Short week leaves Riders hungry for B.C. match

It’s a quick turnaround for the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they get set for their game Friday night in Vancouver.

The Riders are coming off that loss to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday and will have only practiced once before taking to the field against the Lions.

“It’s very tough because you’re cramming everything into at least two or three days, opposed to having that extra day or two,” said defensive back Weldon Brown.

“We’re just trying to do the best we can as far as preparing and making sure we prepare all the way up until the game so we can be prepared for whatever we’ll see.”

This isn’t a new thing for the Riders or any other team in the CFL. Short weeks happen for every team in the league with games scattered throughout much of the week. Compare that to the NFL which has most games on Sundays.

Since Corey Chamblin became the team’s head coach in 2012, he’s always given the team two days off the field after a game – even if that means a short week of practice.

The break is welcomed by the players.

“Physically, yeah. Definitely, it’s nice to have those days to fully recover from a game,” said receiver Weston Dressler.
 
Just because the Riders aren’t on the field doesn’t mean they aren’t working on those “off days” to make sure they’re ready for the game.

During those days away from the practice field, the players have to make sure they’re mentally prepared for the game by spending more time in the film and meeting rooms.

“You really have to be in the playbook and the film room in these short weeks. You got to do more mental prep than anything right now,” said Dressler.

“I think our guys have been good about it. I think we have a good idea what we have to do in this game.”

The short week isn’t all bad news. Coming off a pair of losses, it might allow the players to put those games behind them and just come out and play on Friday night.

“Any time you lose a football game, you want to get back out there as soon as possible. So, I think it’s an advantage for us to have a short week right now and give us an opportunity to bounce back,” said Dressler.
 
Kick off on Friday night at B.C. Place is at 8 p.m.

The Green Zone 10-hour Game Day begins at 4 p.m. on News Talk Radio with Game Day with Wray, followed by the Green Zone Pre-Game Show.
 
During the game, stay tuned for the Fan Zone with Scotty and the King.
 
Following the game, it’s your turn to be the star by calling the Green Zone Post-Game Show at 1-877-300-7275.

JGasson@rawlco.com
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