Unified drivers before the rematch with Stamps | The Canadian News

REGINA – Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo believes that something good can come out of something bad.

Following last week’s 23-17 loss to the Stampeders in Calgary, Fajardo expressed frustration in his receiving corps and a perceived lack of commitment to winning 50-50 deep passing battles. It was an unusual outburst for Farjado, who apologized for his comments after practice Tuesday.

He also spoke to his teammates about his actions and now believes they are on the same page again in the future.

“I think it actually brought us closer together,” Fajardo said during Friday’s media availability. “Sometimes when you fight someone, you get a little closer and we personally had our best day of offensive practice two days ago.

“We are excited to get out there and play the team we lost to last week.”

Despite all the distractions and noise surrounding the Riders this past week, Fajardo wants his teammates and fans to understand that he is not as bad as he seems.

“We are second in the West, we are a 5-3 soccer team and that’s what I told the guys this week, that with all the madness that happened outside of soccer, with the media, the things that I said. It’s not that we are the worst team in the CFL. We are still second in the West. We are not a bad soccer team, ”said Fajardo, who was 25-of-44 for 269 yards in the loss.

“We just don’t show up, we don’t play well. Starting with me, I didn’t play well enough. “

The Stampeders walked out the door last week, opening up an early 14-0 lead that resulted in the Riders having to alter their game plan in an effort to catch up.

Saskatchewan mounted a comeback in the second half, but fell short when Fajardo was intercepted on a pass from Hail Mary on the final play of the game.

Defensive back Raheem Wilson believes the Stampeders defense is not getting enough recognition.

“I think we are probably the most underrated defense in the league right now because of our record,” Wilson said Wednesday. “I don’t blame anyone, with winning comes respect. We just hope to keep proving everyone wrong.

“We started slow, but people can guarantee that we will get there now.”

Since 2018, the Riders are 8-2 in games after a loss. Head coach Craig Dickenson said there is a simple explanation for that success.

“We have a resilient group,” Dickenson said. “I think we have a group that has a lot of pride. Every time you get hit, you have a tendency to look in the mirror as a coach and as a player. That is part of it. The truth is that we have had good teams. We have been good. We have not been the best, but we have been good and generally good teams find a way to recover. I hope we can do it this week. “

During Friday’s press call, Dickenson was asked about Calgary’s fast start last week. He responded by saying that all teams want a fast start in every game.

“They want to start fast and get the crowd out. We want to start fast and keep the crowd interested and engaged, ”Dickenson said.

The Riders have a change in their receiving corps this week with Justin McInnis replacing Mitchell Picton at wide receiver.

With Picton dealing with an ankle injury and McInnis performing well in practice for the past few weeks, Dickenson decided to make the switch.

Additional changes will come in the coming weeks as Shaq Evans gets closer to returning from a broken foot, while the recently signed Duke Williams could be activated after the bye week for the Oct. 23 game in Calgary.

CALGARY STAMPERS (3-5) AT SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (5-3)

Saturday, Mosaic Stadium

IT WILL BE OR WILL IT NOT BE: Stampeders running back Ka’Deem Carey will be a game-time decision. Carey, who is dealing with a back problem, has gained 443 yards on 86 carries this season, scoring four touchdowns. If Carey cannot play, Roc Thomas will start.

STAMPERS LIKE REGINA: Since 2011, the Stampeders are 6-1 in Saskatchewan, including a 3-1 record at Mosaic Stadium.

BO LEVI CLIMBING THE LADDER: Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is currently ranked 18th on the CFL’s passing yards list. He’s closing in on No. 17 Tom Burgess (30,308 yards) and No. 16 Sam Etcheverry (30,381 yards). Anthony Calvillo holds the CFL record with 79,816 yards. Mitchell is also closing in on the Calgary franchise record for the most passing yards in his career. Mitchell is currently second with 29,109 yards. Henry Burris tops the list with 32,191 yards.

This Canadian Press report was first published on October 8, 2021.