It stands to reason that just by the law of averages, the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive secondary is due for a breakout game.
After putting together a campaign where the Green and White had a total of 24 interceptions and one of the best giveaway-takeaway ratios in the CFL, things haven’t gone nearly as well this time around.
To date, four interceptions. Two of those belonging to linebacker Josh Woods.
It’s often been a topic of discussion, but Riders defensive back James Burgess Jr. is hoping to put a lot of that to rest on Saturday night when Saskatchewan hosts the Toronto Argonauts.
“We're ready to get some picks,” said Burgess, who is expected to get his second start of the season. “We haven't really got the ball, but this week we're emphasizing on getting the ball. We're trying to get about four picks this game.”
In other words, match their season total in a single outing.
The situation might be right, too. Argos quarterback Chad Kelly leads the league in touchdown passes at 21, but has also thrown up 15 interceptions this season. If that gunslinger willingness continues on Saturday, Burgess thinks the Riders just might feast.
“He's a very confident quarterback, he’s confident in his receivers, but we're confident in us,” said Burgess, who had four tackles in his lone game of the season back in Week 9. “We got good ball skills and 50-50? In my eyes, ain't no 50-50 with me. It's 90-10 my way.”
The Riders have made some roster adjustments this week that they think will help them reach that target, including moving veteran Nelson Lokombo back to safety.
“It's something I'm comfortable with, I've been doing it for the last couple years” Lokombo said. “Coach felt like he needed to make that decision and I think the guys have grouped well. The standard doesn't change and we want to continue to do our job.”
Burgess is also making a bit of a switch as he’ll get the start at cornerback rather than halfback.
“It's football at the end of the day,” he said of making the switch. “You got different perspectives from different field positions. Playing at half, you play a tad bit faster than at corner. At corner, you really have to see more. So really just slowing down, really seeing what's coming… but at the end of the day, it's just football to my eyes.”
Roughriders head coach Corey Mace gave credit to both players for taking the adjustments completely in stride.
“Give credit to those guys,” he said. “First of all, athletically to be able to do these things. Then it also puts a lot of stress on them to be professionals and understand the full concept of the defence to be able to move around spots.”
Regardless of who is playing where and how many times they create turnovers, there’s little question the main focus on Saturday will be returning to the win column. Lokombo feels that if they play the way they did earlier in the season, that’s exactly what will happen.
“We just have to capitalize on our opportunities,” he said. “We've had a few opportunities that we just got to finish. I think that's kind of the biggest thing that we're trying to do going into next game, continue not to panic and take it day by day.”
The Rider Broadcast Network will have all the action beginning at 2 p.m. with the pregame show on Saturday. The Voice of the Roughriders Dave Thomas will then have the game call, with kickoff at 5 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.
