It is quickly becoming apparent that the Saskatchewan Roughriders may not make the CFL playoffs this year. This is appalling. After 9 weeks, we are 1-7, all alone in last place in the league. Fortunately things are happening that may help turn things around. First, firing Head Coach Greg Marshall and Offensive Coordinator, Doug Berry. It was increasingly obvious that the change in philosophy from previous years to today was not taking hold. This is a very talented team, with consecutive Grey Cup appearances. What changed? The coaching. Time to change back, and they did. Their 2nd move was to bring Ken Miller back into the Head Coach role. This will change attitudes and bring everyone back into sync. Quarterback Darian Durant was inconsistent with the cards he was playing. He is known to respect coach Miller, and this alone will bring him out of his funk. His discontent with past coaching staff was obvious. It was also obvious that he was struggling with the new system.
The 3rd thing that will help is the return of Andy Fantuz, cut this week by the Chicago Bears. Although he is not eligible for Sunday’s Labour Day Classic, last season’s leading receiver will be available the following week for the Banjo Bowl in Winnipeg. He will make an immediate impact on both the clubhouse and on the field. A quarterback hates to lose his favourite target, so one can only imagine how Durant will feel about getting him back.
Now it is time for baby steps. There are 10 games left. This week’s game against league leading Winnipeg Blue Bombers will, or should be, an emotional game in reaction to the recent news and changes. If I were the Bombers, I would tread carefully. The giant may be awakened. The next step is to stop sucking more than the Toronto Argonauts. This should not be terribly difficult. Once we catch them, then we look to the next target.
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- Riders forced to wait a little longer for Fantuz (canada.com)
- CFL-leading Bombers not taking Riders lightly (cbc.ca)
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