Decent grades on mid-season report card
While defensive line earned an A, there is room for improvement in other areas
Although it is back-toschool time, there is already a case to be made for a midterm report card.
This evaluation pertains to the 2018 Saskatchewan Roughriders, whose season has been filled with highs and lows.
The Roughriders’ regular season kicked off on a high when they beat the visiting Toronto Argonauts 27-19 on June 15. Saskatchewan followed with four two-game streaks — losses, wins, losses and wins.
Back-to-back victories have left the Roughriders with a 5-4 record heading into Sunday ’s sold-out Labour Day Classic against the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-5).
Leading up to that highly anticipated showdown, here’s how the Roughriders grade out:
QUARTERBACKS
Zach Collaros lasted fewer than six quarters into the season before being placed on the six-game injured list with concussion and neck issues. In his last two starts, he has demonstrated why the Roughriders traded for him during the off-season. His presence offers promise. Brandon Bridge and David Watford struggled while Collaros was sidelined.
Grade: C
RUNNING BACKS
Tre Mason has improved with each game and is among the reasons why the Riders are second in the CFL in rushing yards (1,021). The recent re-signing of Cameron Marshall adds depth with the explosive Marcus Thigpen nursing an undisclosed injury. The Riders have run the ball effectively and thus earn a decent grade.
Grade: B
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line is gelling after a shaky start. Saskatchewan has allowed only three sacks over the past five games. Over the first four games, the Roughriders quarterbacks were sacked nine times.
Grade: C
RECEIVERS
Saskatchewan’s young receivers are producing, which is a good sign. Rookie slotback Jordan Williamslambert leads the Riders in catches (36) and receiving yards (406) and is second in touchdown receptions (two, which places him one behind Naaman Roosevelt). Shaq Evans, another first-year player, is second in yards (330) and third in receptions (23). The receivers’ marks may improve as the season progresses.
Grade: C
DEFENSIVE LINE
Defensive end Charleston Hughes leads the CFL with 12 sacks, one more than he had during the entire 2017 season when he was the league’s leader. Combined with Willie Jefferson and Tobi Antigha, the Riders have three of the league’s best defensive ends. Zack Evans, Mic’hael Brooks and Eddie Steele provide the beef at defensive tackle.
Grade: A
LINEBACKERS
Weak-side linebacker Sam Eguavoen leads the Riders with 41 defensive tackles and has added two sacks, in addition to blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown. Matt Elam has filled in nicely for the injured Derrick Moncrief, registering 12 defensive tackles and two sacks in three starts. The outside linebackers are major contributors to the team’s overall success on defence.
Grade: B
DEFENSIVE BACKS
First-year boundary cornerback Nick Marshall has been solid when healthy. Safety Mike Edem has been effective. Veteran Ed Gainey is often called on to cover the league’s top receivers and does so effectively. Gainey, who led the CFL with 10 interceptions last season, has yet to make a pick this year. The recent signing of defensive halfback Loucheiz Purifoy has solidified the secondary. As long as the defensive line keeps generating pressure, the defensive backs will be OK.
Grade: B
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brett Lauther leads the CFL in field goals (28) and is third in accuracy (90.4 per cent). Christion Jones is second in the CFL in average yards per punt return (13.2) and kickoff return (23.5). Jones, who has already returned a punt for a 61-yard touchdown, consistently provides the Riders with good field position and is always a threat.
Grade: B
COACHES
There is little room to question head coach Chris Jones’ work as the defensive co-ordinator. The scheme of matching up defensive backs with the opposition’s best receivers has paid off in better man-to-man coverage. On offence, the conservative playcalling of offensive co-ordinator Stephen Mcadoo has generated a great deal of criticism. In defence of Mcadoo, he has had Collaros for only 4½ games, and the Riders’ playbook has opened up of late. Special-teams co-ordinator Craig Dickenson leads one of the CFL’S best units.
Grade: C