Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are about to head into the second half of the season. The math is starting to get hard this team, who was 3-15 last year, to think they can make the playoffs. It would be the first time the team has missed the playoffs in back-to-back years since they missed four straight from 1998-2001.
But whether or not they are in a playoff race, the back half of the season will be important for the team to answer some questions to show hope that the Chris Jones era could contain some ‘sustained success’ when this team is finally finished building.
‘The Corner’
This is the most important thing for the Jones era. When will the team turn the corner?
I personally felt they were getting close by playing the Calgary Stampeders tight. Then they get blown out by the Tiger-Cats to the tune of 53-7. When the Riders finally reach the corner and start to turn it, it will be very apparent, it will by like the break up of a lengthy rain storm on the open prairie sky. When that golden sun light comes beaming through and gives you a sense of relief that the downpour will soon cease.
That’s not to say it will be a quick turn, more than likely a very inconsistent one.
Rising stars
The Roughriders need some new faces to start becoming household names like Weston Dressler, John Chick, Tyron Brackenridge, Chris Getzlaf, and Ryan Smith were or were becoming.
Where are the next stars of the Riders?
Chris Jones and his right hand man, John Murphy were brought in to find the talent and fans are hoping to see it. Some players have shown flashes like linebacker Sam Eguaveon, before his injury, or receiver Ricky Collins or defensive back Justin Cox.
What the fans want to see are the type of players that Jones and Murphy were credited with finding. Derel Walker, Dexter McCoil, John Ojo, Eric Rogers … etc .. etc. Are those players here and just waiting to find their feet in the CFL game or will they be arriving soon?
Either way, the sooner the better so the team can start to build their team around these players.
The Running Game
The Riders need to find the running back who can carry the load for them and add a dimension they are lacking right now. Curtis Steele is on the injured list but he wasn’t exactly blowing anybody away but neither has Kendial Lawrence or Michael Ford yet.
Darian Durant needs some relief as teams seem to be taking the Riders for granted that they won’t be running the ball. The sooner they have a threat like Chris Jones had with Shakir Bell or John White in Edmonton, the better.
A player that gives a running threat to run a lot more credible play action could slow down the opposing defence. First, however, the team’s offensive line need to find the consistent play to open the holes. Health has been a big issue with Brendon LaBatte and Chris Best still on the 6-game injured list. Can the veteran o-line return and if they do, will this offence start to assert themselves with a strong run game?
Jones Style Defence
There is something lacking in Saskatchewan, and that is the defensive philosophy that Chris Jones likes. Blitzes, cover zero, and raising a little havoc. So far it’s been a lot more passive in Saskatchewan and it’s lead to a drastic drop in production.
Chris Jones defences in Edmonton was 1st in points allowed in back to back years and top three in sacks and interceptions in both his two years in Edmonton. This year – last in all three key categories.
Rider Nation is anticipating a change, as am I. I’ve watched them practice, every one has the book on what Chris Jones likes to do, it’s just a matter of when he’s going to unleash it on the opposition.
Is it some of the other questions, like personnel that need to be answered? The thing that has allowed Jones to play much more aggressive up front is that he had a strong secondary in Edmonton with Patrick Watkins, Ojo, Aaron Grymes, Marcel Young and current Rider Otha Foster.
I’m sure once he has that same confidence in the secondary, the elaborate defences with more blitzing and stunting will come.
Darian Durant
I’m not trying to stir the pot here, but Durant is entering the final 10 weeks of his contract with the Roughriders. What is Chris Jones true plans for Durant? Will there be an extension before the season comes to an end? What are Darian Durant’s plan?
Jones has said numerous times how much Durant reminds him of Eskimos QB Mike Reilly. If that’s truly the case, you’d think a contract extension could be in the books.
Durant said it was his decision to sign for just this year when he agreed to restructure his contract when Chris Jones took over. He has as much say in this as any one. Durant wanted to leave as many doors open as possible. He loves playing in Saskatchewan and feels there is some unfinished business, wanting to become the first QB in team history to lead a team to two Grey Cup Championships.
At some point this year, the team may have to start looking at the future at many positions and it will be interesting to see if quarterback is one of those. The Riders have brought in/tried out 12 quarterbacks since the beginning of training camp.
