Roughriders outlast Eskimos 24-17, stay in West, but will need a better passing attack to go on

Thanks to the B.C. Lions' loss to Calgary Friday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' playoff destiny was in their own control Saturday against Edmonton. A win would give them third place in the West, while a loss would send them to Montreal in the crossover berth. The Roughriders started out strong, putting up a 16-4 lead by the half, and they survived a fourth-quarter Eskimos' comeback to hang on for a 24-17 victory. That win means Saskatchewan stays in the West and will face Edmonton again in the West semi-final on Nov. 16.

The biggest question for the Roughriders going forward is about the health of quarterback Darian Durant, and Saturday's game emphasized just how important his potential return may be. Saskatchewan starter Kerry Joseph completed just five of 16 passes (31 per cent) for 71 yards, which isn't going to get it done in the postseason. Tino Sunseri looked better in relief, completing both of his two pass attempts for 59 yards, but he hasn't been as effective as Joseph on the year, and Seth Doege completed just one of three passes for 12 yards. If Durant isn't 100 per cent by the playoffs, this team's passing offence may be in trouble.

Of course, the Riders do have other things going for them, and that's why they were able to pull off the win Saturday. Their ground game was strong, with Anthony Allen collecting 81 yards on 11 carries and Steven Miller adding 71 on 11; Joseph also ran twice for 23 yards and a touchdown, and wide receiver Korey Williams added an 18-yard run for another touchdown. If that rushing performance can continue, they may be a playoff threat even if the aerial attack doesn't click into gear.

Saskatchewan's defence also had a very strong game against the Eskimos. They picked off Edmonton starter Matt Nichols (normal starter Mike Reilly was rested this week) twice and held him to 261 passing yards, and they also contained Edmonton's rushing attack, with Tyler Thomas collecting just 66 rushing yards on the night. Tyron Brackenridge and Woodny Turenne each had a pick, and Macho Harris led the way with eight tackles. The Riders could use more from their pass rush (typically very good this season), as they didn't notch a sack all night, but this team did get a lot from its defence, and it can reasonably expect to do so going forward. The question is if that will be enough if their passing attack doesn't improve.