The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers put on quite on a show at Mosaic Stadium this afternoon, with the Riders rallying to notch a 31-26 victory. A full house of Saskatchewan and Winnipeg fans was treated to a back-and-forth battle between two of the CFL's top teams. With the win the Riders improve to 7-2, and regain sole possession of top spot in the West Division, and in the overall standings.
Quarterback Kerry Joseph was heroic for the winners, passing for 348 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But Joseph saved his best for last, scoring on a 27 yard run with a dozen seconds left in the game to give the green gang the victory. Suffice to say young Jacob was suitably impressed! My little fan(atic) was high-fiving everyone in sight - heck, he even hugged the old man! In public!
Next up, the same two teams do battle next week in Winnipeg. Historically, the rematch hasn't gone particularly well for the Riders. But this is a different team. And in this case, different is good! I'm not sure how this wild ride will finish, but I'm sure enjoying it while it lasts!
6 comments:
I think it'll be a 28 - 14 victory for Saskatchewan next week. We're just too damn good for Winnipeg!
It was a thriller to be sure and its been a long time around these parts since we've been 7-2 at the mid point of the season. You are right, enjoy it for as long as the ride lasts.
My mild concern is the defense. Rocky Butler passed over well over 300 yds against them a few weeks back, Ricky Ray was well over 300 in the last game here, Kevin Glen had just about 400 against the defense. In each of those games, the offense came up with enough to overcome and win. One of these times that luck may run out. I am thinking this defense has got to stiffen up and cut down on the yards they are giving up. Offense is pretty but defense wins championships.
In the mean time I don't care how, just how many!! I hope they have as good a second half.
The defense is a valid concern, to be sure. The linebackers are having a devil of a time trying to cover receivers running crossing routes. And the defensive backs are getting beaten far too regularly lately. Sean Lucas spent most of the Labour Day game chasing receivers that got away from him! I'm assuming other teams have identified medium-long range passes as the achilles heel of this defense.
Having said that, they're still winning and Lance Frazier and Eddie Davis will be back before too long, which should solidify the pass defense. It's a concern, but not a reason to push any panic buttons.
The GM of the Bombers says that the loss to the Riders WON"T happen again, particularly since he just added some veteran help. Almost sounds like a gauruntee win scenario. Wonder if that has been posted in the Riders locker room??
The news out of the Pats is sparse.I wonder how the euro thing will shake out. Didn't sound like any of them did much. Talked to a guy from Edmonton and he said the young guy they got is a dream. Said the Oil Kings looked real good. He said we looked offensively challenged. I guess time will tell.
Yeah, you have to wonder what Brendan Taman was thinking, making a statement like that. Mind you, adding Juran Bolden goes a long way in addressing his team's inability to stop the pass. Methinks Wes Cates will have a busy afternoon Sunday.
Y'know, I wouldn't be shocked if the Pats top two centres coming out of camp are Matt Strueby and Cody Gross. I'm not saying Cerveny has been a bust so far, but he really needs to show something in the remaining exhibition games to warrant being kept around.
About the Patricia's, you are scarily accurate. Until, and if a move is made, they very well may be the best of the bunch!! The thing is until a couple of weeks into the season and you get your camp players back, you really don't what you have and what you have to trade. The other side of the coin is that many teams will be good in the east division, many as good as the Pats. If you don't get off to a great start, you struggle all season to make up ground. This team will have to be much better on the road at least .500, be even better at home. Survive the first month or so with so many games on the road leading to the west swing. Better play on the road is a must
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