Healthy and consistent: Riders’ O-line looking to bounce back in 2022

Consistency could be the key for the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive line this season.

The group is looking to bounce back after a 2021 CFL season that saw them allow 40 sacks, tied for second-most in the league.

In 2021, the line saw a revolving door at spots due to various injuries and other issues throughout the season. Left tackle Terran Vaughn underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in training camp, and then guard Brendon LaBatte elected to sit out the season.

“We came through a lot of adversity. I don’t think a lot of people realize how many things really happened to us. I think this year going in 100 per cent healthy — knock on wood — it feels amazing and it is going to give us a really good chance to get that redemption on the field,” said guard Logan Ferland, who played in all 14 games for the team in 2021.

“Of course we heard (all the negativity last year) but we try to drown that noise out and just focus on what we need to do. The more we can drown out the noise, the better we can do on the field.”

This training camp has been a different story, with the offensive line staying intact throughout.

Vaughn is back healthy and standing next to Ferland on the left side of centre Dan Clark. Evan Johnson returns at right guard and Na’Ty Rodgers joins the group at right tackle.

“The O-line is all about the chemistry with the guys around you. The more we can play together and play beside the same person, the better that chemistry is going to be and the better the O-line is going to flow as one,” Ferland said.

Vaughn has been with the team since 2017 but hasn’t appeared in a game since 2019. Ferland is excited to have the 28-year-old tackle back beside him.

“I’ve been in his ear since 2019 picking his brain and he’s been that figure for me to really learn from. The chance we get to play together, it’s huge. I started as a tackle learning from him and now to play beside him as a guard, it’s awesome,” Ferland said.

“(Vaughn) and Dan and Evan are the older presences of the O-line, so he brings that leadership and that guidance from the left side.”

While four members of the offensive line were with the Riders last season, Rodgers comes in as the new guy. He signed in January.

Rodgers has played in the CFL since 2018, playing in 10 games with the Montreal Alouettes that season and then spending the 2019 season on the practice roster with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Rodgers started four games at right tackle for the Ottawa Redblacks in 2021.

“It feels good. I’ve been out here with these guys working since the camp started. My biggest thing is to go out there and show them I can do what they brought me here to do,” Rodgers said.

“Hard work speaks for itself. The more you work with guys, the more they feel comfortable around you and you feel comfortable around them. The more practices and the more games we play, it’s just going to continue to make a great team.”

The linemen will try to fortify an offence with hopes of reaching the Grey Cup, which is to be played at Mosaic Stadium on Nov. 20.

The last time the Riders hosted the Grey Cup was in 2013, when Saskatchewan emerged victorious with a 45-23 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The team’s first step towards repeating that same feat is on Saturday, when Saskatchewan hosts the Tiger-Cats. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 3 p.m.

Rodgers said the Riders are embracing the pressure from trying to live up to that previous victory.

“Pressure is the situation itself. I A lot of people may get scared of it, but I don’t think anyone around here is scared of it. We want it; it’s something we want,” Rodgers said.