Power rankings can be debated and deciphered in many different ways.
When the latest CFL power rankings came out this week, the Ottawa REDBLACKS were ranked 9th amongst the nine teams even though they are 1-0 on the season as they were still behind teams like Calgary and Edmonton who are 0-2. A lot of rationale for the REDBLACKS showing was they won a game they probably didn’t deserve to win in Edmonton as they knocked off the Elks in Week 1 having just 127 yards in total offence.
As the Riders prepare to face Ottawa Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium ( 5 p.m CKRM), Riders head coach Craig Dickenson says that disrespect probably translates into motivation for Ottawa so his squad had better to be ready to play football.
“I’m sure that’s ammo. That’s one thing that guys don’t like. When you doubt them, they want to prove you wrong, “Dickenson said moments after Wednesday’s practice had ended. . “I’m sure they’re going to come out blazing and they’re going to come out with a lot to prove. Hopefully our guys feel the same way, that we got work to do as well and we’re far from a finished product. We’ve got to come out and play our best game if we expect to win”
Defensive co-ordinator Jason Shivers isn’t talking about disrespect, but he knows an Ottawa team that has Paul LaPolice as its offensive co-ordinator will find a way to move the football. He expects a great chess game between himself and LaPolice Saturday night.
“LaPo’s a great OC. He can hit you from all different angles, so I’m definitely expecting him to come in and try to throw the ball with Matt. He’s a good quarterback, he can get the ball out quick, he’s pretty accurate. Shivers said. ” I also think they’re going to try to run the ball a lot more against us, just to try and establish some kind of rhythm with their offence,”
- NOTES: The Riders signed fullback Alexandre Dupuis on Wednesday. Dupuis (6’3-243lbs) joins the Roughriders as a seven-year CFL veteran, who most recently played with the Montreal Alouettes. He started his CFL career in Toronto, when he was selected in the fourth round, 36th overall, of the 2014 CFL Draft. He may be needed sooner than later as Albert Awachie did not practice on Wednesday.
- A.C Leonard left practice early, but Dickenson was not sure why when asked. Loucheiz Purifoy also left early, but Dickenson says he will be fine. Others who did not practice included linebackers Gary Johnson Junior and Jordan Herdman-Reed
