Rider Pride Report

CFL Insider's Saskatchewan Roughriders Columnist Terry McEvoy weighs in with his take on Gang Green.

“Magic Number” and “Saskatchewan Roughriders” do not often accompany each other in the same sentence.

But, suddenly, the two phrases are compatible. With a 33 - 21 road victory over the Calgary Stampeders on Thanksgiving afternoon, the Riders’ magic number fell to one for a playoff spot and two for a home date. By several players’ own admissions, the win was not textbook football, but Saskatchewan played effectively enough to beat the Burrisless bunch from Calgary.

One has to wonder if the game would have been different had the Stamps not used Akili Smith in the first half. On this day, 42 was the magic number for the hustling Rider defence, as Smith was held to 42 passing yards in his sad half of play, and Joffrey Reynolds rushed for only 42 also. The Stamps’ lone spark was the resurrected Ben Sarkey, who was, in his half of play, 19 for 25 for 262 yards, but also contributed two interceptions to the Rider cause.

Luca Congi was on fire in the first half, netting 5 field goals before missing two of three second half attempts.  Rider quarterback Kerry Joseph continued his very efficient play, with 290 yards passing and an additional 83 on the ground. Saskatchewan scored just two touchdowns, by Joseph and the better-used Corey Holmes. This inability to finish off multiple drives helped Congi’s day, and kept the game closer than it might otherwise have appeared, but the Saskatchewan offence had a lot going for it on this fall day. Nine Calgary penalties in the first half helped the Riders also.  

The most familiar face on the Rider rear defence, Eddie Davis, returned from a nine week shoulder injury hiatus to register seven tackles and a sack. Fred Perry added two sacks and Scott Gordon one to lead the Saskatchewan harassment of Smith and Sarkey. In my judgment, it was good to see pressure applied pretty consistently all day by the Rider front. The return of Davis, a player who seems to always make those around him play better, was important, and will likely become even more so in the remainder of the season.    

At this point of any season, the schedule becomes an important factor. The Riders still play Hamilton twice, and need be careful not to look beyond the beleaguered Cats. The Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium are never a slam dunk, either.

But, my personal faith has caused me to be ready. When you live 750 miles from a home playoff game, and it will then be winter in the Prairies, you must plan ahead in order to attend. I’m booked on a flight to Regina on November 11. Game time is 3:30, in case you’re wondering…….