Roughriders desperately need Carter on offence
When last seen at Mosaic Stadium, the Saskatchewan Roughriders effectively shut down both teams’ offences.
In addition to preventing the high-powered Hamilton TigerCats from scoring a touchdown, the Roughriders avoidably placed limitations on their own attack Thursday en route to grinding out an 18-13 CFL victory.
Although the Chris Jonescoached Roughriders deserve commendation for registering an improbable victory, it can safely be termed a one-off when the composition and conception of the alleged offence are considered.
Already short-handed because concussed starting quarterback Zach Collaros is on the six-game injured list, the Roughriders have depleted themselves even further by making bizarre personnel decisions.
Consider, for example, the controversial and continued deployment of Duron Carter — a CFL all-star receiver last season — as a defensive back.
Carter’s most recent performance in the secondary was his strongest of 2018, but no matter. He can, and should, make greater contributions on offence.
The Roughriders don’t have the luxury of experimenting at a time when the offence is such a liability — a unit that eked out 12 first downs (including only four through the air) on Thursday.
Saskatchewan’s final three first downs were registered on a four-play, 77-yard drive that was punctuated by Marcus Thigpen’s 34-yard touchdown run.
That scoring scamper, which came with 1:29 remaining in the game, provided what turned out to be the winning points.
That’s all well and good, but now the Roughriders require ... wait for it ... sustained success.
It is imperative that they make meaningful schematic and personnel changes in time for a July 17 rematch in Hamilton.
Most notably, Carter should be moved back to receiver in an attempt to resuscitate what has become a paint-by-numbers offence. Carter’s reincorporation into the passing game would also create opportunities for the Roughriders’ other premier pass catcher, Naaman Roosevelt.
As it stands, there is little need for rival defences to worry about anyone other than Roosevelt. Add Carter to the equation, however, and it will be a different story.
The presence of two ace receivers would create a pick-your-poison predicament for opponents. Concentrate on Carter and risk being torched by Roosevelt, or vice-versa. Last season, remember, Roosevelt caught two long TD passes on plays in which Carter was used as a decoy. The mere threat provided by Carter could have an electrifying effect on a struggling offence.
Some of the requisite weapons are in place, but the Roughriders are allergic to using them.
While playing Carter in the secondary, the Green and White is also prone to parking tailback Jerome Messam on the sideline. Messam has registered three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, but the Roughriders will see to it that the streak ends.
The team fancies a tailback troika that also includes Thigpen and Tre Mason. This approach ensures that none of them will have an opportunity to get in a groove. A comparable mindset applies to the alternation of Brandon Bridge and David Watford at quarterback. Jones, who isn’t exactly exuding confidence in either passer, keeps fishing for an answer.
Here’s one basic answer: Put Carter back on offence.
Give the quarterbacks, and offensive co-ordinator Stephen Mcadoo, an opportunity to utilize an elite playmaker. (During the 2017 regular season, Mcadoo’s offence led the CFL with 35 passing touchdowns and was second in the league with 48 TDS overall.)
And find someone — anyone — who is a better option at defensive back than a converted receiver ... and an amazing receiver at that.