After 16 games, Roughriders still clueless
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offence once again displayed its ability to put points on the board — for the opposition.
Barely five minutes into Saturday’s CFL game at Investors Group Field, Roughriders quarterback Zach Collaros completed a pass (honestly, he did!) to Kyran Moore, who erupted for a fumble.
Anthony Gaitor helped himself to the football and trotted 45 uncontested yards for what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown as the Green and Whitewashed suffered a 31-0 defenestration at the hands of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The final verdict, as unsightly as it was, actually flattered a Saskatchewan side that had surrendered all 31 points by halftime and, inexplicably, did not charter home immediately at that point.
At least the pilot would have demonstrated a command of the aerial game. The Roughriders, 16 games and just 22 touchdowns into the regular season, simply do not have a clue.
This is hardly a news flash. The alleged offence, such a liability all season, reached a nadir during Saturday’s Gaitor Bowl. Collaros’ preferred target was Taylor Loffler, who happens to play safety for the Blue Bombers. Early in the second quarter, Loffler and wide receiver Shaq Evans had caught an equal number of Collaros’ passes (two).
The Roughriders’ offensive arsenal also included the patented one-yard pass on secondand-four and (cue trumpets) the five-yard throw when 10 yards were required to move the chains. Punt. Punt.
On a brighter note, neither of those passes were intercepted, so the cacophony of cheers should begin now.
Enough merriment. Once the final gun mercifully sounded, the Roughriders’ offensive-touchdown drought had mushroomed to 145 minutes 30 seconds or nearly 2½ games. This clunky crew has put the O in October.
The CFL is, by nature, oriented toward offence. Someone has neglected to inform the Roughriders, who are plagued by a lack of ingenuity and talent on the offensive side of the football.
That glaring void is accentuated because of the team’s excellence in the other two facets of the game. The special teams are superb. That unit has been highlighted by the performance of Brett Lauther, who was not called upon to even attempt a placement kick Saturday.
The Roughriders did not advance any further than Winnipeg ’s 40-yard line (whereupon they capitalized by fumbling). They also reached the 47 before being intercepted. Consistency is the key.
The defence, despite some uncharacteristic meltdowns in Winnipeg, is still of Grey Cup calibre. The Roughriders could have pitched a shutout Saturday and it still wouldn’t have ensured a victory. Defence and special teams have carried Chris Jones and company to a 10-6 record.
Even after Saturday’s shellacking, Saskatchewan is still situated in second place in the West Division, two points ahead of Winnipeg (9-7). A home playoff game remains a realistic possibility.