Riders’ defence offers flexibility
Jones’ search for the right combinations has been hampered by numerous injuries
Chris Jones doesn’t rest when it comes to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defence.
The Riders’ head coach and general manager, who moonlights as defensive co-ordinator, often shuffles defensive personnel during the CFL team’s training camp at the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium.
His approach opens up the training-camp battles to more than one or two players and provides multiple prospects with opportunities to work with the starters throughout training camp. What the shuffling produces is many players who can play multiple positions.
In advance of Saturday’s preseason game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium, here’s a look at the defence — along with the special teams — and the impact of mixing and matching personnel. DEFENSIVE LINE
Injuries have limited the practice time for Riders defensive ends Willie Jefferson, A.C. Leonard and Jonathan Newsome. The trio is expected to lead the Riders’ defensive-end rotation during the regular season. How effective they will be remains to be seen until they can each take their position in the rotation. Saturday’s game may provide an opportunity for that to take place.
Eddie Steele and Zach Minter are the front-runners to be the starting defensive tackles. Both have been solid in training camp and in Saturday’s mock game. Behind them is rotation of players including Henry Makana, Ese Mrabure and Linden Gaydosh and all have had repetitions as starters. Defensive tackle is one of several position in flux while the Riders work through training camp.
LINEBACKERSThe Riders have finally found a position for Kevin Francis, a converted receiver who started six games at safety in 2016 before being moved to linebacker. He has been among the team’s best defenders as a weakside linebacker. At six-foot-five, he has the lanky body type that Jones covets.
Henoc Muamba has been unchallenged for his position, even though Jones said the middle linebacker arrived at camp “a little heavy.’’ Muamba can still cover and with Francis provides the Riders an option of having two nationals among the starting three linebackers.
Questions surround strong-side linebacker with Samuel Eguavoen, who is sidelined by an undisclosed injury. Eguavoen, who missed 12 games in 2016 with a knee injury, hasn’t practised since the first day of training camp.
Eguavoen’s absence has created an opportunity for former defensive back Tyler Hunter. Hunter has the speed of a defensive back, which allows him to drop back into coverage. Hunter can also chase down running backs.
Glenn Love, an off-season freeagent signing, has battled injuries throughout training camp. Love has been effective when he has been on the field. He needs to be healthy for the Riders to evaluate him. DEFENSIVE BACKS
Cornerback Kacy Rodgers, short-side defensive halfback Ed Gainey and safety Jeff Hecht appear to be settled in as starters.
Rodgers, who has missed the last two days with an injury, has effectively covered the team’s best receivers.
Gainey is among the Riders’ top coverage players and a leader on defence.
Hecht has been the starter since training camp opened despite the Riders signing fellow national Mike Edem during the off-season.
The competition is wide open for the other two positions. Tevaughn Campbell, Sam Williams, Warren Gatewood, Royce Adams and Mark Roberts have all had repetitions as the weakside cornerbacks.
The release of Justin Cox prior to training camp opened up the other defensive halfback position. Alfonzo Dennard, Zavian Bingham and Cedric Hill are among the prospects who have started at the position.
Injuries contribute to the multiple players filling multiple positions in the secondary and have added to its uncertainty. It may take until the end of training camp before the starting five is finally sorted out. SPECIAL TEAMS
An undisclosed injury to punter Josh Bartel has created more opportunities for backup Quinn van Gylswyk. He has shown he can handle the punting and placekicks, further solidifying the kicking aspect of the Riders’ special teams.
Placekicker Tyler Crapigna had an off day in Saturday’s mock game, but has been solid otherwise in camp.
Chad Owens is scheduled to handle punt and kickoff returns, but he has been limited by a foot injury. With Owens on the sidelines, the Riders have conducted auditions with Joe Craig Jr., Desmond Reece, Ed Gainey, Alfonzo Dennard, Duron Carter and Nic Demski.