Riders look to rebound
Focus seems to be the key as the Saskatchewan Roughriders look to rebound after blowing double-digit fourth-quarter leads in their last two CFL games.
A lack of focus is among the reasons the Riders have a 3-2 record heading into Friday’s CFL game at Commonwealth Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos.
“I think we’ve regained our focus,’’ Riders defensive end Brent Hawkins said in advance of Friday’s game. “You have to focus because if you go into a game without it, you’re probably going to lose. It’s not about being physically fit. It’s all about your mentality and how you think about things. Being focused is like a gift. You can choose to do it or not, but when you do focus, good things are going to happen.’’
The loss of focus has resulted in bad things as of late. The Riders held a 17-point advantage late in the fourth quarter before losing 41-38 in overtime to the host Calgary Stampeders on July 19. The Roughriders also led 33-14 early in the fourth quarter, only to lose 35-34 to the Tiger-Cats on July 28.
There is some debate among the Riders about the cause of the fourthquarter meltdowns. Hawkins and left guard Brendon LaBatte feel a loss of focus contributed to the losses. Quarterback Darian Durant felt it was a lack of finish that led to the defeats.
“A lack of focus is the opinion of someone who may have lost focus,’’ said Durant, who has committed three turnovers (two interceptions and a lost fumble) in the last two games after not committing any turnovers in the first three contests. “I don’t think it was a lack of focus. We didn’t finish and we didn’t do what we had to do to make plays when we needed to. That’s the bottom line.’’
The Riders, like the Eskimos, are looking to improve their bottom line. Both teams have 3-2 records, which was good enough for a share of second place in the West Division before the bye week for each team.
“You have to find it within yourself to be able to focus and know what you’re doing when you line up,’’ Hawkins said.
“Focus comes from watching film and keeping details on things.”