During every Rider Broadcast Network pregame show, former Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman and current live game analyst Luc Mullinder offers his Three Keys to the Game. In a recurring segment this season, we’ll take a look at how the Riders met or missed when it came to those metrics and how big of an effect they had on the outcome.
This time around, the Riders had a great showing in one category and did pretty well in the others, and that led to a 16-9 victory in a game that saw both teams resting plenty of starters.
1 – Can’t turn the ball over today. Edmonton is plus 25 in that category, so can’t give the ball away to a team that’s very good at taking the ball away.
How did the Riders do? Not perfect, but still a big win
Riders quarterback Jack Coan did a great job of taking care of the ball in brutally windy conditions, with the only miscue being an interception that came when his arm was hit making a throw.
Then there was a turnover on downs deep in Elks territory when the Riders went for it on third and short, but that was mainly because of the wind wreaking havoc with the kicking game.
And with the Riders defence making life miserable for the Elks — to the tune of four turnovers and six sacks on the day — Saskatchewan’s ability to hang on to the ball looked especially large.
2 – Have to win the second down battle. These two teams are the best in the league at stopping second down, so win that battle and force the Elks to give the ball back as much as possible.
How did the Riders do? Well enough to get the job done.
It initially looked as if Saskatchewan was going to be in for a long game in this category based on Edmonton’s first drive. Tommy Powell nickel-and-dimed his way down the field, converting short second downs with ease and putting up the game’s first touchdown.
And then the Riders defence went to work.
While the Elks had patches of success the rest of the way, little of it was consequential, as shown on the scoreboard. And a couple of big stops on second down led to Edmonton going for it on third, and a pair of subsequent turnovers.
All told, Edmonton converted 13 of their 22 second downs, Saskatchewan eight of 20, but the Riders managed to bend-but-don’t-break enough to get the win.
3 – Have to own field position. Let’s see Mathew Sexton get some big returns, give the offence short fields and pin the Elks deep.
How did the Riders do: Sexton did his part, but penalties are a pain
The Riders special teams had a tough start to the game, as a raft of penalties cost them great field position a few times in the first half.
Mathew Sexton was the biggest victim of it all, as on consecutive punt returns he fielded the ball deep in Riders territory but weaved his way all the way back to midfield, only to end up back in the shadow of the goalposts because of holding penalties.
The wind saw to it that both teams had good and bad field position depending on which direction they were going, but there were few occasions that either team were over their 40 or closer to midfield to start a drive.
Stats-wise, Edmonton had four punt returns for 31 yards, Saskatchewan three for 44 yards. The Elks had three kick returns for 62 yards, Riders three for 27.
To be frank, Saskatchewan has had problems with special teams penalties all season long, and it might have cost them points in a game where they were at a premium on Saturday. Let’s hope they get that cleaned up in the West semifinal next weekend.
