Riders plan to get physical Against Stamps
Players say aggressive approach, execution key to defeating West rivals
CALGARY The Saskatchewan Roughriders don’t have to dig deep to find a recipe for success against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday.
The Riders only have to search their video files for a replay of their 40-27 win over the visiting Stampeders on Aug. 19. Back then, the Riders snapped Calgary’s sevengame winning streak with contributions from the offence, defence and special teams.
“That was the opposite of our last game,” Riders offensive tackle Thaddeus Coleman said with a chuckle, referring to last Saturday’s 31-0 CFL loss to the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Blue Bombers dominated all three phases of the game in the win over the Riders, which was in stark contrast to what transpired at Mosaic Stadium against the Stampeders.
“You don’t look back on the Winnipeg game,” Coleman said. “You do look back on the Calgary game for what we did right and try to do the same thing again.”
What was that?
“We have to go at them,” Coleman said. “We can’t sit back and let those guys get going. We have to get our hands on them and put our weight on them because we’re a little bigger. We have to be aggressive right from the beginning.”
A key to the Riders’ victory over the Stampeders was scoring points in every phase of the game.
Cornerback Nick Marshall contributed a 67-yard pick six and also scored on a three-yard run as the short-yardage quarterback.
On special teams, Brett Lauther was six-for-six on field goal attempts and Riders linebacker Sam Eguavoen returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.
“That’s what it takes to beat Calgary,” said Riders defensive back Mike Edem. “You have to execute in all three phases of the game. You also have to play the scheme in the way it’s coached and called. You can’t be out there trying to do your own thing.”
In that game, Jordan Williams-Lambert paced the Riders’ offence with 10 receptions for 153 yards, both career highs for the rookie slotback.
“It just worked out that I had a lot of touches in that game,” said Williams-lambert, who returns to the lineup Saturday after missing one game due to injury. “I had 10 (catches) and I haven’t that many in a game. It just worked out that the ball was in my hands a lot more.”
Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell did torch the Riders for four touchdowns passes while throwing for 270 yards. That’s an aspect of the game the Riders hope isn’t repeated.
Despite Mitchell’s performance, the Riders snapped a two-game losing streak and began a 7-1 run, which included the clinching of a playoff berth.
“An time we play against Calgary, everyone steps up just because it’s Calgary,” Coleman said. “That’s what has to happen this time.”
The Stampeders boast the league’s best record, but have shown cracks of late. Calgary barely beat the lowly Montreal Alouettes 12-6 on Oct. 8. Five days later, the Lions defeated the Stampeders 26-21, handing Calgary its first home loss of the season.
Injuries have rocked Stampeders receivers this season, with starters Kamar Jorden, Davaris Daniels, Reggie Begelton and Marken Michel all on the six-game injured list. Eric Rogers has also missed games due to injuries.
The injuries have forced the Stampeders to bring in ex-nfler Chris Matthews.
“It doesn’t make a difference because 19’s arm is still slinging that thing,” said Edem, referring to Mitchell. “One thing we have to be accountable for is making sure we cover down on whoever they have out there, play in the scheme, and let (head coach) Chris Jones worry about 19’s arm.”
The Stampeders (12-3) need to win one of their final three regularseason games to clinch first place in the West Division and homefield advantage in the division final.
The Riders (10-5) can wrap up a home playoff game with a win in their final two games and a loss or a tie by the B.C. Lions.
We have to get our hands on them and put our weight on them because we’re a little bigger.