The Canadian Press
TORONTO — The 2017 Grey Cup Playoffs kick off at TD Place on Sunday in a battle of two teams who could not have generated a more closely contested battle in their two meetings if they tried. The Riders travel East to take on the REDBLACKS in a rubber match of two teams who split their season series, both winning on the road in contests that were decided by one point.
CFL.ca breaks down who has the edge in the Eastern Semi-Final position by position.
Quarterbacks
Vastly different stories under centre for these two. Saskatchewan has been platooning Kevin Glenn and Brandon Bridge for the most part, entering the playoffs without a solidified no. 1 that will go the distance. Ottawa is steady with Trevor Harris at the controls after finishing tied for tops in the league in TD passes (30) and fourth in passing yards. Never shy to stretch the field, Harris will test a stout Riders secondary with the deep ball.
ADVANTAGE: OTTAWA
Running backs
A similar story in the run game. Riders are still trying to figure out who is best to carry the rock and it is not only dependent on skill and gameplan but mostly on injury. In Ottawa, William Powell had a remarkable second half of the season — finishing second in the CFL in rushing — and the REDBLACKS ground game proved extremely valuable in their final contest.
ADVANTAGE: OTTAWA
Receivers
Yes, Ottawa has the sure-handed Greg Ellingson and the dynamic playmaking of Diontae Spencer, but the Riders are simply stacked at receiver. Chad Owens and a healthy Naaman Roosevelt will only help a corps that already boasts names like Duron Carter, Rob Bagg, Bakari Grant and Caleb Holley. Depth gallore for the Riders and it could be the difference-maker.
ADVANTAGE: SASKATCHEWAN
Offensive line
The REDBLACKS have allowed the third-fewest sacks in the CFL, allowing Trevor Harris time to dissect defences despite the injuries up front. Former first overall pick Alex Mateas has pushed Jon Gott out of his usual centre spot, while Jason Lauzon-Seguin and SirVincent Rogers have played tackle at an all-star level. The Riders’ O-line has been good but Ottawa’s may unit just be the best in the league.
ADVANTAGE: OTTAWA
Defensive line
Zack Evans leads an Ottawa group that can get at the quarterback at times and were middle of the pack in QB sacks. The Riders had four less sacks but stats can be deceiving. The engine of Chris Jones’ defence is his defensive front, led by Willie Jefferson and a rotation that keeps legs fresh and the motor high for the Rider pass rushers.
ADVANTAGE: SASKATCHEWAN
Linebackers
It is easy to make an arugment that both linebacker groups here are two of the league’s less talked about but both pack a punch. Taylor Reed sets the tone for the REDBLACKS while Henoc Muamba and Jeff Knox Jr. do the same in Riderville. Slight edge to Saskatchewan based on experience and way the LBs are used.
ADVANTAGE: SASKATCHEWAN
Defensive backs
A month ago we may have questioned the Riders secondary after a few injuries sprung up but the gamble to put Duron Carter at the corner has paid off and what was already a physical group has speed to burn. The REDBLACKS are peiced together after a few injuries, the most notable to one of their leaders, Jerrell Gavins.
ADVANTAGE: SASKATCHEWAN
Return game
Game-breakers on both sides highlight this position group. Christion Jones introduced himself to CFL fans with a return touchdown against Ottawa that swung momentum in their first matchup. Diontae Spencer is playing at a career pace right now and is a threat to take it to the house any time he touches the ball.
ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Kicking game
Steady is the theme here for both squads. Brett Maher has been reliable back in Red and Black this season while the kicking and punting duo of Josh Bartell and Tyler Crapigna has kept the Riders in games at times when the offence is playing catchup.
ADVANTAGE: PUSH
