Next Game
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ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
One of the primary assets that the Saskatchewan Roughriders had when they took the field in the 2007 Grey Cup was depth. It seemed that no matter what personnel they placed in green and white, production rarely dropped.
Two seasons removed from that Grey Cup game that saw them capture their first championship since 1989 and the Riders still seem to find the ability to put the right players in to fill vacant spots. Despite the absence of key players like Kerry Joseph (Toronto), Matt Dominguez (released) and Wes Cates (Injury), the ‘Riders have sufficiently filled the voids with instant starters such as QB Darian Durant, WR Weston Dressler and RB Hugh Charles.
All three of the aforementioned players were key in the ‘Riders season-opening win against the B.C. Lions last week. Although they turned the ball over six (6) times last week, the ‘Riders’ speed posses challenges for any opponent on both sides of the ball.
Heading into Saturday’s home opener, the Argos’ defence will be pressed to catch some of Regina’s more explosive open field runners such as Dressler and Charles. At the same time, they’ll be trying to match the physicality of the big-bodied Canadian receivers such as Jason Clermont and Andy Fantuz. Lost in the starting receiving corps is Queen’s University grad Rob Bagg who was put to the forefront last week.
The ‘Riders team speed does not end on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, the ‘Riders fly to the ball and are led by DB Omar Morgan in the secondary and CFL Defensive Player of the Week DE Stevie Baggs along the line. The line formation presents problems for opposing offences with their unconventional 3-4 defence and their numerous defensive packages.
The Argonauts’ defence will need to contain Durant in the pocket and attempt to rattle the young QB who was prone to forcing the ball last week; he threw three interceptions into the hands of awaiting Lions DB’s.
More on the Roughriders heading into the game:
Players to watch
QB Darian Darrant
RB Hugh Charles
WR Weston Dressler
WR Andy Fantuz
WR Jason Clermont
DB Omar Morgan
LB Renauld Williams
DE Stevie Baggs
DE Jon Chick
DB Tad Kornegay
Story Lines
– Former Argos assistant Ken Miller returns to Toronto for only the second time as a head coach.
– Can Hugh Charles carry the load for the second straight week in place of We Cates?
– Can the Argos defensive line take advantage of the hole left in by an injured Gene Makowsky along the ‘Riders o-line?
– Will the Argos defence allow Durant to move the pocket?