Well folks, as we referenced in last weeks, ‘Coaching Matters’ primer, we’re now officially at the 1/3 marker of the year so I thought we’d do a quick external evaluation of the Saskatchewan Roughriders using a good ole SWOT Analysis. Coincidentally, the same methodology I use at the CDN Red Cross when it comes to evaluating programs and systems.
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For those unfamiliar, a SWOT Analysis is a simple breakdown of STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, and THREATS to the subject matter at hand. Let’s jump in…
STRENGTHS:
•Head Coach: The Riders seem to have corrected their largest challenge coming into the season…Discipline and Fundamental execution. Mace has been everything he’s needed to be. #BuildIt
•Edwin Harrison (OL Coach): The QBs have been clean and he’s now navigating the loss of TWO starting vets. It’s not one’s experience that can help a group, when you have a position coach that is a former player. It’s that coach’s ability to coach guys outside of “what he would’ve done” in any given situation and out their skillset in a position to succeed. #KickStep
•JC Sherritt (LB Coach): The Riders starting LBs are all playing at an all-star level. Anyone who wants to be a coach, watch this former CFL star. He’s ALWAYS coaching. #Passion
•Marquay McDanial: The Riders are getting production from every receiver they’ve needed to use. More importantly, they’re getting outstanding blocking, in and outside, of the tackle box. It was one of the things that made McDanial outstanding during his playing career, and he’s managed to get his group to execute at the same level. #AllAroundGame
Mark Mueller (OC): The fiery offensive coordinator’s been outstanding when it comes to transitioning from the first half to second. More importantly, he’s been money in the 4th quarter, efficient in the red zone, and made teams pay for turnovers. #HufnagelCoachingTree
•Defensive Unit: Top two in the CFL right now. Milligan, the LBs, and Micah Johnson are all playing at all-star levels. #NoFlyZone
•Speaking of Milligan: Milligan reminds me so much of former Montreal Alouette and Grey Cup Champion, Chip Cox in his prime, and that’s really REALLY high praise. Elite at both his position AND elite on special teams. One of the best pound for pound players in the CFL right now. #AllAroundStud
•Recievers: Production, physicality, and YOUTH. The primary recievers in the group are in their prime (Bane, Emilus, and KSB) and their supports (Sterns, and Ajou) look like potential breakouts. #LeadershipIsProduction
•Logan Ferland: Ferland’s always been a guy we’ve lauded thanks to his ability to play every position on the Oline, but he’s also becoming one of the better Offensive Guards in the CFL. Saskatchewan’s had some great “local product” storylines throughout its history and Ferland’s looking like he may add to that list. #HogLife
•Snappers & Kick Game: Lauther’s been reliable in the critical moments, and Adam Korsak’s one of the best in the CFL. It’s been great to see. Here’s a question…have you ever mentioned Jorgen Hus? No? Want to know why? It’s because he hasn’t had a bad snap in the decade he’s been with the team. Outstanding consistency. #AsReliableAsAToyotaCorolla
WEAKNESSES:
•Oline Depth: One would normally look at depth as the ability to replace one massive loss in a position group- without a drop off. The Riders lost two of their best (in Blake and Hardrick). What’s more concerning is that there’s 2/3 of the year left. From my experience, having to go this deep-this early is uncommon and would test any of the best GMs in any league. The supplies normally there, it’s the capacity that is the problem. The good Olinemen usually have a job.
#WhereTheGameIsWonAndLost
OPPORTUNITIES:
•Punt/Kick-off RETURN game: There’s hasn’t been a lot of real estate available for (returner) Mario Alford, lately. Early on, the Riders seemed like they were one block away from springing him, but that’s changed. This is a gap at the moment. One doesn’t need to look any further than the Argos in terms of how critical flipping the field (or scoring) can be in the CFL. Especially in the late moments. There will be games where the defence is not as dominant (for example vs BC). That’s when the Riders will really need this piece. #SpeedKills
•QB Depth:
•To compete for Grey Cups, CFL teams need two starting quality QBs on their roster. #Facts
As Shae Patterson continues to get better, and Trevor Harris continues to get healthy, the Riders seemingly have their 1-2 punch. Unfortunately, there isn’t a ton of time left with Harris, but if he can get (and remain) healthy for the remainder of the year, it will be one less item on the GMs “to find” list. It will also be the first time since 2016 that this team should feel pretty good about this position group once Harris returns.
THREATS:
•Canadian Depth: On the Oline we don’t know a ton about Zack Fry and we definitely don’t know about the guys behind him. Defensively, Lake Korte-Moore and Nic Dheilly are still coming along but the loss of Charbel Dabire is a great example of how Saskatchewan’s ratio flexibility isn’t where it was at the beginning of the year. The Riders are by no means in trouble but ROSTER AGILITY is also a championship characteristic, so fingers crossed that this is far as the teams problems get in 2024z #YouWinWithYourCanadians
•Sustaining the defensive front: Miles Brown (and Dabire until he got hurt) were the only depth guys contributing major reps. Should Lanier, or Micah Johnson miss time that’s a major gap in terms of who gets more opportunity in the 2nd group. Not many people have talked about the loss of Christian Albright either, but he’s a guy the Riders we’re really relying on. The saving grace may be Habbukak Baldonado’s ability to play multiple spots with some type of effectiveness. #DawgsWinChampionships
Every now and then, one needs to stop and figure out just where one’s feet are in relation to the journey.
When we look at the SWOT Analysis there are things to celebrate, as well as items to be anxious about, but that’s to be expected. As long as one understands that the season is a marathon and not a sprint, and it’s all about how teams manage sudden change. You’re literally one injury or bad bounce away from having your limits tested. But remember- SO ARE THE REST IF THE TEAMS IN THE CFL. #CapitalLattersEmphasizePassion
Tomorrows tilt features two of the leagues three best teams in one of the best (and toughest) places to play our Canadian game.
Cheers to the fellas going 1-0 in La Belle Province! I love our chances.
-95, out.
