The Saskatchewan Roughriders weren’t going to be perfect, but Sunday’s loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be a defining moment in the Riders’ season.
Either it was a wakeup call for the team and the coaching staff or they’ve been exposed and all the things we were worried about at the start of the season are coming through.
After three wins against teams that were clearly still trying to figure things out at the quarterback position, the Roughriders ran into the juggernaut of the Bombers’ defence that has allowed 10 points per game in their wins this season.
It’s true that the offensive line has some serious flaws, especially when Cody Fajardo needs some more time in the pocket or they need to run the ball effectively on first down.
There is no deep threat without Shaq Evans, so without a threat over the top, the Bombers clamped down on the Riders’ quick, short passing game.
But great teams adjust. That’s why the Banjo Bowl is important for the Riders to prove to themselves Sunday was just a bad day, although I think there needs to be more cause for concern.