10 thoughts: Top takeaways from Roughriders' pre-season finale
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With the Saskatchewan Roughriders electing to rest many veterans in Friday's regular season finale against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, it was a chance for some of the rookies and depth players to showcase their talent.
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And while the Riders waited until the last minute of the game to finally reach the end zone for the first time in the pre-season, there were some strong performances from the Green and White, and a few other performances which could make Saturday's roster cuts a little easier to figure out.
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10 thoughts
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There's no way Jake Maier doesn't earn the backup quarterback spot regardless of what happened in the pre-season, right? The former Calgary Stampeders started didn't look outstanding in either pre-season game, but he's shown in 45 career starts that he can play in the CFL. Jack Coan is worth keeping around to develop because he's looked better in his second season already. But is he willing to sit on the practice roster for the year though if that's the case?
Despite ample opportunity to do so, Mario Anderson didn't lock down Saskatchewan's backup running back job. Neither did Trent Pennix. While Anderson scored Saskatchewan's only touchdown of the pre-season, he had a fumble which was returned for a touchdown in the first half and averaged just three yards per carry while Pennix averaged 4.25. Maybe A.J. Ouellette can stay healthy for all 18 games with Canadian Thomas Bertrand-Hudon carrying any extra workload.
After rejoining the team this week, punter Joe Couch had a strong night as he made his case to win the starting job over Bailey Flint. Couch's first punt went 53 yards before the Australian made an outstanding tackle on the return of his second punt, which was called back due to a penalty. After Flint averaged 40.6 yards per punt last week, Couch averaged 45.2 yards per punt on six punts on Friday. His familiarity with the team, having spent the 2024 season on the practice roster, could give him an upper hand for the starting gig in 2025.
Speaking of special teams, the battle to earn Saskatchewan's primary returner was a key battle to watch in the second pre-season game. Veteran Mario Alford and rookie Drae McCray, who played great in the first pre-season game, both got reps in the first half before McCray went down with an injury late in the second quarter and did not return. You've got to be healthy to make the team, so this is something certainly worth monitoring.
Sure-handed receiver Mitch Picton had a nice grab in the first quarter to put the Riders in scoring position. The Regina product also had a nice first-down catch in the second half. Overall, he led the team with seven catches. He could easily be a starter in the CFL. Could this be the year?
As good as Picton was on Friday, American receiver Joe Robustelli was even better. In the first half, Robostelli caught a pass for 48 yards which would have been even better if he didn't step out of bounds. Robustelli also had a 30-yard gain in the second half while appearing to injure his shoulder. After going to the sidelines with the trainers, Robustelli wanted to get right back into the game. The best ability is availability and after spending much of the year on Saskatchewan's practice roster in 2024, Robustelli has had a strong training camp and is making a case to earn a roster spot this year.
Daniel Wiebe, Saskatchewan's eighth-round draft pick this year, continues to make plays. The University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout had three catches for 21 yards on Friday, including one reception where he broke a tackle or two to increase the gain. Wiebe was also called upon to return four punts and a kickoff with McCray injured. While he has one more year of university eligibility, he's making a case to stick around the big club this year.
Rookie American defensive back Eddie Heckard made sure he hauled in an interception in the second quarter, with plenty of time to match the catch on a deep pass by Chris Streveler. Although there's no room to earn a starting defensive back spot, Heckard, who signed this off-season, could have earned a backup or practice roster spot. There were also a couple of defensive backs who might have played themselves out of a roster spot with the performances on Friday.
Saskatchewan has some good depth at linebacker. With Jameer Thurman, C.J. Avery and C.J. Reavis all getting the night off, Americans Aubrey Miller Jr. Antoine Brooks Jr. and Braxton Hill were noticeable in a good way for the Green and White while Canadians A.J. Allen, Nick Wiebe and Jayden Dalke — who transitioned to linebacker from safety this year — also looked good. Saskatchewan has clearly found some depth at linebacker, while also giving them an option to start a Canadian if need be.
Also, let's assume the Roughriders are just saving their touchdowns for the regular season. After failing to find the end zone in the first pre-season game last weekend in Winnipeg with many starters suiting up, the Roughriders were nearly held out of the end zone for a second straight game on Friday night. If this was the regular season, it might be worth taking about, but it's pre-season so let's see how things go when the games matter for real.
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