The RedBlacks are being forced to start Ryan Lindley against the Riders Friday because of injuries to the more experienced Trevor Harris and Drew Tate.
While Lindley has an impressive football resume, he was not been able to complete more than 50 per cent of his passes in either of his two appearances this season.
However, Ottawa does have an impressive stable of receivers. Greg Ellingson leads the league in receiving with more than 1,100 yards, while Brad Sinopoli is sixth. That won’t help unless Lindley can get those pass catchers the football.
Despite losing to Calgary, the Riders can take satisfaction in the fact they did not allow the Stampeders to score a touchdown last week.
The play of Saskatchewan’s secondary has been well documented. The DB group is led by Ed Gainey who has a league leading eight interceptions this season.
If Willie Jefferson and the rest of the interior can dominate a beat-up Ottawa offensive line — and get to an inexperienced quarterback — Saskatchewan should return to the win column in the nation’s capital.