Former Saskatchewan Roughriders legend Chris Getzlaf is a fan of how the Green and White's 2025 CFL season is going so far, as the team leads the West Division with a 9-2 record.
"They're the best team in the league, by leaps and bounds, I don't think so. There are things to improve on for sure, there always is but overall they're really well-rounded. In all three phases of the game, they've got a really good team, fairly deep. I like their odds this year, that's for sure. You've got to have some key positions stay healthy, that's like any other team, though. I really like how they look," Getzlaf said on the SportsCage.
"Two losses to Calgary are tough, but Calgary has a really good team. A couple of things to clean up for those matches that they dropped, but overall they're winning and they're playing well. I don't think they can look at many of the other games and be like: 'Oh, they really didn't play well here or there.' I think all three phases are pretty outstanding, defence has shown signs of brilliance for numerous games, and offence seems to click away with quite a bit of efficiency."
One aspect Getzlaf enjoys watching is Trevor Harris spreading the ball around to different receivers.
"I like a lot of them, I think that they all show different areas of strength. [KeeSean] Johnson is really well-rounded, seems to get good separation, catches the football really well, pretty decent with yards after the catch. [Samuel] Emilus hasn't really been in the lineup that much, but I love his game. I think that he has everything. he's got size, he's got contested catch ability and he's really good with the ball in his hands. [Dohnte] Meyers has shown some explosive plays," Getzlaf detailed.
"[Tommy] Nield had a great game, it's nice seeing him catch the long ball there for the touchdown last game. That one was a really good finish. He catches it, there's certainly a chance he gets tackled, but he's able to run and score. I think they're pretty well-balanced across the board with a variety of different strengths. Guys are making plays when they're getting the opportunity and that's what you need."
The Green and White earned win number by defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 60th Labour Day Classic 34-30. That caused Getzlaf to reflect on his two favourite Labour Day Classics from his career.
"One was my rookie year [2007]. I wasn't even on the field, but watching Kerry Joseph on a QB draw take it like 30 yards for a touchdown to win the game — that's a pretty iconic play and game," Getzlaf said. "And the other one would be the final outcome, I think we beat them 52-0 [in 2012]. That's the one where you really stand out, where you absolutely dominate a football game and then send them packing."
Saskatchewan takes on Winnipeg for the Labour Day rematch on Saturday. Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk, and Wes Cates bring you the pre-game show at 11 a.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 2 p.m. Listen to our detailed coverage on 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
