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After heartbreak in the last couple years the Riders enter the season this year with a change very similar to the picture illustrated (my fiancee and I sitting on the Riders Bench at Taylor Field). Going from the agony and sadness that ended the season last year, the Rider Nation is back with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the 2011 season after a second straight loss in the Grey Cup game.
However with the sense of optimism comes a real combination of skepticism and discomfort. For several years we have seen the Riders enter the season with a strong team guaranteed to compete in the West for the division title. But that same mindset has changed with the changes in the front office and the personnel changes on field combined with the loading up of talent by other teams in the Western Division.
The loss of Andy Fantuz (who is currently sitting and waiting for contract negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA), Ken Miller as the Head Coach, CB Donovan Alexander, C Jeremy O'Day, DB Omarr Morgan, DT Marcus Adams, FB Chris Szarka have the Rider Nation concerned about a lack of cohesion in the dressing room and on field as several of the above mentioned were integral parts of offense and defense that now need to be filled by less experienced players.
Today in late breaking news the Riders have signed Weston Dressler to a contract extension that I have heard is for another 3 years. This is good news on the front that it shows that Dressler is wanting to stay and play in Saskatchewan. But it also puts a ton of pressure on him to produce in the absence of Fantuz, and to be a leader in the locker room. So, what do the Riders need to do in order to see success in 2011? I think there are 3 things, here they are:
The Riders need desperately to see the Kicking Game in Saskatchewan improve. While Eddie Johnson provided a decent alternative after Luca Congi went down last year, it will be important to see the Rider kicking game re-established and if that means that Congi returns in week 10, which is doubtful, or if Johnson or the prospect of signing Ti-Cats Castoff Eric Wilbur coming in to fill the void it will be a critical point. In many minds in Saskatchewan things cannot get worse the Sakoda from last year.
The defense is going to be a question mark with the departures of Alexander, Morgan and Adams. However, my main concern is the pass coverage and the inability to defend the long ball which seemed to cripple the Riders at the most inopportune moments in the 2010 season. If they are able to limit the big plays and play good solid run defense anchored by Barrin Simpson the defense will be a fierce one.
However having said that the Roughriders go as Darian Durant goes. Last season was a prime example of how costly turnovers are in the game of football- just look at Durant;s final pass of 2010. I personally feel the Riders rely heavily on Durant and in some ways in order to keep the defense on it's toes need to run more with Cates, Foord and Hughes. However, in the offensive structure the Riders have pass efficiency will be critical, and as such how Durant goes so will the Riders.
From the 306 the fans are hoping this is positive, as the Riders look to exorcise demons of Grey Cups past and that in the end the Grey Cup confetti is Green and White.
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