Riders defence not worried about lack of sacks in past two games

While sacks are the stat many people point to when sizing up the defensive line, it’s only part of the recipe for success.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders had five sacks in Week 1 against the Edmonton Elks, but only got to the quarterback once over the next two weeks.

“Sacks are more like the icing on a cake,” said defensive end Pete Robertson, who has one sack on the season. “You do all the hard work, baking the cake and all that, but putting the icing on the cake is the satisfying part, and that’s pretty much what the sacks are when it comes to the game.”

And while the sacks haven’t been there, Robertson said the defence isn’t worried about the stats.

“We don’t really look at it; we just play,” Robertson said. “If the sacks come, they are going to come … As long as we just do what we’ve got to do as one unit, we’re going to be complete.”

Robertson and the Riders could find a way to get back after the quarterback on Thursday during the team’s second showdown of the season against the Elks. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.

Riders defensive co-ordinator Jason Shivers expects Edmonton to come out fighting under head coach Chris Jones after a 0-4 start to their season. Shivers was a member of Jones’ staff from 2014 to 2019.

“Coach Jones and that whole crew over there is going to have their guys ready to play,” Shivers said. “I think they live in a desperate world, so they are always ready to go.

“It’s always been a tough task but any week in the CFL, you can’t underestimate anybody, so we just have to come and play our game and do what we do.”

While the Elks gave Jarret Doege the start last week, Taylor Cornelius is expected to be the Elks’ number-one pivot against the Riders in the west-division showdown.

The Riders held Cornelius in check in the team’s 17-13 win over the Elks at Commonwealth Stadium in Week 1. Cornelius threw for 202 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while only rushing for 14 yards on one carry.

Cornelius ran for 179 yards and three touchdowns in two appearances against the Riders in 2022.

“Every week you try to tweak what you do,” Shivers said. “Taylor is a good quarterback. He has some skills. He can move around the pocket, and we are aware of that.

“We just have to continue to try and keep him in the pocket and limit his big plays.”

Notes: The Riders released their final injury report ahead of the game, and a few players have been ruled out. Slotback Jake Wieneke (knee), linebacker Matt Dean (foot), offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins (knee), defensive back Rodney Clemons (ankle), and centre Peter Godber (hand) have all been ruled out. Linebacker TJ Brunson (illness) is doubtful. Offensive tackle Colin Kelly (illness), defensive lineman Micah Johnson (hip), kicker Brett Lauther (leg), and wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb (ankle) are all questionable.