Despite recent loss to Ottawa, sky is not falling in Riderville
Robservations …
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ most-recent game — Saturday’s 30-25 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks — was a disappointment from an offensive and defensive perspective. That point has been belaboured here, and in other forums. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Saskatchewan had won four games in succession prior to Saturday’s stinker. Plus, with a 7-5 record, the Roughriders have a legitimate shot at their first home playoff game since 2013.
The Roughriders and Edmonton Eskimos are tied for the second-most victories in the CFL, behind the Calgary Stampeders (10-2). Could that be a good omen for the Green and White? Keep in mind that the Roughriders have never won a Grey Cup after leading the league in regular-season victories.
Based on opinions that have been articulated on open-line shows in recent days, some Roughriders fans are in favour of starting Brandon Bridge at quarterback instead of Zach Collaros. Seriously? The Roughriders won four consecutive games (repeat) with Collaros behind centre. Bridge has promise, but Collaros is at a different stage in his career and he gives Saskatchewan the best chance to win.
Now for an amazingly smooth transition from Bridge to bridge: Why isn’t there a pedestrian bridge south of Mosaic Stadium?
Roughriders offensive touchdowns this season: 15. Nonoffensive touchdowns: A teamrecord 12.
Hugh Campbell’s TD -catch total after 12 games with the 1966 Roughriders: 15.
The Roughriders have now gone 15 consecutive games (playoffs included) without throwing more than one touchdown pass.
The Roughriders have thrown eight touchdown passes — 20 fewer than last year’s 12-game total. Discuss ...
Most touchdowns by a player in a CFL season: 23 (Milt Stegall, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 2002).
Roughriders’ 2018 touchdown total, extrapolated over 18 games: 22.5.
Reading that, you may wonder: “What is .5 of a touchdown?” Well, if any team is capable of not scoring a full touchdown, it is the 2018 Riders. On a brighter note ...
The Roughriders are closing in on the CFL’S single-season record for return touchdowns — 15, set by the 1987 B.C. Lions (six interceptions, five fumbles, four punts). With six regular-season games remaining, Saskatchewan has 12 return TDS (six interceptions, three punts, one blocked punt, one kickoff, one fumble).
Profuse thanks to Dan Rashovich, a member of the Roughriders’ Plaza of Honour, for being the special guest on this week’s Rider Rumblings video podcast. And kudos to Rashovich for his involvement in the “Believe in the Gold” run for childhood cancer. The second annual Reginabased event is set for Saturday in Wascana Centre. For more information, visit believeinthegold.com.
Nice people who deserve a plug: Derek Pilon, Bev Lancaster, Marc Mueller, Lana Mueller, Barb Barootes, Hugh Campbell, Mark Denobile, Noah Picton, Scott Flory, Doug Russell, Colton Praill and Dan Rashovich.