With the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-8) on a three-game losing skid, the coaching staff has mixed things up this week.
On Friday, the Roughriders were defeated by the Ottawa REDBLACKS 36-28. The green and white will head west this week with a matchup against the BC Lions.
Head Coach Craig Dickenson joined Michael Ball on the SportsCage. He said the team will meet immediately after practice to review the day’s work.
“We just felt as coaches, we could better coach by making corrections right away, and the way we make corrections right away is to watch with them immediately after practice.”
Dickenson noted the players would usually review the practice film at home before meeting with the coaches the next day.
Stopping the Run
One of the areas of focus for the Roughriders this week will be stopping the run.
During their three-game losing streak, Saskatchewan has allowed 721 rushing yards on the ground.
Dickenson said gap control will be a point of emphasis for the defensive line. He noted stopping the run is vital for any success for the green and white.
“If you can’t stop it, you’re going to see it more, more and more.”
Injury Update
Centre Peter Godber and left guard Philip Blake were a pair of offensive linemen who suffered injuries during the game on Friday.
Neither player practiced on Monday, along with running back Jamal Morrow, who missed the game against the REDBLACKS.
Dickenson said there’s a chance that all three could be back on the practice field on Tuesday.
New Kind of Message
With Saskatchewan searching for momentum on Friday against the Lions, Dickenson said his approach will be different this week, saying his message to the team won’t be about wins and losses.
“One percent better, and what are we going to do to get one percent better each one of us and hopefully if all of us get one percent better as a team we can get five to ten percent better.”
Coverage of Friday’s Roughriders and Lions game begins with Countdown to Kickoff at 5:30, the opening kickoff at 8:30.
