One key to the Roughriders early season success is their defensive line.

After a dismal year getting to the quarterback last season, the Riders have been able to get pressure and sacks far more regularly in 2012, leaving them near the top of the league when it comes to tackling the quarterback.

That doesn't mean everything is rosy along the defensive line, they have been stopped at times. With how important the battle along the line of scrimmage is, head coach Corey Chamblin has named himself an assistant of sorts for the defensive line. His theory, there's two coaches (Kris Sweet and Dan Goodspeed) watching the offensive line, so the defensive line needs the same treatment.

"Let me tell you this, he doesn't mean a thing," said defensive lineman Tearrius George. "He can be watching the ends, and the tackles could be doing something over here and he'll catch it."

The battle along the line of scrimmage will be even more important on Friday evening, considering there's a good chance the game will be tight and low scoring. With that in mind, Chamblin is looking for more sacks, especially from defensive end Odell Willis.

"He and I had a walk to the production board today," said Chamblin. "I told him, that 'hey, you got to get your production up', he's not the only one, it's a couple of guys."

One way the team is hoping to keep the defensive line fresh is a little more depth , as it looks like Mick Williams and Jay Alford will find themselves in the line up on Friday evenings. George admits that they have been getting a little tired out there.

"I hate to say that, cause when you're on the field it's about getting the job done," said George.

Adding to the challenge will be the Eskimos improved offensive line.

"We know their line has gotten better," said defensive end Brent Hawkins. "That's why we've done all this extra film work and studying."

Hawkins doesn't feel they've done any better or worse at getting the quarterback from one game to another. Just it might seem better or worse depending on the outcome of the game.

Notes:

The speakers were brought in for practice on Wednesday, as head coach Corey Chamblin wanted them to work with some noise.

The status of Efrem Hill appears to be up in the air. The day before walk through, players in the game usually wear their game helmets, while the others still wear their practice helmet. Hill was wearing the practice lid, and did not take part in first team offense, even though he did the previous couple of days. If he is out, it looks like Sinorice Moss will be in the line up.

It also appears DB Woodny Turenne isn't quite 100 per cent yet either, as he was also wearing the practice helmet. We'll find out for sure Thursday when the depth chart is released.

Chamblin told us Tuesday that receiver Rob Bagg had his surgery already. He's been seen walking around just fine all week, Chamblin called him superman.