Whether it was through the slow methodical running game or via a quick striking play, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were able to find success in the second half of their victory against the Alouettes in their 41-20 victory.
Saskatchewan’s running attack was able to compile a 163 yards on the ground against the Alouettes, with running back Jamal Morrow ending his day with 103 yards rushing.
With the green and white facing the Alouettes in back to back weeks, offensive guard Evan Johnson says a big focus of the offensive game plan was a commitment to the running game with a depleted Montreal defensive line. “Especially with Montreal dressing only six defensive lineman if we can wear them out with the run game, it makes for a long game for them.”
A psychological advantage was obtained by the Riders offensive line over the Alouette’s Michael Wakefield during the third quarter. Wakefield took a pair of major penalties on the same drive that led to his ejection from the game. Johnson noted there was plenty of animosity flowing between the two teams meeting on consecutive weeks. “We really got into his head a little bit, he lost his cool and he paid for it with an early shower.”
The Riders have been successful rushing the ball over their two wins, as they have accumulated 347 yards in their wins against Edmonton and Montreal.
One reasons for the green and white’s ability to move the ball on the ground was their guards utilizing the delayed pull blocking technique. The former University of Saskatchewan Huskie said it was concept introduced by Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator Stephen Sorrells during the 2021 season and it took the Riders a lot of time before they successfully adapted it inside of their playbook. “With it being such a unique play it took use quite awhile last year to figure it out and we’re feeling really good here this year especially this past week being able to rep it, being able to run it efficiently so that slow pull opens the A gap and that’s our aiming point”
The dagger in the Riders win on Saturday was delivered by cornerback Nick Marshall when he returned an interception for 90 yards for a touchdown. The Auburn product said he remained patient throughout the game waiting for his chance to take advantage of his opportunity. “They weren’t throwing at me the whole game, Coach Shivers just told me to be patient they were going to throw one my way and once they throw it my way, I delivered and made a play for my defence.”
Saturday’s interception for a touchdown was the fifth of Marshall’s career with the Riders.
The score began piling up for Saskatchewan in the second half as they stormed out with 21 points in the third quarter. Marshall attributed to the second half to the motivation provided by the coaching staff. “We had get in at half time and regroup and that’s what we done as a team came back in the half and regroup and we were able to come out victorious ”
The Riders will be looking to repeat Saturday’s effort on Friday when they welcome the Ottawa Redblacks to Mosaic Stadium. Opening kickoff is 7:30.
On Monday’s edition of the SportsCage, Riders Head Coach Craig Dickenson will be making his weekly appearance shortly after 5:00.
