The Saskatchewan Roughriders are bitter on their first bye in 10 weeks.
The Riders fell 26-21 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Labour Day rematch. Saskatchewan is winless in their last seven games and have fallen from first place to third in the West Division standings. Following the most recent setback, Riders' receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker, who made six receptions for 120 yards in the game, acknowledged the team's need to refocus during their time off.
“It's a week for all of us to get healthy and come back. Not even hungry, no more -- I think we are going to come back starving," Schaffer-Baker told 620 CKRM post-game.
Winnipeg built momentum in Saturday’s contest. The Blue Bombers blocked a punt on the Rider first possession and Tyrell Ford intercepted Trevor Harris on the next offensive series. The Bombers turned those two mistakes into 10 points and went on to win a fifth straight Banjo Bowl Labour Day rematch.
The Green and White started the season 5-1 with victories over Edmonton, Hamilton (twice), Toronto and Winnipeg. However, since their July 19 win over the Blue Bombers 19-9, the Roughriders have gone 0-6-1. During that winless span, the average margin in those decisions: 4.3 points.
“It's never easy being in a situation like this. I don't even see this as a loss, I see this as a lesson. This is just an opportunity for all of us to grow together and to get better from it," Schaffer-Baker said.
If there is a silver lining to the team’s recent struggles, it’s offensive production, which is continuing to find consistency. Schaffer-Baker has 38 receptions for 562 yards with two touchdowns in nine games this season.
“No matter whose name is going to be called, that guy's going to step up and make a play and that's what we continue to build our offence around. Staying together and trusting the guy beside you," Schaffer-Baker said.
The Riders return to the practice field Monday, September 16 when the team begins preparing for a Friday, September 20 meeting with the Stampeders in Calgary at 7:30 p.m.
You can catch the Rider Nation pre-game show at 6:30 p.m. Luc Mullinder and yours truly have the game call.
