Protection for Glenn top priority of O-line

CALGARY The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive linemen feel protective about Kevin Glenn.

Those feelings grow even stronger when facing the Calgary Stampeders, who boast a CFL-leading 109 quarterback pressures and are second in sacks with 42.

The Riders face a Stampeders team that has 10 sacks and nine pressures during two meetings with Saskatchewan this season. Calgary won 17-10 (July 22 at McMahon Stadium) and 15-9 (Sept. 24 at home).

The Riders can clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2014 with a win over the Stampeders or a loss by the B.C. Lions to the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday. A key to beating the Stampeders is keeping Glenn upright.

“I think that’s huge, especially early in the game,’’ guard Brendon LaBatte said.

“We want to get him in a comfort zone in the first quarter and through the first few series, where he’s feeling good and he’s really seeing guys starting to roll down.’’

Calgary defensive end Charleston Hughes has recorded five of his eight sacks this season against the Riders.

“Charleston is a smart player and he knows when it’s going to be a five-step, seven-step or first-step type of drop,’’ said right tackle Thaddeus Coleman. “He’s like any other defensive end that you have to get your hands on him and punish him the whole game.’’

Having said that, Coleman feels the Stampeders aren’t much different from any other CFL team.

“Obviously, they have been our No. 1 nemesis,’’ Coleman said. “We have to get our hands on them and not let them run around and be free. We have to take care of our business as an offensive line.’’