ROUGHRIDERS’ OFFENCE IS NO LONGER SO OFFENSIVE
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offence, having erupted for a touchdown in back-to-back games, is exhibiting signs of a pulse.
The raw numbers are still unflattering but, given recent events, a semblance of optimism is warranted.
Zach Collaros provides poise and professionalism at quarterback.
The presence of Collaros behind centre allows Stephen Mcadoo, the Roughriders’ offensive co-ordinator, to deviate from ultra-conservative strategies.
An ever-improving offensive line expands the options available to Mcadoo and, by extension, Collaros.
So it stands to reason that the stats should improve over time.
At the moment, though, the numbers are uglier than Major League Soccer.
Scariest of all is the number of offensive touchdowns — just nine, in eight games. (Over that same span, Saskatchewan has scored seven times on defence or special teams.)
Saskatchewan’s offence is averaging 1.13 majors per contest. Even the feckless Montreal Alouettes, who may soon hold a contest to determine their starting quarterback, have a superior average (1.44).
Keep in mind that Collaros has started only four games due to injury. In his absence, Brandon Bridge and David Watford were found wanting, to the extent that Mcadoo was terrified to try anything. Punt.
Also remember that the productivity with Collaros at quarterback is hardly optimal. He has guided the offence to just one touchdown in each of his four starts.
However, he did move the team 74, 58, 52, 47 and 44 yards to set up field goals by Brett Lauther, who had six three-pointers in total.
And the eyes do not lie.
The offence, such as it is, looks infinitely better with Collaros calling signals.
Poised to turn 30, the seventhyear CFLER has seen every situation and knows how to respond. Such are the benefits of employing a veteran.
Collaros does not get flustered in the pocket. He will hang in there with a play, even in the face of pressure, and unflinchingly deliver the football. He has the patience and inclination to explore secondary and tertiary options.
Without Collaros, any pass thrown between the hash marks was a novelty. The offensive strategy was seemingly predicated upon the assumption that the middle of the field was mined.
It turns out that throwing the ball downfield is actually a thing. Who knew?
Mcadoo has not dispensed with the hitch screens and swing passes, etc., but there is now some variety. Imagine that.
Consider the early stages of Sunday’s game, in which the Roughriders registered a 40-27 victory over the previously unbeaten Calgary Stampeders.
From the Stampeders’ 35-yard line, Collaros pump-faked toward the left flat before looking downfield to Shaq Evans, who was open and approaching the goal-line. The play was such a smashing success that Collaros, er, missed the receiver.
Yet, an incompletion, of all things, was a sign that this offence is evolving. The Roughriders are, in fact, capable of fooling a defence. Receivers other than Naaman Roosevelt are, in fact, capable of threatening the foe.
Evans is coming off a fivecatch, 69-yard outing that included a 38-yard gain.
Jordan Williams-lambert scorched Calgary for a 10-catch, 152-yard gem. Also of note: Collaros was 10-for-10 when targeting Williams-lambert.
If the Roughriders can find a way to get Roosevelt untracked, the offence may very well reach the point where it is suitably steady.
In light of the Roughriders’ excellence on defence, they can get by with an offence that minimizes mistakes and is operated in credible fashion.
Don’t expect this offence to ever be described as “incredible.” But, really, it doesn’t have to be.