Game Day: Scouting the Riders

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/09/2010 (5538 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

2010 Record: 6-3, second in the West

On the road: 1-3

Vs. the East: 3-1

2010 offensive rankings: Overall scoring: 3rd (30.7 points per game); passing: 3rd (308.6 yards per game); rushing: 3rd (128.4 yards per game).

2010 defensive rankings: Overall scoring: 4th (26.2 points per game); passing: 7th (295.5 yards per game); rushing: 4th (112 yards per game). Turnover ratio: 0 (5th overall).

THE QB

No. 4 Darian Durant

After setting the league on fire and leading the Riders to a 3-0 record, Durant has cooled like the September weather. He’s taken a lot of heat in Saskatchewan for his leveled-off play the last two weeks, after less than inspiring performances against Edmonton and Winnipeg — two bottom tier clubs. Still, despite the numerical struggles of late (496 yards passing, no TD passes, and three picks in the last two games), Durant remains a concern for opposing coaches. Biggest asset: He can play it both ways — sticking in the pocket until he finds an open receiver or scrambling out and making things happen with his legs.

Quick take: As Winnipeg found out on that 91-yard TD drive he put together to win the game, Durant is a dangerous runner. Having shown their pass rush hand in the Labour Day Classic, the Bombers face a unique challenge this time around: They’ll want to pressure Durant and keep him off-balance, but not at the expense of over-pursuing and allowing him to find the secondary with his legs.

OFFENSIVE WEAPONRY

No. 20 Wes Cates, RB: Sure, he only had 15 yards against Winnipeg in the LDC, but Cates is a touchdown machine in the red zone, banging in two last game and 11 overall this season. Cates should be busy Sunday; look for the Riders to establish more of a run attack to counter the Bombers pass rush.

No. 7 Weston Dressler, SB: The elusive Dressler had five catches for 77 yards a week ago, giving him 664 total yards receiving this season (third in the CFL). Nothing flashy from this guy — he just finds the seam and catches the ball.

DEFENSIVE STOPPERS

No. 2 Barrin Simpson, LB: Public Enemy No. 2 in Winnipeg and it should be an interesting return for the former Bomber lightning rod. He has 51 tackles this season (nine against the Bombers last week).

No. 90 Brent Hawkins DE: Came back from a shoulder injury for the LDC but was rather ineffective (two tackles, no sacks). Has only one sack in his last seven games. He’s due to break out.

THE SPECIALISTS

No. 27 Dominique Dorsey, KR: Big things were expected from Dorsey, but he hasn’t been the impact player the Riders were hoping for. Has 789 yards in total return yards (470 on kick-offs) but no touchdowns.

No. 10 Luca Congi, K: Congi has been better than average, hitting 20-of-24 attempts (83 per cent; tied for second in the CFL), and boasts the biggest boot in 2010: A 54-yarder against Edmonton in Week 3.

— Adam Wazny