RIDERS NOW 1-11
Taking care of business a challenge
Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Tyron Brackenridge goes airborne in an attempt to stop Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris from gaining a first down during Saturday’s CFL game at Mosaic Stadium. The Riders lost 30-27, dropping their record so far this season to 1-11.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are at least consistent with Kevin Glenn at quarterback.
The Riders were beaten 30-27 on Saturday by the Ottawa Redblacks when Chris Milo connected on a 14-yard field goal with six seconds remaining in the CFL game before an announced crowd of 30,480 at Mosaic Stadium. The defeat dropped the Riders’ record to 1-11 and the Redblacks improved to 7-4.
Saturday’s result was the seventh contest the Riders have lost by four points or less and Glenn has been the quarterback in five of them. Glenn has appeared in six games since taking over from franchise quarterback Darian Durant, who was lost for the season in the regularseason opener with a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
“It seems like it’s becoming a trend, these two- and three-point games and leading the whole game then coming down to the fourth quarter,’’ Glenn said after Saturday’s loss. “Stuff isn’t going our way and we’re not doing what we need to do in certain situations.’’
Saturday’s result fit in with the Riders’ fourthquarter collapses. The Riders led 23-21 after the third quarter and 24-21 with under five minutes left, but couldn’t close out the win.
Ottawa assumed a 27-24 lead with 2:34 remaining when Henry Burris ran for a one-yard touchdown. Milo, who was cut by Riders on July 5, hit an upright on the convert attempt.
Returner Tristan Jackson set the Riders up on Ottawa’s 35-yard line after a 70-yard kickoff return. The Riders then had to settle for Paul McCallum’s 37-yard field goal that tied the contest 27-27 at 13:10 of the fourth quarter.
The Redblacks quickly moved deep in Saskatchewan territory — thanks primarily to a 53-yard pass from Burris to Ernest Jackson. After consecutive running plays, Milo connected on the go-ahead field goal. Abdul Kenneh intercepted Glenn’s desperation pass on the final play of the game.
Glenn was making his first start since July 26 when he suffered a torn right pectoral muscle in a 31-21 loss to the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The 36-year-old quarterback was stumped when asked what it will take for the Riders to finally break through and win a close game.
“I don’t have any answers about that,’’ said Glenn, who was 16-for-29 for 227 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. “If I had the answers this wouldn’t be happening because I wouldn’t keep it a secret.’’
The Riders still don’t feel the season is lost because there is a mathematical chance of them reaching the playoffs. They’ve only missed the playoffs once — in 2011 — since 2002.
“Because of the other teams that are ahead of us and how many wins they have and how many games we have left, I don’t think we’re out of it,’’ Glenn said. “(Saturday) wasn’t a deciding game or anything like that. The season isn’t over until it’s the last game. I don’t think anybody will clock out because you may be mathematically out of it.’’
The Riders play host to the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Riders are chasing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions in their playoff bid. Saskatchewan still needs help from other teams if the Riders’ season is to extend into the post-season.
“We knew coming into (Saturday’s game) that we have to hope that other teams help us out,’’ Glenn said. “That’s just the nature of the sport. I guess I’m not using the correct word as far as hope. We have to believe that if we take care of our business, someone else will help us out. If they don’t, then as long as we took care of our business, that’s what was important.’’
The Riders took care of their business at times on Saturday. Glenn and first-year receiver Naaman Roosevelt connected on a 71-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. It was Roosevelt’s second CFL touchdown and both have come against the Redblacks. The 71-yard pass and run was also the longest scoring play by the Riders’ offence this season.
Saskatchewan’s defence recorded three sacks and the defensive line pressured Burris until the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. The 40-year-old Burris completed 35 of 45 passes for 477 yards and two touchdowns.
“You never want to give up that kind of yardage in the game and it’s hard to win when you do,’’ said Riders interim head coach Bob Dyce.
Roosevelt (three catches, 95 yards) and Rob Bagg (four catches, 79 yards and a touchdown) were Saskatchewan’s top receivers.
Chris Williams (eight catches, 137 yards) and Jackson (six catches, 101 yards) were Ottawa’s leading receivers. Burris also rushed for a touchdown.