The answers to these questions could very well dictate whether or not Saskatchewan has success this season.
Whether it was a crucial move or not, Maurice Lloyd was undoubtedly a huge part of the Riders defense last season. He was widely considered to be the second choice behind Cameron Wake to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Mackenzie was not as flashy as Maurice Lloyd, but he was also just as successful.
The Riders believe they have found their replacement linebackers in Renauld Williamns, Sam Olajabuto and Tad Kornegay, but these players are all unproven.
And, whether it be Durant, Jyles, or Bell who starts for the Riders, all three will have to prove they can be consistent starters. Dalton Bell hasn’t played in the CFL, Steven Jyles has been inconsistent, and Durant has only played a few games.
And then there’s the Gary Etchevarry. He likely has the smarts to be a defensive coordinator, but he has no where near the experience of a Richie Hall.
Summary
When all is said and done, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have a very talented roster.
Despite a few turnovers, the roster that helped the Riders start 6-0 last season is in tact.
Andy Fantuz and Weston Dressler look better than ever in training camp and will likely help ignite a potent Roughriders offense. Wes Cates should continue to be one of the most dominant running backs in the CFL.
If one of Saskatchewan’s quarterbacks pan out for them this season, they could have one of the better offense’s in the league.
On defense, the Riders always seem to step it up and a new defensive coordinator will likely not affect it that much.
Once again their success on defense could depend on whether some new players step up.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders already are facing a lot of adversity going into the season, and they are once again being labelled as underdogs.
This shouldn’t bother the team as they’ve bore this label for the past several seasons. If anything, the team seems to embrace their role as underdogs.
With what appears to be a solid mood in the locker room, Saskatchewan should pose a challenge to any team in the West this season.
My Prediction: 9 to 12 wins, a second place finish in the West with a potential for first.
Outstanding Player of the Year: Wes Cates
Defensive Player of the Year: Sean Lucas
Canadian of the Year: Andy Fantuz
Lineman of the Year: Gene Makowsky
Special Teams Player of the Year: Luca Congi
Rookie of the Year: Joe Sykes
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for the West team previews.
Past Previews:
East
West
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