Quarterback Kerry Joseph had a solid season in 2006, throwing for 3,489 yards and 22 touchdowns. (Canadian Press)
2007 CFL Preview
Saskatchewan Roughriders
The burden of Saskatchewan's success rests squarely on Joseph's shoulders
Last Updated Tues., June 26, 2007
Tony Care, CBC Sports
2006 RECORD: 9-9, third in the West. Lost 45-18 to B.C. in the West final
KEY NUMBERS:
Rushing Yds Allowed Per Game: 82.3 (1st)
Rushing Yds Per Game: 131.2 (2nd)
Yds Per Game Allowed: 302 (2nd)
Points scored: 431 (3rd)
ARRIVALS:
Coach Kent Austin, offensive co-ordinator Ken Miller, OL Mike Abou-Mechrek, WR D.J. Flick, WR Kahlil Hill, WR Jason Mitchell, OL Marc Parenteau, OL Wayne Smith, DE Tim Fleiszer, DB Airabin Justin, K Jamie Boreham, DB Tad Kornegay, RB Wes Cates
DEPARTURES:
Head coach Danny Barrett, QB Rocky Butler, OL Fred Childress, RB Dominique Dorsey, OL Andrew Greene, FB Cory Hathaway, RB Kenton Keith, WR Craig Yeast, DB Davin Bush, DT Nate Davis, LB Jackie Mitchell, DB Omarr Morgan, WR Thyron Anderson (acquired from Montreal, traded to Hamilton), WR Jason French
STRENGTHS:
Pass Rush End Fred Perry terrorized opposing quarterbacks with 14 sacks last year, finishing second behind defensive player of the year Brent Johnson of the Lions. Collectively, the Roughriders ranked second to B.C. with 53 sacks and return the same unit (Perry, Terrell Jurineak, Reggie Hunt and Kitwana Jones) that was so dominant in 2006. The front seven should be able to absorb the loss of defensive tackle Nate Davis, who chipped in with four sacks last season.
Run Defence Fans can expect more of the same from a group that was clearly the best at stopping the run game. The Riders allowed the fewest yards (1,482) last season and also yielded the lowest rushing total per game (82.3). Hunt should continue to lead Saskatchewan's running-stuffing prowess. The 29-year-old linebacker finished second to Winnipeg's Barrin Simpson with 83 tackles, and chases down opposing running backs like few others at his position.
Passing Attack New head coach Kent Austin can only enhance an aerial attack that ranked third in the league last season and piled up 431 points. It's obvious that quarterback Kerry Joseph's favourite target is wide receiver Matt Dominguez, who finished 2006 with 72 catches for 1,669 yards and five touchdowns. Incoming threats D.J. Flick and Kahlil Hill will make the Riders that much more dangerous in the passing game.
WEAKNESSES:
Running Back Despite Kenton Keith's legal problems, the all-star was one of only five running backs to rush for more than 1,000 yards (1,037) in 2006. With Keith signing a contract to play with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, the void in the Riders' backfield is a significant one. Saskatchewan acquired Wes Cates from Calgary late in the pre-season. He will battle inexperienced runners Shermar Bracey, Fred Russell and Henri Childs for the top spot.
Offensive Line One of Austin's priorities this season is to keep his quarterbacks upright more often. That won't be an easy task as the offensive line allowed 50 sacks last season. Only the Grey Cup champion B.C. Lions yielded more. New general manager Eric Tillman has attempted to fix this unit, brining in Mike Abou-Mechrek and Wayne Smith in the off-season.
KEY PLAYER:
Kerry Joseph With the loss of Keith, the offensive burden falls on Joseph to keep the Riders scoring in 2007. Joseph had a solid season, throwing for 3,489 yards and 22 touchdowns but was plagued with decision-making issues. He was picked off 17 times, a problem Austin will have to help alleviate if the Riders are to contend in the competitive West Division.
OUTLOOK:
"This is the year of Kerry Joseph," says CFL on CBC analyst Sean Millington. "He's had a lot of opportunities to be successful over the years. Every year there's been some sort of reason why he hasn't had a lot of success. He's coming into this year where a lot of weight is going to be placed squarely on his shoulders. A lot of people are going to be looking to him to step up and lead this team to success, especially in an offence run by Kent Austin."
