For the first time this season the Saskatchewan Roughriders are entering the week after a loss.
| Get Ready for a Battle |
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CFL.ca’s Jamie Nye expects tonight’s matchup to be one of the best of the year, featuring what he believes to be the two best teams in the CFL right now. |
So far so good in terms of energy at practice as it seems the three days off after their devastating loss to the Stampeders has allowed them to move on quickly and focus on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
But it amazed me how many Roughriders came out after the game to point the finger at themselves. The team has been so willing to share the success this season that we thought the cliche, ‘it’s no one player’ would be uttered ad nauseam after the 41-38 overtime loss.
The reaction was the complete opposite. Weston Dressler, Chris Getzlaf, Darian Durant, Richie Hall and long snapper Cory Huclack were all prepared to take the heat.
Yes, all of them had their problems that led to the Roughriders loss but the sheer number of guys on that list shows you why sometimes a cliche becomes a cliche. Sometimes it isn’t just one player that loses a game.
Here is the concern with players putting an entire loss on their shoulders.
Confidence.
When you get frustrated with yourself, sometimes it becomes overpowering. The thought in the back of your mind comes to the forefront like dropping a pass, throwing an interception or snapping the ball over the punter’s head.
The Roughriders have no reason to lack confidence. Eight minutes in which they gave up a 17-point lead shouldn’t eliminate the confidence built up in the three games and three quarters of football in which they’ve been the best team in the league.
Now comes the test. How do they rebound off their first loss of the season against a team in the Hamilton Tiger-Cats that has become better in every game since the Riders laid that 43-16 beating on them in Week 1?
To add a degree of difficulty, the injury bug has hit the secondary of the Riders just in time to face Henry Burris, who went 27-30 and won the top offensive player award last week. Both Eddie Russ and Woodny Turenne will not play and defensive back Chris McKenzie is banged up but has been able to play through a minor injury.
Andy Fantuz and Chris Williams will cause the Riders defence headaches and running back Chevon Walker was the only bright spot against Saskatchewan in Week 1.
On offence for the Riders, the concern is the search for a number three receiver to compliment Getzlaf and Dressler. Both have registered over 300 yards in four games, but the next closest Rider is under 100 and we’ve just learned Rob Bagg is done for the season with a left ACL tear in his knee.
Efrem Hill and Justin Harper haven’t produced and newcomers Taj Smith and Terence Jeffers-Harris won’t be shy about taking jobs away if given the opportunity. Training camp hasn’t stopped when it comes to receivers.
Head Coach Corey Chamblin isn’t concerned. He believes it’s healthy that his team is testing their depth now, so they know what they have and need when Labour Day nears and the stretch to the playoffs begins.
But they’re testing their depth against a team that will make them pay if the newcomers don’t pan out.
I believe this is a game between the two best teams in the CFL, right now. Hamilton has come on strong and the Riders have been the most consistent of the eight teams.
The atmosphere at Mosaic may turn into playoff-esque as it usually does when Burris is in Regina. But the return of Fantuz will be an added bonus to feed the frenzy around Mosaic Stadium.
Also, consider the Riders want to avenge that fourth quarter collapse last week and the Tiger-Cats would love to return the favour from Week 1.
Take a seat and enjoy what should be the game of the week in the CFL.
