Inside the CFL: The Riders and their terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day

By GRAHAM KELLY on September 16, 2021.

Remember the children’s book by Judith Viorst? “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Alexander had nothing on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ afternoon in Winnipeg last Saturday, the Labour Day week rematch with the Blue Bombers called the Banjo Bowl. Their hated rival had won the “Classic” in Regina 23-8, keeping the Riders out of the red zone until there was 1:29 left in the fourth quarter. How could matters get any worse?

Well, their best pass rusher A.C. Leonard was suspended two games for refusing to take a drug test. If he was clean, why would he refuse? Head Coach Craig “Nice Guy” Dickenson should cut him. Now. Then it was announced that All-Star defensive left half Ed Gainey and right defensive half Loucheiz Purifoy were out with injuries. (The late great coach Cal Murphy told me the most difficult position to replace next to quarterback was right defensive half. Great football executive Stan Schwartz said the secondary was the hardest area of a team to rebuild). Added to their sense of dread was the fact referee and Rider nemesis Andre Proulx was seen lurking at The Forks.

On offence, Saskatchewan was without their best receiver Shaq Evans. Early in the game, pass-catcher Jordan Williams-Lambert went down. Making the situation worse was the fact offensive coordinator Jason Maas hadn’t put wide-out Paul Roberts on the roster, even though he performed well when called upon. At the 11:29 mark of the second quarter, middle linebacker Deon Lacey was injured and did not return. Lacey has been having an all-star season.

Near the end of the second stanza, a brawl broke out after Bomber Sean McQuire scored a touchdown. Referee Proulx ejected Rider DB A.J. Hendy and D-Lineman Garrett Marino. Defensive end Jonathan Woodward was called for roughing. Although Winnipeg back Andrew Harris ripped the helmet from Christian Campbell’s head, no disqualification for him, just a roughing penalty. Even TSN analyst Glen Suitor, who seldom ever criticizes the officials, thought Proulx’s calls were unbalanced and unfair.

Things got worse.

With 39 seconds gone in the second half, QB Cody Fajardo suffered a concussion when slammed to the turf by Willie Jefferson after getting rid of the ball (no penalty called). He did not return and is doubtful for tomorrow’s home game against the Argonauts. Winnipeg won 33-9.

The Good Ship Argonaut has sprung a few leaks. Although first in the East, the coaching staff is in turmoil. Defensive coordinator Glen Young and Defensive Backs coach Josh Bell have been fired, even though the Double Blue defenders have been solid. Argo ownership group Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment say everyone who wants to access their facilities must be vaccinated. Are the dismissals and edict a coincidence? Not likely. Until former Calgary and Toronto defensive coordinator and Edmonton and Saskatchewan head coach Chris Jones takes over, three members of the coaching staff will handle the defence. Unlike Winnipeg, Toronto is not a powerhouse and presents a good opportunity for the Riders to bounce back. After that the Green Machine plays B.C. and then Calgary three times in a row.

COVID restrictions will be in place tomorrow at Mosaic Stadium. Fans 12 and over must be able to verify they have received two does of Pfizer, Moderna, or Astra Zeneca, or one shot of Johnson & Johnson. Patrons 18 and over will be required to present photo ID matching the name on the vaccination record. A digital copy or screenshot on a cell phone will suffice. Out of province proof of vaccinations will be considered but may require verification by staff.

A private test must be taken 72 hours before the game. All those who attended the game in Winnipeg had to be vaccinated. They still sold out. Will the Riders be able to do the same?

In the Labour Day week rematch at Edmonton, although back-up Calgary quarterback Jake Maier had become the first player in CFL history to throw for over 300 yards in each of his first three starts, Dave Dickenson started veteran Bo Levi Mitchell, who was rusty at first but then led his team to victory.

Oh, and by the way, sinners, rejoice. With 2:59 left in the second quarter, Bo Levi Mitchell ran 11 yards for a first down. Hell has officially frozen over.