Loss of LaBatte looms large for Roughriders
A somniferous showing by the Saskatchewan Roughriders prompted an early exit Saturday, and unless there is an improvement, there will be another quick playoff departure for the team.
The 2017 season has been a success: After posting a 3-15 record in 2015 and 5-13 in 2016, this year’s 10-8 performance is something to applaud.
The same cannot be said for Saturday’s snoozer, a 28-13 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos in the regular season finale. Due to an accumulation of snow on the east-side roof, 800 spectators were relocated, but the game wouldn’t have looked very good from any vantage point.
The offence showed some flashes once the compulsory quarterback change was made, but Brandon Bridge was unexceptional behind centre and therefore representative of the entire team’s performance.
The defence, which had been so robust in recent weeks, did little to bother the Mike Reilly-quarterbacked Eskimos.
Win or lose, the Riders knew they would be travelling for the playoffs — either as the thirdplace team in the West or in a crossover to the East, so a lifeless event was entirely predictable.
Ditto for Roughriders boss Chris Jones’s post-game comment regarding the quarterbacking: “Kevin Glenn’s our starter and then we’ll just make adjustments as the game goes.”
The formula has worked quite well so far, so why change? There is little point in making a sudden quarterbacking switch for Week 1 of the playoffs. The big question — and a 300-pounder at that — revolves around Roughriders lineman Brendon LaBatte.
LaBatte injured his left foot during the second quarter and had to be helped off the field. His status? “Does not look good,” Jones said, gloomily. “Probably will be out.”
Now some roster and ratio gymnastics will likely be required before the East Division semifinal against the Redblacks in Ottawa.
Now the playoffs loom and everything is on the line. But if LaBatte isn’t on the line, in his familiar guard spot, the challenge facing the Roughriders becomes considerably more daunting.