Legendary Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant believes the offence needs to improve after the team’s bye week to snap the 0-6-1 winless streak.
“I would like to see the offence step up,” Durant told SportsCage host Barney Shynkaruk. “The offence can’t seem to make plays late in the game. Aside from the Labour Day Classic when they went down to score, that was a huge drive.”
“But other than that, they’ve had ample opportunities and a lot of games this season to either seal the deal or make a game-changing play in the fourth quarter and it just hasn’t happened.
According to CFL statistics through Week 15, the Riders are ranked seventh in net offence with 4,536 yards and Hamilton is ranked first with 5,136 yards.
The Riders signed running back Ryquell Armstead, who was recently released by Ottawa, to try and improve the offence. The Redblacks made that move on September 3 to make room for former Riders’ running back Jamal Morrow. Durant believes Armstead can help the Riders, who currently rank last in the league in rushing yards with 1,023 through Week 15.
“You’re out West, you get into these battles, you’re going to need a guy that you can lean on in that run game,” Durant said. “He’s shown that he could be productive.”
The five-foot-eleven, 220-pound running back is in his first CFL season. He has 125 carries for 625 rushing yards plus 35 receptions for 234 yards, making him versatile in the backfield.
Meanwhile, after over a week, the CFL punished defensive lineman Miles Brown for his hit on Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ QB Chris Streveler.
“It makes it look like a Little League or Bush League fine because these things should happen right away,” Durant said. “Livelihoods are involved with these cheques they receive every week. It makes no sense to lay that fine this week, this late.”
The Riders’ next game is against the Stampeders and Durant sided with Calgary due to the team’s recent tie against the Montreal Alouettes.
“I think Calgary will edge one out, but I do think it’ll be another competitive game,” Durant said. “Calgary fighting for their life. Jake Maier showed that he could bounce back.”
Maier completed 29-of-37 passes for 236 yards with one touchdown against the Als.
Countdown to Kickoff starts at 4:30 p.m., with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. live on 620 CKRM at McMahon Stadium.
