The Saskatchewan Roughriders have played three home games to open the 2021 CFL season and they have won all three. Saturday’s 23-10 victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS leaves the team at 3-0 as they head into their first bye week of the season.
While winning three in a row at home is something that obviously pleases Head Coach Craig Dickenson, he says it could be better.
“I wish we were 3-0 after three road games because we are a better team at home.” Dickenson said. “When we looked at the schedule, we wanted to come out fast. My goal was to be 2-1, but we will certainly take three because we know it gets tougher from here on out.
Cody Fajardo ran for one touchdown, but while he did not throw one, he did complete 30 of 35 passes for 321 yards.
The Riders quarterback spread the wealth around as he completed passes to nine different players. He says he has confidence in all of his passcatchers.
“Getting the ball and spreading it around means you can’t focus on just one or two receivers.” Fajardo said. “I’m not afraid to throw the ball to anyone. If you are on the field and you are an eligible receiver and you are open, I am going to try and get you the ball. These games give me a lot of trust that no matter who I throw to, they are going to make contested catches with the game on the line.”
The team will now take some time off before getting back to work to meet the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium in the annual Labour Day game on Sunday, September 5 starting at 4 p.m
NOTES:
- The Riders lost defensive lineman Micah Johnson with a knee injury, receiver Jordan Williams-Lambert with a head injury and returner Marcus Murphy with an unknown injury.
- Brett Lauther is 9 for 9 on field goals this season. He is also 8 for 8 on converts
- The last time the Riders started the season at 3-0 was in 2013.
- Jonathan Woodard had two sacks to give him five in his last two games
