HAIL WELCOMES RIDERS, STAMPS
Cuts loom after defeat
Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Chamblin walks on hail on the field at Mosaic Stadium during warmup Friday evening, after a storm blew through Regina before the CFL preseason game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders.
There may be a silver lining in the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 37-29 preseason loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Friday.
The defeat dropped the Riders’ CFL pre-season record to 0-2. The Riders opened the pre-season last Saturday in Fort McMurray, Alta., with a 31-24 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos.
Some of the concerns from that defeat have been addressed. For example, the offensive line was better Friday than in Fort McMurray when it allowed eight sacks. Calgary managed only one sack while the five starters — Xavier Fulton and Levy Adcock, guards Chris Best and Brendon LaBatte and centre Dan Clark — were on the field.
The penalties have been cleaned up. After being flagged 26 times for 225 yards against the Eskimos, the Riders were penalized 14 times for 110 yards. There is room for improvement, but it’s an indication that the Riders are adjusting to the new rules.
The Riders are set with their quarterbacking trio of veterans Darian Durant and Kevin Glenn and rookie Brett Smith. Each member of the quarterbacking triumvirate reached the scoring summary in the final pre-season game of the season for both teams. The Riders are to open the regular season on June 27 against the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The receivers were more involved in the offence when Durant and Glenn were under centre. Weston Dressler had three receptions for 34 yards, Rob Bagg had two receptions for 44 yards and Chris Getzlaf had two receptions for 16 yards and an 11-yard touchdown catch. Rookie Alex Carroll had two receptions for 22 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown reception. Later in the game, Steve Miller had three receptions for 56 yards.
The Riders now have to reduce their roster to 46 active players (excluding those on the one- or six-game injured lists) by today’s 8 p.m. deadline.
With that in mind, here are some of the highs and lows from last night’s game played before 18,170 spectators: THE HIGHS Durant: The veteran’s statistics were modest — he completed 14 of 22 passes for 146 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The speed on some of throws eased concerns regarding his surgically repaired right elbow. He even took off on an 11-yard run and absorbed a hard tackle at the end.
Jeff Knox Jr. and Telvion Clark — The first-year linebackers likely earned spots on the active roster with strong showings. Knox had an interception and Clark forced a fumble. They are battling to be the starting weakside linebackers. The Riders can’t go wrong with either player.
Chris Milo’s kicking — The fifth-year placekicker connected on field goals of 42 and 47 yards and added a 32-yard convert. He appears to held off the challenges from Hugh O’Neill and Ray Early for placements. The Riders still have to determine who will handle punts.
Nic Demski — Saskatchewan’s first pick (sixth overall) in the 2015 CFL draft provided glimpses of his speed and versatility. Last night he had one reception for six yards, a carry for 11 yards, two kickoff returns for 39 yards and two punt 22 yards. It will be fun watching how the Riders utilize him. THE LOWS Special teams coverage — Coverage on special teams was an issue in 2014 and the Riders apparently need work in 2015. Sederrick Cunningham broke free on a 74-yard return kickoff return in the first half. He blew by Milo and only shoestring tackle by Paul Woldu saved what would have been a touchdown.
The Snap — Jorgen Hus’ first long snap in Regina went through Dressler’s hands on Saskatchewan’s convert attempt after Getzlaf ’s touchdown catch. Dressler recovered the ball and the play went in the books as a missed convert.
Jamel Richardson — The veteran slotback needed a strong game to solidify his bid for a spot on the active roster. He drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone, but that was it.
Late rally — The Stampeders scored 21 fourthquarter points to beat the Riders. The collapse took place with most of the Riders’ backups and prospects on the field.
The weather — The game was delayed for 15 minutes after a thunderstorm roared through the area. Portions of the stadium were flooded and the playing surface was covered with hail.