Darrell Davis: Positive about the Riders

Why can’t you be positive about the Saskatchewan Roughriders?

I’m a Negative Nelly, a Debbie Downer who gets asked that all the time. I’ve been covering the Riders as a reporter or commentator for 32 years. Seen some ups, some downs. And I’m positive the Riders are 3-4, on a two-game losing streak and enjoying a bye during the most telltale part of their CFL season.  I can’t be sure about much else.

Are they a good team? Can’t say for sure. Their defence is outstanding, but their offence isn’t prolific enough to put them among the contenders.

I can’t understand some of the things that happen. How can a large coaching staff make such a silly lineup mistake that cost them a player during Thursday’s 26-19 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos? Why can’t they score one-yard touchdowns? Why did Duron Carter play defence for so long? Why can’t they find more defensive backs and offensive linemen?

The Riders’ offence is built around quarterback Zach Collaros, who just returned after missing four games with a concussion. They’re better when he’s playing. Positively.