Even though the Saskatchewan Riders are on a seven-game losing streak, morale remains high, according to defensive back Marcus Sayles.
“This is one of the best teams I’ve been on,” Sayles said. “It doesn’t seem like it from our record but the camaraderie, the coaching, our work ethic, our schemes — everything looks so good.”
The Riders 5-7-1 record puts the Green and White third in the West Division behind the first place Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who have seven wins. Saskatchewan has not won a game since July 19 while suffering six losses and one tie after a 5-1 start under head coach Corey Mace.
“All these games that we’re losing, it’s in fourth quarters or within a couple of points. We do have to figure out ways to tighten up and finish these games,” Sayles said. “Our energy is still there. We still feel like we can win a Grey Cup this year.”
The five-foot-nine, 176-pound cover man is in his first season with the Roughriders. He signed with the team after the B.C. Lions cut him following training camp. Sayles has played 12 games for the Riders while registering 40 defensive tackles, three interceptions plus one interception for a touchdown.
With only five games left in the Riders regular season schedule, Sayles believes his team can make a run in the playoffs.
“We feel like we can win them all,” Sayles said. “We’re still in it. We just gotta find a way to get into that dance; no matter what seed we are, we just have to get in.”
The Roughriders are on a bye after playing 10 straight weeks. Sayles feels the break couldn’t have come at a better time. Prior to Week 14 against the Bombers, the team had three players on the one-game injured list and 13 on the six-game injured list.
“Some guys need to recharge,” Sayles explained. “It gives us time to get healthy. We’ve had an injury bug pretty much throughout the whole season.”
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 its current 0-6-1 winless streak at McMahon Stadium.