Inside the CFL: Riders will pull the pin on the Bombers

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 7, 2024.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

It’s been a long time since a team ventured into Winnipeg for the Western Final without fear in their hearts, believing they can win.

But that is the situation Saturday when the Saskatchewan Roughriders set up camp by the Red River, even if they haven’t won there in six years.

They beat the Bombers 19-9 at Mosaic Stadium June 19. They lost on Sept. 1 in Regina by a mere two points, 35-33, and again back at the Forks, 26-21.

Both starting quarterbacks, Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris, played in all three matchups. The top receivers for Saskatchewan were KeeSean Johnson, Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaeffer-Baker. Favourite targets for the Bombers were Nic Demski, Ontaria Wilson and Kenny Lawler.

To win Saturday, the Riders must contain Demski, always a clutch play-maker.

The home teams’ biggest weapon is running back Brady Oliveira, league rushing champion with 1,353 yards.

He is the West’s Most Outstanding Player and Canadian nominee. But the Roughies only gave up 75 rushing yards per game. They held Oliveira to an average of 44 yards over the three 2024 games.

Since their last game Sept. 7, Saskatchewan’s running attack has come alive.

While Winnipeg ranks first in fewest net yards allowed, they are sixth against the run. Usually the team with the best running game is favoured in November, but playing conditions shouldn’ be a factor Saturday.

The CFL is a passing league.

The Roughriders ranked fourth through the air, the Bombers eighth. In passing first downs, Saskatchedwan was second, Winnipeg last.

The visitors chalked up 24 interceptions during the season and three more against B.C. in the semifinal. The Bombers had the second fewest in the league, 14.

As far as pressure is concerned, Winnipeg was fifth in sacks allowed, the Riders fourth, while the Blue and Gold were last in sacks made, the Green fourth. While the offensive line has done a good job opening holes for the Canadian running back Oliveira, pass protection has been a different story. On too many occasions QB Collaros has had to run for his life. On Oct. 11, the Argos sacked him seven times.

Perpetual all-star and most outstanding O-line award winner, Stanley Bryant is showing his age as are Patrick Neufeld and Eric Lofton.

While Wilson, Lawler and Dedmski are first-rate, their best receiver Dalton Schoen is out and Drew Wolitarsky isn’t that healthy. Neither is Collaros. Starry backup QB Chris Streveler is out so if Collaros goes down, the Bombers have nobody at the most important position.

Defensively, losing middle linebacker Adam Bighill really hurts, although Canadian youngster Tyrell Ford has been dynamite on the corner.

They had to beat Montreal the last game of the season to guarantee first place. They played poorly but prevailed when a mini-hurricane blew in over Mount Royal in the final minute.

To win big games, a team’s best players must be the best when the chips are down. The Blue Bombers have lost a couple of engines. This isn’t the best team of their dynastic run. Still, Collaros is one of the best post-season performers of all-time.

Trevor Harris isn’t bad either, holding eight playoff records. His receiving corps is deep so they can overcome an injury to one of their stars. Harris had an incredible 79 per cent efficiency rating against the Lions.

A.J. Ouelllette and RyQuell Armstead provide a ground game that sets up the pass. If Harris gets hurt, backup Shea Patterson has proven he can win. The offensive line is anchored by centre Logan Ferland, the West’s nominee in that category.

A concern is the Riders’ lack of finish.Too many field goals, too many stalled drives in the red zone. Second-down play calling needs to be better.

As good as the offence is, the defence is better. The front four is ferocious.

Defensive back Rolan Milligan, Jr. is so exceptional he is the West’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, unheard of for a member of the secondary.

The Riders must guarantee against according Collaros too much respect. They have to attack. Playing conservatively could be a formula for disaster. The weather woman says it will be +13C in Winnipeg Saturday. The game is sold out.

Will it be the Bombers’ last hurrah or the dawn of a new dynasty in the West?

Saskatchewan by seven.

Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 52 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com.