Improving grades on the midterm report card
The Saskatchewan Roughriders upgraded their performance in the middle third of their season — leading to a corresponding improvement in their grades.
The Riders improved on their 2-4 mark by going 4-2 over the second six-game portion of the 2017 CFL campaign.
Saskatchewan carries a 6-6 record into the final six games of the season and finds itself in the playoff hunt — a possibility that appeared to be remote after six games.
Here’s how the Roughriders break down, role by role: Quarterbacks: Kevin Glenn works effectively within the offensive scheme and has thrown 21 touchdown passes. Backup Brandon Bridge has shown his potential, leading the Riders to a 27-19 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sept. 15. Grade: B.
Running backs: The running game was rolling until Cameron Marshall was sidelined with a knee injury Sept. 3. The Riders are 1-2 without Marshall on the active roster and it’s no accident because his production, evidenced by an average of 5.6 yards per carry, is missed. Grade: C.
Receivers: The receiving depth will be tested with Naaman Roosevelt’s status in doubt due to a helmet-on-helmet hit in Sunday’s loss to Calgary. Duron Carter leads the league with eight touchdown receptions. Bakari Grant remains an outstanding contributor, as evidenced by 760 yards and five touchdown receptions. Devon Bailey has emerged as a threat off the bench. The receivers have been the most consistent group on the Riders’ offence. Grade: B. Offensive linemen: The offensive line barely missed a beat when centre Dan Clark was sidelined for six games with an elbow injury. Brendon LaBatte moved from left guard to centre. Bruce Campbell started at left tackle, bumping Derek Dennis to left guard. Peter Dyakowski (right guard) and Thaddeus Coleman (right tackle) remained in their regular positions. Overall the line play has been solid. Grade: C. Defensive linemen: An improved defence is related to more pressure being exerted by the linemen. Defensive ends Willie Jefferson (seven sacks), Tobi Antigha (five) and A.C. Leonard (four) are the team’s sack leaders. Eddie Steele quietly leads the defensive tackle players with 18 tackles. Grade: B. Linebackers: Middle linebacker Henoc Muamba leads the Riders with 59 tackles, and is an inspirational presence. Samuel Eguavoen improves with each game at weakside linebacker. The return of Otha Foster III on the strong side improves the unit. Grade: B. Defensive backs: Defensive halfback Ed Gainey has a league-leading eight interceptions — all during the past six games. Cornerback Jovon Johnson remains solid and is a leader. Crezdon Butler continues to improve at defensive halfback. Grade: C.
Special teams: Tyler Crapigna has made 20 of 24 field-goal attempts and all 32 converts. Josh Bartel is just as consistent, with a net punting average of 34.6 yards, and is second in the CFL with seven punts inside the 10-yard-line. Grade: C-plus.
Coaches: The Riders have a .500 record despite a number of injuries. That’s a credit to the coaches who have prepared the next players up to produce. The Riders were better in the second third of the season and that’s due in part to Chris Jones and his staff remaining committed to the players on the field. Grade: C.
Player personnel: The off-season additions of Glenn, Marshall, Grant, Carter, Dennis, Steele, Dyakowski and Johnson have worked out. The Riders bolstered the defence with the re-signings of Foster and fellow linebacker Jeff Knox Jr. along with safety Marc- Olivier Brouilette. The Canadian depth has improved, which also contributes to a solid mark. Grade: B.