No fly zone: Riders record four interceptions in win over Argos

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defence controlled the air in a Thursday night win over the Toronto Argonauts.

Riders’ defenders picked off Argos quarterback Cam Dukes four times as Saskatchewan earned a 30-23 victory to remain perfect in the 2024 CFL season.

The team now has a 4-0 record, the first time the Riders have reached that mark since 2013, when the team started 5-0.

“We were balling. We just did what we had to do,” said defensive lineman Micah Johnson, who recorded a sack in the game.

“We think we have a special unit and group, and week in, week out, we’re putting in the work and just happy for guys for it to formulate like that in plays in a big win for the guys.”

Rolan Milligan had two interceptions, while Deontai Williams and Marcus Sayles each added one of their own — with the latter returning it for a touchdown.

“Everybody is making the plays when they are coming to them,” Milligan said.

“No one is trying to do too much, and no one is trying to be the overachiever. We are just making the plays we are supposed to make.”

After a tough debut for the Riders in Week 2, Sayles has bounced back with two solid games, which included the recent defensive score.

“It feels good being surrounded by all these guys, and we are just trusting the process,” Sayles said. “The coaches trust me being out there, even after some of my mistakes. I’m just happy to make plays whenever I can.”

Saskatchewan also forced a fumble with linebacker Jameer Thurman recovering it, making it five turnovers for the Riders’ defence.

Head coach Corey Mace said it was a team game that led to the win.

“Everybody just knew we had to rally. It was going to be a tough game, and you have to take advantage of opportunities when they are presented to you,” Mace said.

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Shea Patterson won his first CFL game as a starter on July 4 against the Toronto Argonauts. (Saskatchewan Roughriders)

Quarterback Shea Patterson made his first career CFL start in the game after Trevor Harris was put onto the six-game injured list earlier in the week with an MCL injury.

Patterson shook off a rocky start, finishing the game with 192 yards and a passing touchdown to Sam Emilus. He also added a rushing touchdown as well.

Patterson said he believes this win was the best moment so far in his entire football career.

“Just complete joy and gratitude,” Patterson said. “A lot of emotions going into it, a lot of emotions through it, and a lot of emotions coming out of it. I’m just very excited and happy and fortunate enough to be a part of such a great team.

“We have a lot of good men in that locker room, and I think that was a testament to how we handle adversity today.”

After the clock read 00:00 to end the game, Patterson said running back AJ Ouellette gave him a bear hug. Ouellette had 69 yards on 19 carries in the game.

“It was a lot of fun,” Patterson said.

Patterson said he felt like he settled into the game, which led to him shaking off the start.

“I knew going in they were going to send a lot of pressure, especially on second down,” Patterson said. “They were sending a lot of pressure early, and that’s just when I need to keep my feet quiet, stay in the pocket and make the throw.”

Emilus praised the work of the quarterback.

“He was great. He took control in the huddle, and it was a great first CFL start and a first win,” said Emilus, who had 54 yards to go along with his touchdown reception.

Dukes didn’t finish the game, with Nick Arbuckle taking the Argos’ last offensive snaps. Dukes threw for 206 yards and four interceptions, while Arbuckle had 35 yards in his time in the game.

The Riders’ rushing defence came into the game as the best in the CFL, only allowing 32.7 yards per game. The unit held Ka’Deem Carey, who was the CFL’s top rusher coming into the game, to just 39 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries.

“That was the main thing for us — to stop the run and make them one-dimensional, which we did,” Thurman said.

Riders kicker Brett Lauther made three of four field goal attempts — his lone miss came on a 57-yard field goal that hit the crossbar.

Argos kicker Lirim Hajrullahu was also good on three of his four attempts.

Returner Janarion Grant once again scored a punt return touchdown against the Riders, something he did a bit as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in past seasons.

Mace said the team knew adversity was eventually going to strike, but his team was able to overcome it.

“They proved it,” Mace said.

“Guys had to step in and step up.”

Saskatchewan will travel to B.C. to take on the Lions (3-1) in a game on July 13.