Riders running backs can’t seem to hang onto the ball
REGIN — Avon Cobourne is dealing with turnover and turnovers in his first year as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ running backs coach.
En route to their 1-2 record, the Riders have started two running backs. Anthony Allen was the starter in Saskatchewan’s 31-10 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 29 and in a 48-15 loss to the Toronto Argonauts on July 5. Allen lost fumbles in each of his two starts and despite being the CFL’s leading rusher at the time, he was replaced by Hugh Charles when the Riders hosted the B.C. Lions on July 12.
Charles had 86 yards on 13 carries, but also lost a fumble in the Riders’ 26-13 defeat. Charles, who was replaced in the second half by Allen, was released on July 16.
Charles’ spot was filled Tuesday when the Riders added Will Ford to the practice roster. Ford, a 2013 East Division all-star with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, joins running backs Allen, Keith Toston and Jerome Messam on the Riders’ roster. Cobourne is just rolling with the changes at running back.
“At first I didn’t know what was going on,’’ Cobourne said after Tuesday’s closed practice at Mosaic Sta- dium. “I didn’t understand why the changes were going on, but in this game it happens. What I’m doing is embracing it and just becoming a better teacher.’’
A key item on Cobourne’s lesson plan is reminding the running backs about ball security.
“It’s a problem and you just have to face it,’’ said Cobourne, who had stints with the Montreal Alouettes and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during his seven-year CFL career. “It’s happening and you have to go at it a little bit more. It’s not something that you can ignore because that’s serious when you turn the ball over. You need to have the ball to score points. It’s something that we keep in the forefront of our minds, as well as thinking about it. It’s now in our minds to protect the ball.’’
Head coach Corey Chamblin has shown his seriousness about ball control this season by benching Allen and Charles after losing fumbles. Chamblin’s short leash when it comes to fumbling has contributed to the carousel at running back. Ford might be the latest running back to take a spin in the starting role.
“He could stop the carousel and the guys who are all in that role can stop the carousel if they hold on to the ball and do things well,’’ Chamblin said.
Chamblin didn’t rule out Ford playing in Saturday’s game against the Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium.
When Ford does get an opportunity, he’s well aware of the emphasis on securing the football.
“The most important thing when you get the ball is holding on to the ball,’’ said Ford, who rushed for 594 yards and two touchdowns on 113 carries with the Blue Bombers last season.
Hanging onto the ball is a fundamental aspect of being a running back. Cobourne feels responsible if a running back does lose a fumble.
“It’s absolutely on me,’’ Cobourne said. “Even though I would like to think that it’s not, I teach it every day. At the end of the day it’s my guys and I’m responsible. Take care of the football and the quarterback. Those are the only two things that I’m yelling in practice.’
Chamblin said a number of attributes will be considered before deciding on the starting running back this weekend.
“If the ball is on the ground, you’re not going to win too many games,’’ Chamblin said. “The No. 1 determination in wins and losses is turnovers.’’