Roughriders seem to thrive on adversity
The biggest win of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ season has to go down as a “where did that come from?” moment.
Well, Taman, you idiot, it happened a year ago to the day!
Same teams, same day, same venue, same result.
That is a reminder that very few of us should take up sports handicapping as a job.
After an offensive performance in Winnipeg that left all to bemoan the Riders’ inability to get a first down, their answer to the doubters (including me) was to run up and down the field against the vaunted Calgary defence en route to winning 29-24 on Saturday.
Saskatchewan scored on seven out of 10 possessions (including seven of the first eight), putting up 469 yards of net offence. The visitors left Calgary with a massive win and the season series in hand.
Yardage-wise, Saskatchewan had its second-best game of the season, and Calgary had its second-worst. Who knew that was coming ?
The Roughriders punted twice ... all game!
The scoreboard indicated the game was close, but it never really seemed to be in doubt.
Leading into the game, the Green and White was coming off a putrid performance in Winnipeg, some significant injuries had developed, and one of its star players (Charleston Hughes) was inactive due to an off-field incident.
No problem.
A year ago, to the very day, the Roughriders had overcome some controversy surrounding Duron Carter and won 30-7. It was more of the same, sans Carter, on Saturday.
I am now convinced this club thrives on this kind of adversity.
The proof was clear Saturday in Calgary. A focused, energized and highly efficient club was on display for all to see.
The offensive line held up quite well against a vanilla, “we don’t blitz much, if at all” Calgary defence.
Calgary’s plan was obviously “our front four is better than your group and we will generate pressure that way.”
Saskatchewan’s answer was twofold: “We will get our quarterback settled in a rhythm and we will pick you apart, so bring it on, Black and Red,” and “We will win the trenches.”
Centre Brendon Labatte and company clearly showed that second point early in a skirmish that was a message-sender.
The loss in Winnipeg, the injuries and the off-field drama played right into the Roughriders’ hands.
The motivation was served up on a platter. The team took it and ran away with a resounding win.
If anyone thought Calgary was unbeatable (like Rob Vanstone did), that theory is now questionable at best. In winning this game, the Roughriders overcame huge challenges most people (like Vanstone) thought were insurmountable.
(Speaking of challenges, a Taman mini-rant: If the offensive pass-interference standard is now what we saw based on two calls that were challenged Saturday, that is alarming. Early in the game, Calgary’s Chris Matthews used two hands to subtly push Loucheiz Purifoy in the back to create separation and a clear path to a catch. No call. Later, a review of a hand fight established offensive pass interference against Saskatchewan. I feel for the coaches and players if that is now the standard. Let the players play, please. Rant over.)
After the Calgary game, I like the Roughriders’ chances of getting a home playoff game. That means ... nothing.
I will strongly suggest a win Saturday against the visiting B.C. Lions. If some more adversity strikes in the meantime, or during the B.C. game, expect the Roughriders to respond positively. They thrive on it. The Stampeders can vouch for that.
Does anyone want some predictions? No? Well, tough ... CALGARY AT WINNIPEG (FRIDAY, 6:30 P.M.)
Taman: After watching Saskatchewan put up close to 500 yards against Calgary, expect Winnipeg to come out flying. Bombers by seven.
Vanstone: Wrong. Calgary won’t lose a third straight game. Stampeders by five.
OTTAWA AT HAMILTON (SATURDAY, 2 P.M.)
Taman: Can Ottawa sweep the three-game season series? That is difficult to do. Ticats by two. Vanstone: At what point are injuries too much for the Tiger-cats to sustain? Redblacks by four.
B.C. AT SASKATCHEWAN (SATURDAY, 5 P.M.)
Taman: B.C.’S road record (2-6) is abysmal. The Riders win in a prelude to another home game — one in November with even bigger meaning. Riders by seven. Vanstone: Why did Taman trade Chris Williams for Prechae Rodriguez in 2010? This has nothing to do with anything, but I wanted to get that in somewhere. At least the Riders nailed down a home playoff game in 2010, and they will do so again. But that really was an awful trade. Roughriders by three.
TORONTO AT MONTREAL (SUNDAY, 11 A.M.)
Taman: The season series is up for grabs. The excitement is in the air. No, wait. Those are pigeons. Alouettes by one. Vanstone: Who cares? Als by two. Records after Week 19:
Taman 47-26 (1-3 last week); Vanstone 49-24 (3-1 last week).
FANTASY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Taman: Winnipeg receiver Darvin Adams will come through big. Vanstone: Prechae Rodriguez — a difference-maker, Taman assures me.
Taman’s Take appears weekly