Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-6 in 2007 --- 2nd in West Division)
Last updated June 5
Notable Signings and Acquisitions
Coaching: Ken Miller (HC), Paul LaPolice (OC)
Offence: Quentin Griffin (RB), Steve Morley (OL), Glenn January (OL), Steven Jyles (QB)
Defence: Omarr Morgan (DB), Ronald Flemons (DE)
Special Teams: None
Notable Releases and Deletions
Coaching: Kent Austin (HC)
Offence: Kerry Joseph (QB), Corey Holmes (RB), Jamal Robertson (RB)
Defence: Fred Perry (DE),Reggie Hunt (LB)
Special Teams: None
| General Manager |
|---|
| Eric Tillman |
| Head Coach |
|---|
| Ken Miller |
| 2008 Draft Picks |
|---|
| Keith Shologan - DT |
| Jonathan St. Pierre - OL |
| Michael Stadnyk - DE |
| J-F Morin-Roberge - OL |
| Jeff Zelinski - DB |
| Teale Orban - QB |
| Key Addition | Key Loss |
|---|
| After one year in Edmonton, defensive back Omarr Morgan returns to Riderville and should enjoy more success. |
Head coach Kent Austin and quarterback Kerry Joseph were the toast of the town after the Grey Cup win in November. Now they're just toast. |
Matt Dunigan's QB Analysis:
Marcus Crandell is front and centre as in, directly in front of the barrels and under the centre for the defending Grey Cup Champions. Poise and promise has been Marcus's calling card for many years and now is the time for him to reach for that jar of promise and pour it all over what the Riders are cooking this year. No doubt he has some big shoes to fill with the departure of 2007 MOP Kerry Joseph. Maybe Marcus could use a line I offered up in a similar situation way back in 1984 when I had the unenviable task of replacing the legendary Warren Moon. I said, "The last time I checked, Warren took his shoes with him." The fact is, Marcus won't be out there alone just as Kerry wasn't last season. Behind Marcus you have a solid and promising group of inexperienced QBs; Darian Durant, Steven Jyles, Drew Tate and Orban Teale. That's some outstanding but raw talent for Coach Miller to massage and work with to find the right mix in replacing Joseph.
Duane Forde's Rookie To Watch:
As a local kid attending the Roughriders training camp, quarterback Teale Orban (Regina) knew he'd have an entire province watching his every move...but that's nothing. As the first CIS-trained quarterback in three years to earn an invitation to a CFL camp, Orban will have fans across the nation monitoring his progress. His level of success won't be defined by making the team, or seeing action in preseason games. His success will be measured by whether or not he acquits himself well enough relative to American QBs to earn opportunities for other Canadian quarterbacks down the road.
Chris Schultz's Overview:
When the Saskatchewan Roughriders won the Grey Cup this past November they were not necessarily the best team in the CFL. Arguably, the best team was the B.C. Lions, but the Roughriders were the best when they had to be. They were the best on November 11th when they downed the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Semifinal, and they were the best again on November 18th when they beat the Lions in the Western Final. And were the best one more time on November 25th winning the 95th Grey Cup in Toronto. More...
| Area of Strength | Needs Improvement |
|---|
| The rush defence is unparalleled, giving up just 88 yards per game and the addition of Morgan only makes it better. |
With Kerry Joseph in Toronto, the quarterbacking duties fall to Marcus Crandell, who has struggled as a starter in the past. |
| Playoff-Bound? | Or Homeward Bound |
|---|
| Once Roughriders' fans regain consciousness after the offseason of departures, they will realize that general manager Eric Tillman is among the best at finding players to fill roles. He knows how to win. |
After last year's success story, expectations are high and the Riders appear to be a shell of their former selves. Too much talent has left town and the West is not a good place to lose a step. |
| 2007 Offence | PTS | TDS | YDS/GM | PASS/GM | RUSH/GM |
|---|
| Total | 489 | 54 | 372 | 277 | 112 |
| Rank | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| 2007 Defence | PTS | TDS | YDS/GM | PASS/GM | RUSH/GM |
|---|
| Total | 404 | 44 | 354 | 292 | 88 |
| Rank | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 1 |