Roughriders continue to disappoint their fans

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ alleged pass protection has more leaks than the infrastructure at old Mosaic Stadium.

The CFL team has allowed 11 sacks over the past two games — the final two contests at the Roughriders’ historic facility.

It does seem they saved the worst for last.

The latest Riders slide began Oct. 22 when the turmoil-ridden Montreal Alouettes posted a 19-14 victory and snapped Saskatchewan’s four-game winning streak.

The Roughriders followed up, and fouled up, Saturday with a 24-6 loss to the B.C. Lions.

Darian Durant and Jake Waters, the principals in an utterly confusing quarterback rotation, were thrown to the Lions. B.C. registered seven sacks, one week after Montreal felled Durant on five occasions.

Pity the 33,427 loyalists who showed up Saturday hoping the home side would treat the fans to something special.

Wristbands, part of a post-game light show, were distributed before the game. Blindfolds should have been handed out instead.

Despite a dismal 5-12 record, Saskatchewan is leading the league in home attendance. Yet, what did the fans receive for their hard-earned money during their final two visits to the ol’ ball yard?

One touchdown by the hapless home team.

The crowd booed as the Durant-led offence shuffled off the field. The fans were booing the coaching decision, as opposed to the offensive personnel. That said, Durant shouldn’t have been put in a position to hear boos as he walked off the field for the last time at a stadium where he’s made history.

Durant was placed in a no-win situation, given the protection issues up front and the receivers’ struggles.

Saskatchewan closes out its regular season Saturday against the Lions in Vancouver. The Lions must be salivating at the prospect of facing the Riders offence once again.

If the Roughriders can’t put up a fight at home — in the much-anticipated finale at Mosaic Stadium — what kind of devastation will be wrought in Vancouver?

On an infinitely brighter note, another miserable campaign will soon be over.