Saskatchewan Roughriders

Well, well, well. Old habits do die hard, don’t they?

I slammed the Saskatchewan Roughriders once, in the 2009 Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes. They had the lead heading into the fourth quarter, and then the Riders insult the football gods by letting a certain Calvillo rally from 10 points down to win 28-27.

So this year, I had to wonder: Ken Miller can't show the world why he is inferior to Kent Austin in terms of leading Canada's Team [sic] to victory in the Canadian Football League's showcase event again, right?

Wrong.

Just like last year, Saskatchewan had the lead at the half and proceeded to give it away to those same Alouettes, 21-18.

Seriously. Have these rats from Regina learned their lesson, in which they should never give up a half lead and execute their game plan to a T?

What I saw was Darien Durant choke when the Riders had the ball and had revenge ready to be dished out.

While Durant did pass for 215 yards and a touchdown, Billy Parker, with just under 0:56 to go, made it clear there will not be any payback coming from the CFL's Choke Artists of the Decade. Disgraceful.

What I saw was Montreal prove why they have been the class of the league all year, with Marc Trestman and his ilk calling the shots.

What I saw was Anthony Calvillo make a case to be in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He may be the best quarterback Alouettes fans will have ever witnessed. Calvillo completed 69 percent of his passes for 336 yards to seven different receivers, setting up the run for Avon Cobourne, who ran for 67 yards and two scores.

This Saskatchewan pass defense is no better than last year's. There has been no improvement whatsoever. Sunday night in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium would have been the turning point for this Riders defense.

Turns out, we were all fooled. Calvillo carved them up with his progression and pass selection. The Riders were a babyshambles in trying in stop this Beast from the East.

But Calvillo really did his damage through receiver S.J. Green and Jamel Richardson. Green caught nine passes for 102 yards while Richardson hauled in eight catches for 109. Both Green and Richardson made the Riders pass defense a flat-out joke.

And thus, I have to this conclusion. Perhaps the only way the Riders will ever have a chance at winning the Grey Cup is if Calvillo calls it a career.

Until then, I'm afraid this "Choke Artists" moniker is something they're gonna have to deal with...maybe into the next decade.

Well, it is that time of year again.

The NBA and NHL seasons are over and free agency is winding down, the NFL is still in the minicamp stage, and the only thing to watch on the tube is baseball, right?

Wrong, there is one shining beacon of hope—and that is the CFL. As a Canadian, I must introduce you to the savior of summer sports boredom.

The Canadian Football League is the only pro football league in North America that plays its games in summer. With the Arena League being on hiatus, it is your only chance to get your football fix during the NFL offseason.

The game may be different than the NFL—three downs instead of four, twelve players a side, and a bigger, wider field are some of the fundamental differences. The league is exciting and fast, allows group celebrations, and is an entertaining product off and on the field.

Here are five reasons why you should watch the CFL:

5. The Saskatchewan Roughrider Fans

The fans of the Saskatchewan Roughriders may just be the most eccentric fans in pro football. From wearing watermelons on their heads, to making cowboy hats out of beer boxes (I have worn both), the Rider fans always have a great idea. They travel to every game no matter where it is in Canada, and when they have a home game, they always bring the thunder.

They didn't host a home playoff game for nearly twenty years till their Grey Cup run in 2007. And believe me Taylor Field was rocking from Week One.

After their heartbreaking loss in the 2009 Grey Cup due to a too many men on the field call, the Rider fans are looking for redemption.

If you want to see how football can succeed in small markets, look at the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

4. The Wide Recievers

The CFL always has great wide receivers.

From Rocket Ismail during his days in Toronto to Milt Stegall, the all-time leader in CFL touchdown receptions, to present day all stars like Andy Fantuz, and Arland Bruce III, the CFL's Chad Johnson who infamously honored Michael Jackson by taking off his uniform and pretending to be buried.

The CFL has great receivers who always want to entertain. Combine that with quarterbacks who love to let it fly, and you have the league that puts the points on the board.

3. Former College Stars

If your favorite college player didn't make the NFL, don't worry. Chances are he will be in the CFL.

We have many former BCS college starters in the league. If you want to take a trip down memory lane and watch your favourite players on Saturday as pros, the CFL has it covered.

2. Games Spread Out Across The Weekend

Unlike the NCAA or NFL, which mainly have their games on Saturdays and Sundays respectively, the CFL has games on Wednesdays through to Saturdays, with the staple being Friday Night Football.

And trust me, high school kids have nothing on us.

If you want to get your football fix all week and have memorized every single play of NFL Replay, it might be time to check out the CFL.

1. It's easy to find.

With the internet, it is easier than ever to watch the CFL.

Plus, CFL games are now on NFL Network and possibly ESPN3. Go to www.cfl.ca to check out the American TV schedule. If you are tech savvy, www.channelsurfing.net streams the games.

It's a fast and convenient way to watch some summer football.

I hope you check out North America's "Other Pro Football League"

Chase Ruttig  is on Twitter. Check in to see more of my random thoughts about sports and media in general www.twitter.com/chaseruttig

The Saskatchewan Roughriders had a tough decision coming off the rookie camp. With five quarterbacks in camp, one was going to have to go.

The Riders know Darian Durant is their No. 1, but there are question marks after that. Ryan Dinwiddie was most likely the No. 2 based on the fact he's had some success, although limited, when he was with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

After spending a year with the Riders' practise roster, Cole Bergquist had an edge on the No. 3 spot.

So, it basically came down to Kent Smith vs Todd Reesing for the No. 4 spot, and in the end the decision was made to keep Smith and let Reesing go.

According to the Riders it wasn't that Reesing did poorly, it was just that the others edged him out. Apparently Smith has a stronger arm, and his height—6'5"—was something the Green and White couldn't pass up.

After a very successful college career with the Kansas Jayhawks there was a lot of hype that came with Todd Reesing, and many people will question the decision more than if they had let Bergquist or Smith go.

I don't question the fact that maybe others had a better camp that Reesing, but I do question whether Reesing got a legitimate shot when he spent THREE DAYS with a bunch of rookies.

I know a lot of Rider fans will back the decision Miller and Berry made, because they have to take care of today in order to put together a team that will compete for this year's Grey Cup.

Durant and Dinwiddie are ready for this year, I understand that. Even Bergquist is a year ahead, and he does have the strongest arm in camp. But Kent Smith?

When looking at the fourth string quarterback, I don't think it's smart to ask "Which quarterback had the best rookie camp?" The question HAS to be: "Which quarterback has the most potential?" After all, the likelihood of that player dressing or playing this year is slim to none.

I think the decision was also made because of the Graham Harrell fiasco. Many fans were excited to have the college phenom on the roster and were looking forward to seeing him play in the CFL. So, when he left, it reminded people to be careful of the hype.

I get that, but it does leave the question of whether the hype is worth losing Kent Smith to keep Reesing on the practise roster?

It's a question lots of fans will be wondering, and even though it probably wouldn't  show a return right away, all the Riders can hope for is that Reesing won't get scooped up by another team and make them regret the decision down the road.

Following the departure of Steven Jyles to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Dalton Bell to the Toronto Argonauts, one of the biggest roster battles heading into the 2010 CFL season pertains to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ backup signal caller.

Those vying for the second string position are former Blue Bombers’ quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie and CFL rookies Cole Bergquist and Kent Smith .

Entering training camp as the only second string quarterback candidate with CFL experience, former Blue Bombers’ quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie, 29, is the safest selection to backup starter Darian Durant in Saskatchewan for 2010.

Widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in Boise State history, Dinwiddie was a three year starter with the Broncos.

During that time the Elk Grove, California native cemented his status as one of collegiate football’s most proficient passers, while breaking nearly every meaningful Boise State passing statistic.

After finishing his career at Boise State and going unclaimed through the 2004 NFL Draft, Dinwiddie signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a free agent signal caller prior to the 2006 CFL season.

After serving as Winnipeg’s backup for the duration of his rookie campaign, Dinwiddie made his CFL debut against the Roughriders at the 2007 Grey Cup.

Despite putting on a performance that was, for all intents and purposes, extremely lackluster, Dinwiddie showcased his mental toughness and proved to many that he could someday likely succeed in the CFL.

If it weren’t for Saskatchewan defensive back James Johnson’s three interceptions, the outcome of the game may have been very different.

As the Roughriders’ only quarterback candidate with CFL experience, Dinwiddie is the best option as Durant’s backup.

Despite standing at a less-than-ideal 6'0" and possessing a knack for turning the ball over, Dinwiddie’s Canadian game experience will most likely cement the former Boise State standout as Saskatchewan’s second string quarterback heading into the 2010 CFL season.

Today, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have announced the releasing of former Texas Tech star quarterback Graham Harrell and receiver Eric Morris. Not all reasons for the release have been disclosed but we do get an idea of why by the following Ken Miller Twitter post: "Sometimes we experience situations where a player prefers not to stay with us...I am disappointed to report we are releasing Graham Harrell.'' Rumours have speculated that Harrell is done with playing football as he accepted a position as an Offensive Consultant at Oklahoma State University. Some have also said that Harrell has accepted a non football related job at Texas Tech but nothing has been confirmed.

Harrell signed with the Riders on July 20, 2009 but has never attempted a CFL pass. He was expected to be the team's back up this season and if he developed as planned, he would be a starter or even a star quarterback within the next few years.

Eric Morris was primarily used as a kick/punt returner in his time with the Riders, but also played receiver when he was needed. It is unknown if Morris was released because of not wanting to play on the Riders anymore like Harrell, but whether that is the case or not it isn't a very big blow to the Roughrider organisation. Morris dressed in 4 games last season in which he did not play well, and was sidelined the rest of the year with a knee injury. With former special teams player of the year Dominique Dorsey being signed in the off season to return kicks, Morris would have been rarely used anyway.

With Harrell gone, the only quarterbacks remaining on the roster are starter Darian Durant, Kent Smith and Cole Bergquist. Durant is obviously going to be the starter since he is a fantastic up and coming quarterback and a Western All-Star last season, but the back up spot is still unknown. Both Smith and Bergquist have never thrown a pass in the CFL so chances are the Riders will sign a free agent as the back up and Smith and Bergquist will duke it out for the spot as the third string.

After taking a look at the quarterbacks in CFL free angency, I concluded that the top three there are Kerry Joseph, Ryan Dinwiddie and Richie Williams. This would make sense since the Riders have expressed interest in both Dinwiddie and Joseph.

Personally, I think Kerry Joseph is by far the best choice. People forget just a few years ago Joseph was a CFL Most Outstanding Player and won a Grey Cup with the Riders. He had a terrible time as an Argonaut and isn't quite what he used to be, but could still accomplish a lot and would probably enjoy finishing his career where he played the best. He is a qualified quarterback that could come in and change the pace of the game whenever needed.

Whichever quarterback is signed, or if the Riders decide to stay with what they have, Harrell is a huge loss. He was a star with Texas Tech and could have been in the CFL as well. However I'm sure the Riders agree that it is better to not have the player at all then to have a player who doesn't want to be there.

I just want to get some things out in the air right now. I can't help but to notice that Saskatchewan doesn't get all that much PR when it comes to pro sports in the province. Even people in Saskatchewan don't think much about this province. In some sense I can't blame people for being so negative about this province due to the fact that it has never really proven anything to anyone for so many years. People have to realise that we now live in the most prosperous province in Canada. We have to wake up out of this haze that we've been in for so long and see the province for what it really is. All sorts of mines are popping up around Saskatoon (diamond & potash mainly), oil barrons are also making their way into Saskatoon. Saskatchewan has a great growth rate. "Saskatchewan is expected to lead the country with an economic growth rate of 2.9 per cent in 2010, according to the average of nine leading economic forecasters.After ending 2009 with a new record population and the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, Saskatchewan is forecast to start the next decade with the strongest economic growth record in the country in 2010." I don't understand why anyone thinks Saskatchewan is a poor province while we are among the richer provinces surpassing Ontario with wealth. The only province that is wealthier is Alberta. Alberta is struggling now days though. Oil companies are shifting east to Saskatchewan because they are tired of the high royalties in Alberta. We have the opposite of job shortage, we have an employee shortage. It's an employees market. So I don't understand why anyone thinks Saskatchewan is a poor province while we are to lead the country once again in 2010.

The point I am trying to get at is that when ever "pro sports" and "Saskatchewan" are mentioned in the same sentence people cringe. I don't understand why. Saskatchewan Roughriders have an amazing attendance. This is hosted in a city of around 225,000 people. Saskatoon is bigger with over 250,000 people. There are also smaller cities with over 50,000 people each not far from Saskatoon. Martensville & Warman (two small cities) are also just minutes from Saskatoon. There is total of around 40,000 people in the immediate area of Saskatoon. There is alot of money floating around this province, and many many people willing to spend it on the NHL and the CFL. Just like all of Saskatchewan supports the Riders, the whole province would support our NHL team in Saskatoon. The idea of Saskatoon getting its own CFL team is a great idea, and the perfect location for the stadium is right in downtown. There is a large area with untouched soil just east of Idelwild Drive. When you do the math there is well over 500,000 people with in a hour and a half drive from Saskatoon. These numbers are only getting larger at a very fast pace. I think this province is ready to move to the next level.

Do you think that Saskatchewan is able to support pro sports teams? What is your opinion on this subject?

Although not getting much done right before the free agent resigning deadline, the Saskatchewan Roughriders took a few of their players who went to free agency right back. All-Star linebacker Tad Kornegay, non import offensive lineman Marc Parenteau and long snapper Jocelyn Frenette have all signed contracts to remain with the Riders. With those three locked down for sure, there have also been rumours that the Riders have agreed to terms with Canadian full back Chris Szarka.

Out of all of these signings, Tad Kornegay is clearly the most important. Kornegay was a Western division all star last season at the outside linebacker position. Tad was second on the team in tackles with 74, which is 15 ahead of third place. He was also tied for second in the league and first on the team in forced fumbles with 4, third on the team with 3 interceptions and added 10 special teams tackles.

What makes Kornegay so good isn't just his tackling and ability to force turnovers but his versatility. He is one of those players that wherever you put him, he will produce. While best at linebacker, Kornegay played at halfback and corner back as well last season.

The two biggest questions for the Riders as of right now are at defensive end and at running back. With Wes Cates still not resigned, if the Riders do not look outside for a running back the starter job will be a battle between newly resigned Stu Foord and Hugh Charles. Charles would be the likely starter, since he was when Cates was injured last season. Either are viable options, but questions have been raised as of whether they can be full time starters due to their small statures. Jamaal Robertson and Dominick Dorsey are possible candidates as well since they have yet to be signed by another team.

With the loss of Chick and Baggs, the Roughriders' defensive line looks like it may be hurting. The only starter returning this season is Keith Shologan who is, on the bright side, a good up and coming player. It has been rumored that the Riders are interested in former Argo and All-Star Jonathan Brown. Brown would be a fantastic pick up if he can stay healthy. He would be able to be a big body on the opposite side of Kitwana Jones to provide a solid pass rush.

It seems as though just a few weeks ago the Riders hopes at a Grey Cup in 2010 would be unlikely, but with the defense looking like its coming along, and the obvious high powered offense, the Grey Cup could be returning to Regina in this coming season. I think Tad Kornegay said it best in one of his latest Twitter posts:

Sorry Rider Nation unfortunately you have to put up with me for another season! Let's finish what we've started!!!!

"Well, if we had to go play today, I would be a little nervous..."

These are the words of Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman. The NFL has reaped havoc on the Roughriders' defense this off season as arguably the two best defensive lineman in the CFL, John Chick and Stevie Baggs have signed on with teams in Canada's neighbour to the South. Middle linebacker Rey Williams is another Rider player who is gone to the NFL as just a few days ago he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If the season were to start today the Riders would be in big trouble, luckily it is only February. There are still an abundance of players the Riders have yet to resign while who will stay and who will go is still a mystery to fans. Tad Kornegay, Wes Cates and Eddie Davis are among players who still haven't been resigned who would leave big holes in the Riders' organization should they leave.

Tad Kornegay is probably the most important player yet to be signed due to his versatility. He can play many positions and was one of the best defensive players for the Roughriders last season. However something Rider fans won't be happy about is that there is reportedly a large financial gap between the two sides and it is unknown whether a deal will be reached before the deadline on February 15th.

The three biggest holes that the Riders will need to fill before the season begins are at running back, defensive end and middle linebacker. Wes Cates was the Riders' back last season but it looks as though he will not be resigned. If the season was to start today the starter would be Hugh Charles. Charles played in four games last season and ran for a total of 136 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 fumbles.

With CFL all-star John Chick  signing a three year deal with the Colts and western divison all star Stevie Baggs signing a one year contract with the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL, the Riders have many questions about who will be on their defensive line. Defensive tackle Marcus Adams has yet to be resigned which means the only starter they have left is tackle Keith Shologan. Optimists say this will open up opportunities for players like Michael Stadnyk, Joe Sykes and Kitwana Jones, but if these players don't seriously step up their game the Riders will go from having one of the league's best sack attacks, to one of the worst.

Roughrider linebackers have seemed to come and go from year to year, but there is only one who always stays put, Sean Lucas. Lucas is arguably the best Roughrider linebacker over the last few years and will be the heart and soul of the defense this season. With Rey Williams gone to the NFL and Tad Kornegay probably leaving with free agency, Lucas will anchor the Roughriders' linebacking core.

Although Mike McCullough has proven before he isn't quite starting middle linebacker material, he will probably be the starter for the Riders this season as there is no one else. Who will be the other starter on the outside is another question. If he resigns, the obvious choice will be Tad Kornegay. If not, the Riders have a large pool of linebackers to chose from. With Kye Stewart returning from injury this season, he will probably be the favorite as long as he stays healthy. Other candidates include Jerrell Freeman and Carlos Armour. The outside linebacker position should not be a problem no matter who is put there.

Even with all of these question marks, the Riders still shouldn't be in to rough of shape for next season due to two things; quarterbacking and the receiving core. Darian Durant is coming off of a fantastic season and should only get better with age and experience. It also helps that he has a fantastic receiving core lead by Weston Dressler and newly resigned Andy Fantuz. Throw in Rob Bagg, Chris Getzlaf and Jason Clermont, they will still have a high flying passing game that will be hard for any team to cover.

Many people are having concerns with the Riders coaching staff as Paul LaPolice the former offensive coordinator, Kavis Reed, the former special teams coordinator and former running back coach Jamie Barresi all have signed contracts with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as Head coach and both defensive and offensive coordinators. Although a large part of the Riders' coaching staff is gone, GM Brendan Taman is confident he will be able to fine very credible replacements for head coach Ken Miller to work with.

From season to season the Riders seem to lose key players and it seems all is lost. Even though this happens, they always seem to just keep on winning and because of this I am very much looking forward to seeing how the 2010 CFL season plays out.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have seen better days.

On Thursday the Riders lost two key members of their football club. Stevie Baggs, a defensive end, signed with the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals and Paul LaPolice, a former offensive coordinator, accepted the vacant head coach position with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Baggs move shouldn’t have been too shocking for the Rider faithful. After a reported conflict of interest with the Riders, it was expected that Baggs would become a free agent in the off-season and sign with the highest bidder. What did come as a surprise was the fact that this team happened to be in the NFL.

Though Baggs likely would have not stayed with the Riders, even if the NFL opportunity had not come up, it does not take away from the fact that this was a huge blow to the Green and White. Baggs is the second starting defensive end the Riders have lost this off-season to the NFL. John Chick signed with the Indianapolis Colts in January. Chick and Baggs had 23 of the Riders' 39 sacks last season. More than that, however, they were key members of the Riders' front seven.

While Baggs was certainly a vocal member of the Riders, LaPolice was mostly entrenched behind the scenes. Still, the Riders' former offensive coordinator was credited with helping create a potent offence last season. LaPolice’s offence scored 514 points on the season (tied for second in the league) while being led by an inexperienced Darian Durant at quarterback.

While there has been some criticism thrown at LaPolice during his two year tenure as the Riders' offensive coordinator, concerning the fact that the Riders offense has come out slow in the second half of games and lacked a killer instinct, many believed that LaPolice would succeed current head coach Ken Miller at the end of next season. LaPolice did become a head coach, but not with the team the Riders were hoping.

After falling 28-27 to the Montreal Alouettes in last season's Grey Cup game, it was believed that the Riders would be out for revenge this season. During a talk to Rider fans soon after the Grey Cup loss, Durant promised that the team would win it all next season. This may be the case, but with two key members of the Riders defensive and an offensive coordinator gone, the team will have some work to do this off-season to even get back to the Grey Cup game next season.

A bad day indeed.