From ‘pointless’ first quarter to an impressive victory

Even in the rain, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offence kept coming up dry for a considerable portion of Friday night’s CFL game at TD Place.

And when there was finally a spark, it was provided by a punt returner — Christian Jones — who scored on a 97-yard special-teams scamper to give the Roughriders their first points against the host Ottawa Redblacks.

The pilot light having been ignited, Kevin Glenn-quarterbacked Roughriders began making plays — a shocking development, given the offence’s futility for three-plus quarters — and ultimately the day was saved for the visitors.

Saskatchewan 18, Ottawa 17. Such an outcome was unimaginable in the third quarter, when Ottawa assumed a 17-0 lead.

An ugly first half evoked unsettling images of summertime road games in Calgary and B.C. — in that the Roughriders were held pointless.

The word “pointless” was widely applicable, considering that Saskatchewan was being shut out while accomplishing little on either side of the ball.

Saskatchewan moved the ball smartly on its opening drive, marching 46 yards in 11 plays before Glenn looked for Duron Carter from Ottawa’s 36-yard line. Carter had a step or two, but Winston Rose ended up jumping in front of the intended receiver and registering an interception.

Beginning with that pick, the Riders’ offence was dormant until well into the fourth quarter.

Ottawa, meanwhile, was piling up the yards along the ground. William Powell had a Redblacks record 190 rushing yards — after three quarters.

The early reviews, as you might expect, were glowing.

Dwayne on Twitter: “Man, we are stinking the joint out on both sides of the ball.”

Dan via email: “The worst I have seen them play all year. Absolutely pathetic. I’m embarrassed.”

Ottawa fattened its lead to

17-0, again running the ball with seeming ease, before Jones turned around the game with his long-distance scoring sprint.

The disparity was further reduced, to three points, thanks to a six-yard touchdown run by Kienan LaFrance at 5:28 of the fourth quarter — a major that was set up by 21- and 43-yard connections from Glenn to Carter.

The Roughriders proceeded to tie the game at 17-17 when, following back-to-back incompletions from the eight-yard line, Tyler Crapigna kicked a 16-yard field goal at 9:46 of the fourth frame.

Josh Bartel took it from there, punting for a game-winning rouge — how often do we get to write that? — with 2:12 remaining.

Ample time remained for the Redblacks, but the Saskatchewan defence stiffened.

Following a Redblacks punt, the Roughriders produced a crucial first down along the ground to devour crucial seconds.

Shortly after one final punt by Bartel, Jovon Johnson intercepted Ryan Lindley to settle matters.

One point, by Bartel, ended up producing two points in the standings.

The game was hardly a work of art, but the result said so much about the Chris Jones-coached Roughriders.

For a considerable period, it seemed like everything was working against the Roughriders.

But somehow, some way, they managed to win a game that looked like a lost cause.

And so did the post-game tweets — which were deservedly laudatory, and not at all reminiscent of the halftime horror.