burnett and Keon Raymond make this Calgary defence one of the top overall units in the CFL.
*
Quick hitters:
*- Week eight of the CFL saw a season low in penalties, but with the Riders taking the field again this weekend, that may change.
*- Weston Dressler is still three catches from 500 in his CFL career.*
*- Rob Bagg is 13 catches away from 250 in his CFL career.*
*- Brett Smith will start at quarterback for the first time at home in front of a sold-out Mosaic Stadium.*
*- There may not be much scoring in the first quarter. Saskatchewan and Calgary are in the bottom three in the CFL in points scored in the opening frame.*
*- The Stampeders are a perfect 7-7 on two-point conversions this season.
*- The Riders are the only team in the CFL perfect on 1-point coverts in 2015 (11-11).*
*- The Riders are the only team in the CFL that have had all of their points scored from the offence.*
*- Both the Stampeders and Riders have a pair of touchdown drives of 90+ yards (starting inside their own 20). The Alouettes also have two.
*- Randy Richards and Junior Mertile will be playing in their first CFL game, while Don Unamba will be playing in his first game as a Saskatchewan Roughrider.*
*- Jake Doughty, Levy Adcock and Nathan Kanya were added to the six-game injured list this week.*
*- This will be Dan West’s 50th career CFL game.**
What to watch:
Brett Smith - This will be his first start at home and he will have a sold-out Mosaic Stadium to back him up. If he improves on the Toronto game two weeks ago as much as he did from the Edmonton game prior to that, he will give the fans a reason to cheer.*
Pound the rock - Let Jerome Messam and the Rider offensive line do their thing and keep a solid Stampeder offence off the field.*
Turnovers - The sorest of sore spots for the Green and White. If the Riders can win this battle for the first time this season, it will also mean their first win of the season.*
Return game - Nic Demski’s field goal return of 93 yards in week seven could be the beginning of something big for the Rider return game. Calgary’s cover teams are ripe for the picking too. They have given up a league high five returns of 30+ yards this season.*
Get to Bo Levi - With a very young Stampeder offensive line and no Jon Cornish, this could be the time the Rider front seven can pin their ears back and get after Mitchell.*
Riderville.com
The good thing is - penalties are down a lot from previous games. The bad thing is that we took one that resulted in a game ejection when Richards almost took Brown's head off on a punt return block. Now the lines have to shuffled once again.
Calgary is finding some huge holes in our defense at times that result in big yards usually for Walters. However, Bo has been sacked twice so far.
Calgary is up by 5 points midway through the 3rd.
More good news! We just tied the game!!!!!!!! A TD and the 2-point convert. Boy those two newbies receivers of ours sure are paying off. Rock on Riders.
Calgary is finding some huge holes in our defense at times that result in big yards usually for Walters. However, Bo has been sacked twice so far.
Calgary is up by 5 points midway through the 3rd.
More good news! We just tied the game!!!!!!!! A TD and the 2-point convert. Boy those two newbies receivers of ours sure are paying off. Rock on Riders.