Bad time for a losing streak, Saskatchewan Roughriders.
This entire CFL season has been about improving, about peaking for the looming playoffs, but back-to-back ugly losses imply regression more than progression and raises some important questions about their kicker, quarterback, focus and play-calling.
Like seriously, who called that illogical two-point convert attempt with time expired in Saturday’s 27-25 loss to the hometown Edmonton Elks?
It had to be attempted, of course, and a successful two-pointer would have let the undeserving Riders try to win the game in overtime. Needing only three yards, Riders quarterback Trevor Harris threw a low-percentage pass deep into the end zone, nowhere near receivers Sam Emilus or Ajou Ajou.
If the goalposts were at the back of the end zone — which is going to happen in 2027, according to new rules announced last week by commissioner Stewart Johnston — Harris would have had more throwing space. But there were still numerous running plays and short-pass options with much higher success rates.
The nonsensical incompletion dropped Saskatchewan to 10-4, which is still the CFL’s best record.
Having already clinched a postseason berth, the Roughriders remain atop the West standings and want to earn a home playoff game. But losing to the 6-9 Elks, following their final regular-season bye after a 48-31 loss to the Montreal Alouettes, has given them their first losing streak of the season.
Rival teams have gotten better since the beginning of the season. Watch out for the revived Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions, each of whom will be opponents in Saskatchewan’s final four games.
The Elks, too, are evidently inspired by the memory of team owner Larry Thompson, who died last week from complications following surgery. And the Alouettes, who were without their unbeaten starting quarterback (Davis Alexander) when they visited Saskatchewan and mercilessly exploited a passive Riders defence that couldn’t hide inexperienced cornerbacks Benny Sapp III and Kerfalla Exumé.
Next up are the 4-10 Ottawa Redblacks, the CFL’s worst team. If the Roughriders extend their losing skid Friday in Ottawa, which seemed unfathomable a month ago, there should be some serious concerns. The Roughriders made two noteworthy moves before playing the Elks by replacing two underperforming players — returner Mario Alford was replaced by Shawn Bane Jr., an experienced receiver who began this season on the injury list, and punter Joe Couch was replaced by rookie Jesse Mirco.
There should also still be worries about veteran Brett Lauther, who had the lowest success rate among CFL kickers before going 2-for-4 in Edmonton. In a league where most kickers hover around the 85-per-cent range, Lauther is in the 60s. If he had gone 3-for-4, Saskatchewan would have defeated the Elks.
“I know what this group has as far as being able to play until the last whistle,” said Riders head coach Corey Mace in a postgame media scrum. “I’d love us to start playing at the first whistle, too.”
Despite a characteristically slow start that left them trailing 11-3 at halftime, the Roughriders defence was stout until surrendering two fourth-quarter touchdowns by Edmonton’s game-breaking tailback Justin Rankin.
“When we needed it most, we just couldn’t show up defensively,” said Mace, who doubles as Saskatchewan’s defensive co-ordinator.
Riders quarterback Trevor Harris completed 33 of 46 passes for 351 yards with two interceptions and a TD toss to Tommy Nield, but the 39-year-old pivot has obviously lost some zip on his passes.
Harris recently told reporters he had overworked himself during a recent bye week, causing some “shoulder tightness.” And Harris took another hit to the head against the Elks, when he collided with defensive back Chelen Garnes during an unorthodox slide. Replacing Harris with backup Jake Maier isn’t the solution, but allowing the starter to throw less during midweek practices could be helpful.
The Roughriders did get shortchanged on an official’s mistake during the fourth quarter, when safety Kosi Onyeka grabbed an Elks fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
The play had been prematurely whistled dead and let Edmonton retain possession. A successful video challenge by Mace changed the call and gave the football to Saskatchewan while (correctly) not allowing Onyeka’s return. The Roughriders subsequently scored a field goal on that possession, which ultimately turned out to be a game-deciding, four-point swing.
The way things are going right now for the Roughriders, they could have used the help.
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