Nobody was left smiling in Riderville last Thursday as the Montreal Alouettes hammered the Saskatchewan Roughriders 37-13 in Week 3 CFL action.
After a tough day on the field, Riders QB Cody Fajardo was eager to get back to practice this week for another chance at the Alouettes, but noted reviewing the game film was a humbling process. “I think you can learn a lot more from losing a football game than winning a football game.”
A lack of preparation was something Saskatchewan was unable to overcome in Montreal. The Riders were coming off a short week following a road contest in Edmonton while the Alouettes had a full week of rest. Fajardo says spending less time getting ready for the game showed up during the loss to Montreal. “There was some times I didn’t really know what to expect, we were just calling plays, going through plays, you just didn’t know defensively cause there isn’t just enough time in a day where you can really scout your opponent.”
The short week did no favours for the offensive line, who had to adjust with a new starting centre in Logan Bandy. Fajardo says during the loss there were times where he held on the ball too long. He added he could’ve helped the defence by providing some more time consuming drives.
Heading into the Montreal game, the Riders QB says his body wasn’t fully recovered from the short turnaround from the game against Edmonton. “Usually you wake up excited , fresh and you’re like, yes, we get to play football today. I remembered waking up and I was like ah, I hope I can make it through four quarters.”
Injuries were not the reason for the Riders starting quarterback early exit against the Alouettes. Mason Fine saw his first action for of the regular season as he came on relief. Fajardo was hoping to remain in the lineup, but he also wanted to do what was best for the team. The product of Nevada noted it was still tough watching from the sidelines for the conclusion of the game.
It could be more one game before he removes the knee brace according to the Riders starting quarterback. While he noted the brace has been beneficial, Fajardo is looking forward to removing the added protection.
Having fun is something Fajardo is looking forward to each week when he steps on to the football field, but added it was tough at the beginning of the game in Montreal. “I didn’t find myself having fun and it doesn’t help when they run back the opening kickoff but when adversity hits you can’t kind of run and hide from it you still have to put a smile on your face and I’m going to learn from that and I’m going to be better this week.”
Countdown to Kickoff begins 620 CKRM’s gameday coverage on Saturday at 2:00, opening kickoff is 5:00.
