The Riders somehow managed to hang on to a 28-24 win over the visiting BC Lions Friday, in the regular season opener. Although this game resembled more mistakes than Grade 1 spelling test.
15 turnovers. Even two on the same play after a blocked punt was promptly coughed up. It was more of "you take it, I got it, its yours" than anything.
The Riders did show flashes on offence and Darian Durant had moments that made you believe. His first incompletion was certainly one of those. After being flushed from the pocket and having his first read covered, Durant heaved the ball long for Jason Clermont. The ball fell incomplete, but the pass was thrown in a manner that it was either Clermont or nobody. Good decision.
However, Durant did fumble twice, get picked three times and got stuffed on a third and inches...Still work to be done, but after the game his comments summed it up, "The win is all that matters." True that.
The defence sparkled, although there still have to be questions about how they will stop the run. Tad Kornegay was flying around the field, but on at least three occasions he was bulled over by a BC running back or QB. Tackling needs to be sharper.
However, the D did spend more time in the backfield last night than maybe all last season. Lions QB Buck Pierce was under constant pressure and was sacked, get this 9 times. The Green & White only had 28 all of last year. WOW!
Omarr Morgan was terrific. Two picks, and a hustle play that resulted in a fumble recovery! The vet totally led by example and showed that nobody should question or challenge him on the corner.
Jason Clermont had a quiet night, although the crowd did come to its feet with a noisy ovation after he made his one and only catch for 9 yards. It appears that just a little more time is needed for he and Durant to be on the same page, but when they click, it'll present Double D with just another sure handed guy to get the ball too. Weston Dressler proved there is no sophmore jinx here and Andy Fantuz looked every bit the All-Canadian. Three great hands guys, all Durant has to do is get them the ball.
So, in the end it was quantity over quality as the Riders pick up the 2 points, even if it looked like one of the ugly step-sisters.
Check out Global sports at 6 & 11 today to see a full wrap of the game. Tomorrow I'll have a story with Commish Mark Cohon.
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