On July 26th, the Saskatchewan Roughriders hosted the ailing Toronto Argonauts in a “must win” situation at Mosaic. Veteran RB and 2013 CFL eastern all-star Will Ford signed with the Riders earlier in the week.
It didn’t take long for Ford to make a impact on the field in a new uniform. Ford rushed for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns in his Saskatchewan debut, also hauling in 24 receiving yards on 3 catches. The end result was a Riders win. Right now there is no reason to hit the panic button in Regina or, is there?
Darian Durant has looked just average with 158 yards passing on 9-17 attempts and a interception against Toronto. It is crucial to note he and the Riders offence are missing the likes of Weston Dressler and his ability to stretch a defence deep down the field while also making the catches in traffic to sustain a drive.
Chris Getzlaf has seen his own production drop off because of Dressler’s absence and taking the coverage away from number 89 in green. Injury has also limited Getzlaf’s action in the Riders receiving corps. That leaves Taj Smith as Durant’s big weapon. the 6’5″ receiver definitely creates mismatches anywhere on the field, but he does not posses the same hands and circus catch-making ability of Dressler.
Durant’s production has dropped significantly since 2010, when he was spoiled with receivers 2010. He had a selection of targets like Andy Fantuz, Chris Getzlaf, Dressler and Rob Bagg. He also had a running back who was almost an extra receiver in Wes Cates. Putting up 5000 passing yards this year is incredibly unlikely. That’s why it was so important for the Riders to establish a number 1 at the RB position. It seems they have found their man in Ford for now, but you shouldn’t crown someone based on last year’s credentials – or even one game, especially one against the Argonauts.
Will Ford needs to maximize his chances with complete ball security and timely runs for first downs next week as the Riders make the trip to Ottawa. We will than be able to see more clearly who the starting RB will be.
It should be noted we haven’t seen much – really anything – from Messam, who was also a signing. Anthony Allan still possesses great vision and speed if he can work out his fumble issues. We may see a 1-2 punch behind Durant with Ford and Allan sharing the bulk of the work.
Possessing arguably the best offensive line in the CFL, the running game becomes that much more important now for the Riders as the long ball is not a focal point for opposing defenses. Geroy Simon is not in the huddle any more; his leadership among young receivers is already showing as production has disappeared from the Riders’ passing attack.
With that and the Riders love for a balanced attack (typically 60-40 passes to runs), Durant should step up and take advantage of holes more often for first down scampers. We witnessed his ability in the playoffs last year with a masterful showing of talent and desire against the Leo’s in the western semi-final. We also got a taste of it against the Argos with his 10 yard TD run.
Chamblin understands how valuable Durant is to the team and of course does not want to see a hit cause injury to the veteran Rider pivot, but also should preach that the sidelines and the QB slide are Durant’s best friends once he breaks containment.
So there is no reason to hit the panic button in Riderville yet. But a new game plan must emerge from the veteran coaching staff if the boys in green want to recreate last year’s magic.
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