Riders head into ‘Lion’s Den’ in showdown against B.C.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will try to out-roar the Lions in B.C today.

Saskatchewan, with a perfect 4-0 record so far in the 2024 CFL season, will try to claim first place in the west division in a showdown against the 4-1 B.C. Lions. Kickoff for the game at B.C. Place is set for 5 p.m. Sask. time.

While it is an important early season game in the standings, head coach Corey Mace said their goal remains the same as every week – go 1-0.

“We know we have a great opponent in front of us going into the Lion’s Den so it’s going to be another week for us where we have to be on it to give us a shot,” said Mace, who is a product of Port Moody, B.C.

“Every body is up for the challenge. We just have to be sure to prepare.”

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One of the biggest challenges the Riders will have is trying to stop B.C. quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.

The 31-year-old quarterback has thrown for 1,752 yards, 11 touchdowns and just one interception. He is on pace for 6,307 yards this year, which would be the second-most ever thrown during a CFL season (Doug Flutie had 6,619 with the Lions in 1991).

“VA is on it right now. Kudos to him – just watching him throughout his career and the time he has spent over there with (Lions offensive co-ordinator) Jordan Maksymic, they are doing a great job right now throughout the air,” Mace said.

“Even the run game is strong. Just a formidable opponent for us.”

It looks like it could be a good matchup between Adams Jr. and the Riders’ defence, who currently lead the league with 14 forced turnovers. )

“It’s addicting. Once you get one, multiples start to come because it’s the confidence builder,” said Riders defensive back Deontai Williams, who recorded one of four interceptions the Riders’ defence forced last week in a 30-23 win over the Toronto Argonauts.

“Once you get one, your teammate will be like, ‘It’s my turn now.’ That’s the type of guys we have in the defensive backroom – guys that feed off of each other. When one guy gets a turnover, we all feel like we can get a turnover.”

If the Riders’ manage to shut down the air attack, the Lions could rely on a formidable rushing attack as well led by William Stanback. The running back leads the CFL with 311 rushing yards.

But the Riders’ defence has been stout against opposing rushers, only giving up 46 rushing yards per game – the lowest in the CFL.

“You have to just hit him. Make sure you stay on your keys and what you went over in practice and everything will fall into place,” said defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II.

The depth of the Riders’ defensive line will be tested in the game due to injuries. Defensive end Christian Albright and defensive tackle Charbel Dabire are going to be out long-term with ACL injuries. Defensive ends Malik Carney (knee) and Nicholas Dheilly (shoulder) will also miss the game.

“We love (the challenge). It’s an opportunity for a lot of guys and it’s an opportunity for some of us to move around and be in different positions and show our talents so it gives us another challenge to add on the board.”

For the Riders’ offence, it will be Shea Patterson leading the huddle for a second game.

The quarterback earned a win in his first CFL start last week, throwing for 192 yards and a touchdown.

“It didn’t start off the way I wanted it to necessarily but I finished stronger and the defence made a lot of plays to keep us in the game and keep the momentum going so big time kudos to them. They show up every single week,” Patterson said.

Patterson is familiar with what to expect with B.C., having joined them in the 2021 season – his first in the CFL.

“I have a lot of respect for those guys so looking forward to it,” Patterson said.

Patterson will get back on of the team’s top weapons in slotback Shawn Bane Jr., who missed last week’s game due to a personal issue. He will join a receiver room that includes Kian Schaffer-Baker, Sam Emilus, Mitch Picton and Jerreth Sterns.

The Riders rushing attack will also look to continue to build some momentum. While the unit has only averaged 66 yards per game – the third fewest in the league – it has been better in the team’s past two games.