Rule changes and new faces: Riders coaches prepare for new season

It’s not just the players who need training camps to get ready for the CFL season.

Coaches are getting their first look at returning veterans and new players, and thinking over the rule changes made over the off-season.

One of the biggest changes was the decision to move the hashmarks closer together, with the goal of increasing scoring in the league. Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive co-ordinator Jason Maas said he still doesn’t know what effect the change will have.

“The problem with it is that it was (announced) super late and we’ve already adjusted a couple times — certain routes and certain different looks that we’ve had — but we’re not going to get all those looks in camp, and we’re going to try our best with four or five days of not practising to try and make up for those things,” Maas said.

Maas’ counterpart, defensive co-ordinator Jason Shivers, also doesn’t quite know what effect moving the hashmarks will have on the game, including how much more will be asked of the weak-side linebacker.

“We’re looking at that — more of a balanced-type dime linebacker,” Shivers said. “I don’t think we will have to make too many tweaks, but I’m looking forward to seeing how quarterbacks are going to work the weak side of the formation.”

Training camps started later than usual for most CFL teams due to a player strike that lasted four days. Pre-season games were supposed to start on Friday. The Riders’ first pre-season game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was moved to next Tuesday due to the strike, but now that also remains up in the air.

The CFL and the players’ association have not come to a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement, and the league has imposed a Thursday deadline to reach a deal.

But for the past few days, CFL teams have been practising and have allowed coaches to see some of their playmakers in action.

Some are familiar faces, with slotback Duke Williams getting his first full camp with the team after joining the Riders late in 2021.

“Duke brings a little bit of everything,” Maas said. “He’s extremely smart and he’s a playmaker kind of guy. The ball just needs to be around him for him to make plays on the ball. I think he lifts up the competition on your side of the ball. He holds guys accountable that way. He’s a physical presence.”

Meanwhile. Shivers has a new middle linebacker added to his arsenal in last year’s CFL tackles leader, Darnell Sankey.

“He’s just soaking it up and asking really great questions. I tell him we’re going to keep it simple and we’re going to let his athleticism shine,” Shivers said.

After two straight West Division final losses to the Bombers, and with the Grey Cup set to be played at Mosaic Stadium this season, Maas said the Riders’ mindset is all about finishing.

“Just finish the job,” Maas said. “Finish the day, finish the play, finish the practice, finish your rep. If we finish the way we want to finish, we will be right where we want to be at the end of the year.

“I’m glad guys are thinking that way. If something is in your backyard, you may as well be in it.”