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The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defence doesn’t have to wait long to get another shot at the Edmonton Elks.
Saskatchewan lost 36-34 to the Elks last week at Mosaic Stadium after a walk-off field goal. While it was close on the scoreboard, the Elks’ passing offence was nearly unstoppable in the game. Quarterback Cody Fajardo threw for 510 yards and four touchdowns.
The Elks also hit on four passes over 30 yards against the Riders’ defence, including 81- and 57-yard touchdown passes to Austin Mack.
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“You either get your corrections and just wait and work to improve your technical things and foundational things to be ready for the things you don’t know that are coming,” Riders’ defensive co-ordinator Josh Bell said. “We’re excited for it, but it gets your blood boiling a little bit to go see a guy that punched you in the mouth the last time. I think it will be fun for us to go outside and play with these guys, again.”
Defensive back Marcus Sayles, who nearly had an interception in the contest, said he doesn’t believe the defence played that poorly — it was just a few miscommunications that led to some explosive plays for Edmonton.
“It looks bad when you look at the stats and he threw for over 500 yards and things like that. For a majority of the game, I felt like we played well. We just had a couple busts and that’s just not like us and we have to get those things cleaned up,” Sayles said.
“In our defence, we all have to pretty much see the same thing. When one person doesn’t see the same thing, that messes up the whole defence so that’s one of the little things we have to clean up.”
While Fajardo enjoyed a lot of success against the team’s defence, Sayles said you don’t approach things differently because of the one game.
“He’s a great quarterback and has great receivers and great weapons to make sure he can get those 500 yards but we know we have a great defence and great veteran leaders on our team. We never want to give up that many yards to anybody. Our approach will always be the same. We just have to lock down on the little things we messed up on,” Sayles said.
Saskatchewan did find success shutting down star running back Justin Rankin, who only had 39 yards rushing in the game.
A.J. Ouellette not out long-term: Mace
One of the concerns from the Elks game was when running back A.J. Ouellette suffered an injury late in the third quarter. The running back was forced to leave the game and did not return.
Oullette was a non-participant at Tuesday’s practice due to a knee injury.
“We’re going to go week-to-week on it. It might be a tall task this week but nothing long-term,” said Riders head coach Corey Mace, when asked about the injury.
Quali Conley was taking the reps at the starting spot in his absence. Conley has started in two games for the Riders this season. He has 107 yards and a touchdown over the course of those games.
Mace also said the same status applies to offensive lineman Zack Fry (knee), who did not practise. Thomas Perry was in his spot.
Wide receiver Sam Emilus (foot) also did not practise.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.
