It’s another year and another preseason that is now done for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. It came down to the final play but the Riders ended the preseason 2-0, taking down the Edmonton Elks 28-27.
Elks rookie kicker Vincent Blanchard missed a 57-yard field goal wide right for the win. It wasn’t a perfect game for the Riders, but good things were shown on both sides of the field.
Patterson’s Pushing
For the second straight preseason game, Shea Patterson looked like the best quarterback in Riderville. After going three-for-three for 52 yards and a touchdown last week against Winnipeg, the Michigan product went five-for-eight for 80 yards, throwing for more yards than the other three quarterbacks combined.
Obviously, Trevor Harris is the starting quarterback, but Patterson may have played his way to No.2 on the depth chart, especially with Mason Fine not necessarily grabbing the spot himself this preseason.
Brooks Is The Best
Antoine Brooks Jr. was flying around in game one against Winnipeg but only recorded one tackle. It was the 25-year-old’s coming out party against Edmonton however. He recorded seven tackles, two special teams tackles, and returned an interception for a touchdown. The Maryland product has been one of the best American rookie defensive backs during camp as he started at halfback against Edmonton.
Other Distinguished Defensive Backs
Other than Brooks, American rookies C.J. Coldon, DaMarcus Fields, and Holton Hill have all shown good things, especially the 25-year-old Coldon who has been getting rave reviews during camp while forcing a fumble against the Elks.
Canadian veterans Nelson Lokombo, Kosi Onyeka, and Godfrey Onyeka have all shown flashes as well. Lokombo has started at field corner during both games and seems primed to be the starter there. Kosi Onyeka recovered a muffed punt for a touchdown against Edmonton, and Godfrey Onyeka made a nice pass deflection to save a touchdown against the Elks.
There’s been lots of turnover in the defensive backfield since last season and these are some of the names that have popped.
Trouble On Lauther Island
If you were concerned about Brett Lauther after his first preseason showing, then he certainly didn’t calm any nerves against the Elks. Over the preseason Lauther went five-for-nine on field goals and five-for-six on extra points. Even the kicks going in were cutting hard both ways and Lauther generally looked dejected every time he was out there. There is still no other kicker on the roster so it looks like the veteran Canadian will still be the main guy.
The Roughriders will now have a week to assess their team before final cuts need to be made on June 1, ahead of the regular season opening a week later on June 8 against the Edmonton Elks at Commonwealth Stadium.
