Roughriders ready for Lions after bye week

REGINA — It appears the bye week came at the right time for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

After a disappointing 37-10 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on July 6, the Riders had Week 6 of the CFL schedule off before beginning preparations for today’s game against the B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium.

While some players might prefer quickly returning to the field in an effort to put the loss behind them, many Riders liked the timing of the bye week.

“We were on a short week, we’d played two quick games and guys were a little beat up,” said Saskatchewan quarterback Cody Fajardo. “Body wise, I really think we needed that bye. And also mentally, I think it was good for us to get away a little bit, especially after a tough loss like that... Being able to get away, you come back energized.

“Now that loss is buried and that’s a better take. It was a perfect time for us to have a bye.”

The Riders struggled in all areas against the Stampeders. Fajardo, filling in for the injured Zach Collaros, was 9-for-15 passing for 89 yards and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Tre Roberson.

And despite facing backup quarterback Nick Arbuckle, who was making his first career start in place of the injured Bo Levi Mitchell, the Riders defence allowed 402 total yards of offence. Arbuckle shined, completing 19-of-22 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns.

The Lions are also struggling, entering the game with a 1-4 record and having allowed a league-high 17 sacks of franchise quarterback Mike Reilly.

Today’s game is the first in a home-andhome series for the teams and a sweep of the set could have major implications going forward.