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Saturday, August 5, 2017

Players To Watch



The Riders and Lions meet in the first half of a back-to-back in Vancouver at 5 o'clock (TSN, 620 CKRM, Sirius/XM 167).  As you get set for the contest, here are some players to watch for on both sides.

KEVIN GLENN -  Kevin Glenn continues to fire on all cylinders.  He has thrown four touchdown passes in two of Saskatchewan's five wins this season, and has thrown for 300 or more in three of the five games.  Some across the league say he's never played better which is a statement considering his longevity.  This is the best start of his career, and he is 109 yards away from passing the great Ron Lancaster for 6th all-time in CFL passing yards. Tell me again why he isn't a hall-of-famer?

CHRIS RAINEY -  The Lions all-purpose back is someone the Riders need to control.  Not only is Rainey a nice compliment to Jeremiah Johnson in the backfield, but he is one of the top kick returners in the league and break a game open at the snap of a finger.  Craig Dickenson has had not many problems on special teams this year, but that trend needs to continue against someone like Rainey.

WILLIE JEFFERSON -  Jefferson has been a monster this year as expected.  He has 20 tackles, three sacks, four knockdowns and a league leading 12 quarterback pressures.  The Lions are giving up the most sacks in the CFL so this could be a day for Jefferson and the front four to shine.  Making it uncomfortable for Travis Lulay will go a long way to the Riders evening their record at 3-3/

QUINN VAN GYLSWYK -  He makes his season debut kicking for the Riders today and what a place to do it.  Van Gylswyk will kick in his home province as his hometown is Victoria, and he will do it in the same place where he played his college ball as he is a grad of UBC. If he was doing his thing at Thunderbird Stadium, it would be a day in the park for Quinn, but it is BC Place.  Will he have some nerves when he goes out there? We will find out!

CHANDLER FENNER -  Who? The Holy Cross grad playing next to Solomon Eliminian has perhaps been outshining the CFL's top defensive player in recent weeks. He leads the league in tackles over the last three weeks with 24 (20 DEF, 4 ST).  The Lions defence may be hurting, but their linebackers remain solid.

STAT OF THE GAME - The Lions have seen their second down productivity decrease the last four weeks. It has gone from 67 percent to 60 to 44 to 42.  If that trend continues today, I like the Riders chances.

ENJOY THE GAME!!


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Better luck next week at home Riders. Can't win on the road since 2013 season.

Anonymous said...

"If that trend continues today, I like the Riders chances."

Spoken like a blind man.