SCOUTING THE RIDERS

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/09/2009 (5861 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RECORD: 5-4, second in the West.

ON THE ROAD: 2-2

VS. THE EAST: 3-2

OFFENSIVE RANKINGS: Overall scoring: 3rd (27.6 points per game); passing: 6th (252.6 yards per game); rushing: 5th (108.6 yards per game). Defensive rankings: Overall: 7th (30 points per game); passing: 1st (243 yards per game); rushing: 5th (111 yards per game).

TURNOVER RATIO: 1 (6th overall)

�ñº

THE QB

No. 4 Darian Durant: Enjoying the best season of all the young quarterbacks in the league and is ranked fourth in the CFL with 2,079 passing yards. Has started all nine games for the Riders and posted a 5-4 record to date. Has completed 149 passes on 259 attempts for a respectable 57.4 completion percentage. The average gain on Durant’s completions is eight yards even and he’s thrown for 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Was effective against the Bombers last week completing 23 of 37 attempts for 246 yards with one interception and one touchdown.

Quick take: All the skill in the world with the dedication and desire to be a winner. Stayed in Regina during the bye week to prepare for the Bombers by taking extra study. Best stat is his won/lost record of 9-4 as a starter. Strong arm, can elude the rush and is well liked by his teammates. Part-timer for his first three seasons in the CFL, took over the No. 1 role in training camp this season and is secure as the starter in Saskatchewan.

�ñº

OFFENSIVE WEAPONRY

No. 7 Weston Dressler, SB: Rapidly becoming one of the league’s top receivers with 39 catches for 641 yards and three touchdowns. The Bismarck, N.D., native had a big-time college career at UND and had an immediate impact as a CFL rookie with 56 catches for 1,128 yards and six TDs. Was held in check on Labour Day, making four catches for 47 yards.

No. 20 Wes Cates, RB: Slowed a touch from last year’s pace and is seventh in league rushing with 428 yards on 87 carries. Has hit paydirt just twice this season. Was strong last week with 76 yards on 16 carries and 84 yards on six catches.

�ñº

DEFENSIVE STOPPERS

No. 97 John Chick, DE: Plays the end with strength more than speed. Tied for the league lead with seven sacks and three forced fumbles. Won the battle last week against Bombers tackle Glen January. A force that has to be dealt with.

No. 24 Tad Kornegay, LB: Leads the Riders with 38 tackles from his middle linebacker spot. Had five tackles on Labour Day with two interceptions. Saskatchewan shut down Winnipeg’s vaunted run game and he was at the heart of it.

�ñº

THE SPECIALISTS

No. 10 Luca Congi, K: Fourth-year man is having a so-so season with 12 field goals on 17 attempts with a long of 41. He’s a non-import and that helps on the roster.

No. 2 Jason Armstead, kick returner: Signed by the Riders just in time for Labour Day. The Bombers kicked away from him most of the day and he finished with two returns for 64 yards.

— Lawless