Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Fred Reid (32) is tackled by Saskatchewan Roughriders' Barrin Simpson (2) during the first half of their CFL game in Regina Sunday, September 5, 2010.John Woods
Mired in a three-game losing streak, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are surprisingly confident they can finish the CFL regular season with a surge that carries them into the playoffs.
How can they be so confident?
"If you're a professional athlete, you can never lose all your confidence or you end up on the bench," said Riders middle linebacker Barrin Simpson, whose 9-7 team visits the B.C. Lions (6-10) on Sunday.
"If you get into a habit of winning, or you get into a habit of losing, you will continue to do it. We want to get back on the right track and start winning ball games."
The Roughriders are awash in criticism for their recent performances. When a squad can't stop opposing rushing attacks, breaks down regularly on special teams, and seems stuck on its coaching principles, some self-doubt has to start creeping into players' psyches.
"Anyone who does anything in life, if they're not successful at it, they're going to start doubting what they're doing," said Riders centre Jeremy O'Day. "You've got to start looking at what you're doing and try to change it. You don't want to do something the exact same way if it's not working."
With two games remaining, the second-place Roughriders have clinched a fourth straight home game for the West playoffs. They held team meetings recently, specifically for head coach Ken Miller to remind them that "communication is not a one-way street." And they could use some reassurance to answer the question that's looming: Are the Roughriders really good enough to make their third Grey Cup appearance in four seasons?
Gaining Ground
In six of their last seven games, the Roughriders defence has allowed a running back to gain more than 100 yards. Saskatchewan's defence is geared to stop passing attacks using a multitude of formations in an attempt to confuse the quarterback. With its defenders seemingly spread all over the field, it's easy to find running room, particularly when the Roughriders have been missing tackles. They allow 138 rushing yards a game; only B.C. (142) has a worse average.
Isn't That Special?
The Eskimos' Jason Armstead returned a punt for a touchdown in Edmonton's 39-24 victory over Saskatchewan on Saturday. It was the third special-teams touchdown this season against the Roughriders, who haven't scored one this season. Opponents average longer punt and kickoff returns than the Roughriders, whose recent breakdown on a blocked field-goal attempt cost them kicker Luca Congi with torn knee ligaments.
Coaches Under Fire
During the third quarter of their last three losses - the quarter when it's most evident teams are implementing midgame adjustments - the Roughriders have been outscored 24-1. Offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry isn't deploying an effective ball-control, ground-oriented attack (the Riders have the fewest rushes in the CFL). The sideline decisions of head coach Ken Miller, including an ill-fated attempt at a punt single before the Riders pulled out an overtime victory against Calgary, are being criticized all the way back to the fateful 13th-man penalty that cost them last year's Grey Cup game. The spotlight, however, remains on special-teams coach Jim Daley and defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry.
Picking Six
Each CFL team's record (and overall record) during their last six games:
Montreal 4-2 (11-5)
Hamilton 4-2 (9-7)
Edmonton 4-2 (6-10)
Saskatchewan 3-3 (9-7)
Toronto 3-3 (8-8)
B.C. 3-3 (6-10)
Calgary 2-4 (11-5)
Winnipeg 1-5 (4-12)