Predictions for the player awards
Difference from 2018 attack ‘definitely night and day,’ veteran receiver contends
The Saskatchewan Roughriders once again have secured a home playoff game, but with diametrically different contributions from their offence.
“It’s definitely night and day,” veteran receiver Naaman Roosevelt said after Tuesday’s practice.
The 2018 Roughriders posted a 12-6 record and played host to the West Division final — a 23-18 loss to the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers — despite finishing dead last in the CFL in offensive touchdowns (25) and passing majors (11).
The Riders were saved by their defence and special teams, which generated a combined 15 touchdowns.
By contrast, the 2019 Roughriders are fourth in the league in offensive touchdowns (43) and first in rushing majors (25). They are eighth in passing TDS (18), but Cody Fajardo leads the loop in aerial yards (4,302) and boasts one of the top quarterback-efficiency ratings (105.2).
A revitalized offence is a major reason why the Roughriders carry a 12-5 record into Saturday’s home game against the Edmonton Eskimos.
A victory or tie would enable the Roughriders to clinch first place in the West Division, and an opening-round playoff bye, for the first time since 2009.
One common denominator is Stephen Mcadoo, who is in his fourth season as the Roughriders’ offensive co-ordinator.
“We were fortunate enough last year to reshape some things, re-tool some others, and we had a chance to be in ball games,” Mcadoo said after Tuesday’s practice the Affinityplex.
“We also had a great defence and the special teams were playing well.”
Add in more than a sprinkling of offence, along with continued robust play on defence, and you have one of the CFL’S better teams.
Fajardo was pressed into duty just three plays into the regular season, when returning starter Zach Collaros suffered a concussion on an illegal hit to the head.
Fajardo has a 12-4 record in his first year as a CFL starter — a season in which he has rushed for 10 majors.
“(The difference from 2018 is) because of the confidence in our quarterback and with Coach Mcadoo calling the plays,” Roosevelt said. “The consistency we have now gives everyone the confidence to play a little better.”
Fajardo has earned that confidence through his clutch play. He has guided the Riders on four game-winning drives, including an eight-play, 69-yard march that was capped by Brett Lauther’s 43yard, walk-off field goal in a 19-17 win over the Eskimos on Saturday.
“I’m always proud of them when they come through in the clutch,”
Mcadoo said. “The other part of me says, ‘Let’s not let it get to that point.’
“They did a great job of executing plays when we needed it to get into field-goal position. We have to get that killer instinct and start putting people away earlier so it doesn’t get to that point.”
The Riders started slowly against the Eskimos, trailing 14-0 after the first quarter and 17-7 at the half. However, the visiting side rallied in the second half to pull out the win and clinch a home playoff game.
“I feel really good (about the offence) because Coach Mcadoo and I have a great chemistry,” Fajardo said. “He understands what I like and in crunch time he understands what I feel comfortable with ... If you feel comfortable about the play call, you can execute it to a high level.”
He understands what I like and in crunch time he understands what I feel comfortable with ... If you feel comfortable about the play call, you can execute it to a high level
The Riders are atop the West Division thanks in part to Collaros, who guided the Blue Bombers to a 29-28 win over the Calgary Stampeders on Friday. Collaros threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns in his first start since playing with the Riders.
The possibility now exists that the Blue Bombers and Riders could meet in the playoffs.
“If you have Zach coming in here, I would be a little bit nervous,” Fajardo said. “He’s a competitor and he’s a guy who knows how to win games because he’s played at the highest level … He has tremendous talent and if he stays healthy, he’s dangerous.”
The Riders practised at the Affinityplex on Tuesday due to inclement weather. They are expected to head outdoors for Wednesday’s closed practice.
“It’s important that they play and function in conditions that are less than ideal,” head coach Craig Dickenson said.