Riders offence needs quick start against surging Stamps

It’s a year some thought the Calgary Stampeders may falter, but so far that hasn’t been the case.

The top team in the CFL for the last two seasons has continued its streak in the 2018 season with a 5-0 start.

The offence, run by Bo Levi Mitchell, remains potent and the defence has allowed no more than 14 points to be scored against them this season.

Riders head coach Chris Jones commented on the Stampeders success after Friday’s walk-through at Mosaic Stadium.

“Defensively, they’re doing a great job of mixing the plays and mixing man and zone and pressure and certainly the offensively they’re very efficient on first and ten,” Jones said.

“They keep control of the football they continually get in second and short situations and I think that’s probably the biggest key.”

While the green and white were able to overcome it a 10-point deficit did against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last week, they may not be so lucky against Calgary.

According to quarterback Brandon Bridge, the Roughriders will need a quick start and to limit turnovers if they want to have success.

“With a team that doesn’t really make a lot of mistakes, very well disciplined, very well coached by coach Dickenson over there, you can’t really have too many mistakes because they will capitalize on it,” Bridge said.

“The main goal is to protect of the football, extend the drives for the simple fact that we can have their offence off the field as long as possible.”

It’s something the Roughriders had some success at last week.

Bridge had his best game this season in a third quarter that scored 21 points. Through the course of the game, he completed 17 of 22 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown — momentum he’s hoping to build on this week.

“They always start fast, so we have to match their intensity. And since we are at home, we’ll definitely have the home-field advantage so we got to come out here swinging.”

The sold-out crowd is expected to make a big impact for the Roughriders, whose fans are known for being able to cause offside penalties and time count violations with cheers and jeers.

As one of the biggest rivalries in the CFL, the players are expecting a loud and proud fan base Saturday night.

“The fans give us everything we need when we’re out there on the field,” said defensive back Jovon Johnson.

“It just gives us a little bit more to go out there and make them proud.”

The Riders and Stamps take the field at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 5 p.m.

DEPTH CHARTS

Here's a look at this week's depth chart versus the Stamps.

Elam in for Moncrief. Makana Henry back in after being one-gamed last week. pic.twitter.com/VAk7l2928Y

— Arielle Zerr (@arielle_zerr) July 27, 2018

What's the roster going to look like tomorrow vs. the Riders?

Take a look at our position chart ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Eqt2LcHykG

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) July 27, 2018