Riders defence forgets how to count

Saskatchewan’s defence was getting shredded by Matt Nichols (career-high four touchdown passes) in the final three quarters on Saturday night, and it didn’t help matters that the unit busted coverages too.

In the third quarter, just after Weston Dressler had scored a career-long 87-yard go-ahead touchdown, Winnipeg got the ball back on the ensuing kick-off when Greg Morris fumbled the ball away to the Bombers.

On the next offensive snap, Dressler lined up as the inside slotback to the wide side of the field.

The 32-year-old pass catcher, who Chris Jones released in January 2016, was left all alone for an easy, pitch-and-catch nine-yard major. The Riders had two defensive backs to cover three receivers. That math clearly does not favour the defence.

Dressler made six grabs for 124 yards – his first 100-yard effort since the Banjo Bowl last year – and two touchdowns, which adds to the damage he’s done against his former club. In total, Dressler has 20 receptions for 336 yards in three career meetings – all wins – when facing the green and white. So he’s a player that should be accounted for when the Riders line-up.