Riders on the rise thanks to young defence, but need to beat Bombers
Twelve days ago, Edmonton was undefeated. Four days before that, Saskatchewan was 3-4. Since then, the Eskimos were beaten up by Winnipeg and destroyed by the Roughriders 54-31 who earlier clobbered the Lions 41-6. Are the rampaging, rumbling Roughriders for real? Is Edmonton in a state of collapse? Are the Blue Bombers really that good? Have the Lions come down with laryngitis? What does the second half of the season have in store?
The Rider win up north ended a 15-game losing streak on the road against Western opposition. The Eskimo defence had been decimated with season-ending injuries, so I expected Saskatchewan to score points. I was surprised at how dominating the Rider defence was against the Lions and again in Edmonton. Saskatchewan scored 37 points off turnovers.
Recently I wrote that the Roughrider defensive personnel was the worst in the West. Chris Jones made some changes, adding veteran leadership like 11-year cornerback Jovon Johnson who had been released by Montreal. He won the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award in 2011 with Winnipeg. A real playmaker; what he’s lost in speed, he makes up with in savvy. His opposite corner, sophomore Kacy Rodgers has been terrific, picking up his first interception last Friday. Defensive back Ed Gainey had four interceptions against B.C. Defensive end Willie Jefferson ranks seventh in sacks. Rookies DB Crezdon Butler and linebacker Erick Dargen are coming into their own. This is a young defence that could strike fear into the hearts of opposition offences for years to come.
Bad boy Duron Carter is leading an outstanding receiving corps with highlight reel catches. Kevin Glenn is having one of the best seasons of his career and is finally doing a good job protecting the football. He has twice as many touchdowns (16) as interceptions. Thaddeus Coleman is playing like an all-star at right tackle.
Nothing gives Rider Nation more satisfaction than trampling the Evil Empire. Was that a “Yeah, but” win? (The Eskimos have a dozen starters on the injury list) or the real McCoy? We’ll find out next week when they play crucial back-to-back games against Winnipeg. Despite how good they’re looking, they are six points behind the Bombers and Eskimos and trail Calgary by seven. But they are only two behind B.C. with two games in hand, making a crossover playoff spot a distinct possibility. Rider Nation wants more than that.
While taking nothing away from their 7-2 record, the Bombers have won four games on the last play, making me think they’ve been a tad lucky. Given their tribulations the last few years, only the hardest of football hearts would begrudge them a little good fortune. But Winnipeg ranks seventh defensively; the Roughriders are near the top in passing. Neither team takes many penalties or turns the ball over much. The Bombers are an excellent road team and won their first encounter with the Green and White at new Mosaic Stadium. The Riders need at least a split to remain in the post-season hunt.
Wally Buono seemed bound and determined Jonathon Jennings was going to be his starting quarterback. After three straight losses, Buono, a sadder and wiser man, has repented and will hand the reins to Travis Lulay. He showed his wisdom during the off-season by locking up the veteran pivot with starter money to play behind the new dog on the block. Lulay’s skills hadn’t diminished, he was hurt a lot and will turn 33 next month. A healthy Lulay, like a healthy Ricky Ray is an outstanding quarterback. Although Buono’s temporary lapse in judgement could cost his team a playoff spot, the Lions will roar the rest of the way.
Meanwhile, the Stampeders just putter along. Injuries to receivers and offensive linemen are the reason why Bo Levi Mitchell doesn’t rank very high. The offence has yet to hit its stride. But other great offences in the league look ordinary against Calgary’s defence, the CFL gold standard in 2017. I don’t want to jinx them but, my, oh my they’re good tacklers.
Following the Battles of Alberta, Calgary is home to B.C. and off to Saskatchewan. They could very well win all five and wrap up first place in September.
Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 45 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com.