MARKING THE RIDERS
Report card on season so far
The Saskatchewan Roughriders upgraded their performance in the middle third of their season — leading to a corresponding improvement in their grades.
The Riders improved on their 2-4 mark by going 4-2 over the second six-game portion of the 2017 CFL campaign.
Saskatchewan carries a 6-6 record into the final six games of the season and finds itself in the playoff hunt — a possibility that appeared to be remote after six games.
Here’s how the Roughriders break down, role by role:
Quarterbacks: Kevin Glenn works effectively within the offensive scheme and has thrown 21 touchdown passes. Backup Brandon Bridge has shown his potential, leading the Riders to a 27-19 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sept. 15. Whether he’s the quarterback of the future remains to be determined. Grade: B.
Running backs: The running game was rolling until Cameron Marshall was sidelined with a knee injury on Sept. 3. He still leads the Riders in rushing yardage (490) and carries (87) despite missing the last three games. The Riders are 1-2 without Marshall on the active roster and it’s no accident because his production, evidenced by an average of 5.6 yards per carry, is missed. Grade: C.
Receivers: The receiving depth will be tested with Naaman Roosevelt’s status in doubt due to a helmet-on-helmet hit he absorbed in Sunday’s 15-9 loss to the Calgary Stampeders. Duron Carter leads the league with eight touchdown receptions. Bakari Grant remains an outstanding contributor, as evidenced by 760 yards (10th in the league) and five touchdown receptions. Devon Bailey has emerged as a scoring threat while coming off the bench. The receivers have been the most consistent group on the Riders’ offence. Grade: B.
Offensive linemen: The offensive line barely missed a beat when centre Dan Clark was sidelined for six games with an elbow injury. With Clark out, Brendon LaBatte moved from left guard to centre. Bruce Campbell started at left tackle, bumping Derek Dennis to left guard. Peter Dyakowski (right guard) and Thaddeus Coleman (right tackle) remained in their regular positions. The Stampeders outplayed the Riders in the trenches, but overall the line play has been solid while keeping Glenn upright. Grade: C.
Defensive linemen: An improved defence is directly related to more pressure being exerted by the linemen. Defensive ends Willie Jefferson (seven sacks), Tobi Antigha (five) and A.C. Leonard (four) are the team’s sack leaders. Eddie Steele quietly leads the defensive tackle players with 18 tackles. Grade: B.
Linebackers: Middle linebacker Henoc Muamba leads the Riders with 59 tackles, and is also an inspirational presence. Samuel Eguavoen improves with each game at weak-side linebacker.
Saskatchewan carries a 6-6 record into the final six games of the season and finds itself in the playoff hunt
The return of Otha Foster III on the strong side improves the unit. Grade: B.
Defensive backs: Defensive halfback Ed Gainey has a leagueleading eight interceptions — all of which he has recorded during the past six games. The defensive backs didn’t have a pick over the first six games. Cornerback Jovon Johnson remains solid and is a leader. Crezdon Butler continues to improve at defensive halfback. The defensive backfield was deserving of an F after the first six games. But now ... Grade: C.
Special teams: Tyler Crapigna has made 20 of 24 field-goal attempts and all 32 converts. Josh Bartel is just as consistent, with a net punting average of 34.6 yards, and is second in the CFL with seven punts inside the 10-yard-line. The punt coverage team was fooled by a Winnipeg Blue Bombers trick play that resulted in a touchdown. Still, the coverage teams have also been strong. The revolving door at punt returner due to injuries does impact the grade. Grade: C-plus.
Coaches: The Riders have a .500 record despite dealing with a number of injuries. That’s a credit to the coaches who, for the most part, have prepared the next players up to produce. The Riders were better in the second third of the season and that’s due in part to Chris Jones and his staff remaining committed to the players on the field instead of constantly juggling the roster. Grade: C.
Player personnel: The off-season additions of Glenn, Marshall, Grant, Carter, Dennis, Steele, Dyakowski and Johnson have all worked out for the Riders. The Riders didn’t stand pat and bolstered the defence with the recent resignings of Foster and fellow linebacker Jeff Knox Jr. along with safety Marc-Olivier Brouilette. The Canadian depth has improved, which also contributes to a solid mark. Grade: B.