Mitchell Blair
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will not have to answer questions going into the playoffs about being the crossover team or being on a long losing streak.
The Green-and-White finished what was a second half of the season to forget on a strong note as they beat the Edmonton Eskimos 24-17 in a game they had to win to stay in the Western Division during the 2014 playoffs.
In what might have been his last start as quarterback with Darian Durant inching closer to a return, Kerry Joseph said a message was sent to perhaps themselves.
“We played good football and we got a victory.” Joseph said. “I think we set a tone out there. Offensively, we didn’t have any major turnovers, we had some penalties, but we cut those down. When you look at we can be better, but we’ve made some strides over the past couple of weeks and we ended the season on a strong note which is what we wanted to do.”
Head Coach Corey Chamblin was glad to get the losing monkey off his back going into the playoffs. He says it was nice to walk back into a dressing room and see guys experience a winning feeling.
“It feels good to see that again. That’s the big accomplishment tonight is to see the team work so hard going into this week and for them to get the fruits of their labour,” Chamblin said. “It’s not a win that gives us momentum because we lost our last game last year and won the whole thing so just seeing the guys reap the rewards of their work is good to see.”
Tearrius George was one member of a happy defence at game’s end, but he cautions this win does not mean this football team is back to where it was, but it certainly has them feeling better about themselves.
“It was a good game tonight to give us some positives before we go into the playoffs, but we’re still not where we want to be.” George stated. “We know we have some improvements to make knowing we are playing these guys next week with more on the line. We had some messages for one another and it got dirty and grimy out there, but at the end of the day we came out and did what we wanted to and that is get the win. We’re excited about playoffs and we’re excited at having another chance against these guys next week.”
As the Riders start preparation for the Western Semi-Final in Edmonton next Sunday afternoon, Coach Chamblin says the message to his team is a simple one.
“There are two sets of guys in the locker-room right now. There is one set of guys who want defend last year’s title and there’s another set of guys who want this year’s title to be their first.” Chamblin proclaimed. “There’s a healthy blend in there and I’m really looking forward to getting back to the drawing board to get ready for another game that we know will be ready for us and that we will be ready for.”
As the Riders get ready for that game, the question will be whether or not Durant resumes his role as the starting quarterback. If he’s not, Joseph is more than ready to continue leading this offence.
“Who doesn’t want to start?” Joseph stated. “If I told you I didn’t want to start, I’d be lying to you. This is what you play the season for. I want to start, but I understand the situation and that decision is in the hands of the coach. If I get that assignment. I will be ready.
GAME NOTES:
- Defensive end John Chick was chosen by fans as The Wireless Age Rider Player of the Year
- In their last 27 home games at Mosaic Stadium, the Riders are 18-9
- The Riders led the CFL in sacks with 61
