Darian Durant has a different offensive approach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, which he explained during an appearance on 620 CKRM.
“I would have loved to see more shots down the field,” Durant told SportsCage host Barney Shynkaruk. “They went to the well way too many times.”
Durant believes taking shots down the field is the way to defeat teams such as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who are willing to give up underneath passes, which he felt the Riders relied on too much.
The legendary QB believes Riders’ Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou could improve the offence if he was more involved. In his last two games against the Bombers, both losses, Ajou was targeted six times for a total of sixteen yards.
“Ajou Ajou is another guy that we can’t seem to find him these past couple of weeks,” Durant explained. “He’s a big play guy that could help the offence.”
The six-foot-two, 211-pound receiver is in his rookie season with the Roughriders after being selected in the seventh round during the 2024 CFL Draft. He has 297 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 19 receptions in 11 games.
Meanwhile, Durant was sympathetic for Chris Streveler, who got injured in the third quarter on a short-yardage play. Riders defensive lineman Miles Brown tackled him, which resulted in a roughing the passer call.
“I was OK with coming out and not taking those unnecessary hits,” Durant said. “If it’s a situation where you need to have a game and it’s crunch time, or you’re going through a losing streak, then I would tell the coach to leave me in.”
Regarding Brown’s hit on Streveler, Durant does not think it was a cheap shot.
“I wouldn’t directly call this one a dirty hit. I thought last week’s hit was dirty,” Durant said, comparing Brown’s hit on Zach Collaros to his on Streveler.
“I wouldn’t necessarily look at this as a dirty hit because you’re not taught to get to the quarterback and make sure you hit them in a certain area. As you’re growing up learning the game, you’re taught to get the quarterback on the ground.”
The Roughriders next game is Friday, September 20, when the team travels to Calgary to take on the Stampeders. Countdown to Kickoff starts at 4:30 p.m. with kickoff at 7:30 p.m live on 620 CKRM. Saskatchewan tries to snap an 0-6-1 winless streak at McMahon Stadium.