Coming into the game, the Riders have only surrendered 48 rushing yards per game — the lowest mark in CFL history. The current record is held by the Calgary Stampeders, who only surrendered 57.3 yards per game in the 1995 season.
Kickoff for the game against the Elks is Saturday at 5 p.m.
“We will talk about it when it’s all done … our scout team gives us excellent looks and our coaches do a great job making sure we are detailed-oriented in drawing up and designing the looks for our look team,” Mace said.
“It’s a full meal deal to even accomplish that. We are pleased with it thus far but it doesn’t mean nothing unless you do it and prove it every week.”
The Riders will have to prove it this week without one of their top defensive players. Defensive tackle Anthony Lanier II has been put onto the six-game injured list with a knee injury. The 31-year-old defender has two sacks and a forced fumble in seven games this season.
That means more work for Caleb Sanders — a second-year CFLer who has played in three previous games.
Sanders has appeared in two contests this season, recording a sack in Week 7 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“It’s been a lot of fun. It’s been a good experience to get into games and show what I can do,” Sanders said.
This week, the Elks will feature one of the most athletic backfields in the league with not only dynamic quarterback Tre Ford starting his first game of the season, but Javon Leake will start for the injured Kevin Brown.
Leake has proven to be a dynamic player in his own right, being named the CFL’s most outstanding special teams player in 2023 with the Toronto Argonauts.
“That’s quite the backfield as far as elite athletes,” said Mace, who was the Argos defensive co-ordinator in 2023.
“(Leake) has gotten the ball on offence quite a bit more than his time in Toronto and he is doing a lot of good things for him and he is holding up in protection as well.”
Ajou Ajou will start his first game of the season, usually coming in off of the bench. National safety Kosi Onyeka also comes onto the game day roster due to the retirement of national defensive end Nic Dheilly.
Left tackle Brandon Council will start his first game of the season due to a hamstring injury to Jacob Brammer.
Running back Frankie Hickson will start in his second straight game as A.J. Ouellette deals with a hip injury. Hickson ran for 117 yards and a touchdown in the team’s 20-16 loss to the Montreal Alouettes last week.
The Elks' Tre Ford and the Challenge of Saskatchewan's Defence
The Edmonton Elks are set for a formidable challenge in Week 9 of the CFL season. Tre Ford, the Elks' quarterback, will be making his first start of the season against a Saskatchewan Roughriders defence renowned for its dominant rushing defence. Ford's mobility and dynamism will be put to the test against a unit that has surrendered the fewest rushing yards in CFL history. The Riders have stifled opposing running backs to an average of just 48 yards per game, a feat unmatched in the league's history.
How the Riders' Defence Stacks Up
While the Riders are on pace to set a historic record for their rushing defence, head coach Corey Mace isn't getting ahead of himself. He emphasizes that the team's success isn't guaranteed until the season concludes. However, the Riders' defensive dominance is undeniable. They have achieved this remarkable feat with a well-coordinated defensive scheme and a solid understanding of the opposing offences. The team's commitment to detail has been crucial in their ability to contain opposing running backs and limit their effectiveness.
Key Defensive Players and Injuries
The Riders are facing a key absence in their defence this week. Anthony Lanier II, a key defensive tackle, has been placed on the six-game injured list with a knee injury. Lanier’s absence will be a significant loss for the Riders, as he has been a force on the defensive line, recording two sacks and a forced fumble this season. However, the Riders are confident in Caleb Sanders, a second-year player who has proven his worth in limited opportunities.
The Elks' Counteroffensive
The Edmonton Elks are not simply walking into this game blindly. They have a dynamic duo in the backfield, with Tre Ford, a dual-threat quarterback, making his first start of the season, and Javon Leake, a dynamic running back. Leake has proven his abilities as a dynamic player, earning the title of the CFL’s most outstanding special teams player in 2023 while playing for the Toronto Argonauts. This dynamic duo will be looking to exploit the Riders' defensive weaknesses and challenge their dominance.
A Clash of Styles
The matchup between the Edmonton Elks and Saskatchewan Roughriders promises to be an intriguing battle of styles. The Riders’ dominant rushing defence will attempt to shut down the Elks’ potent backfield, while the Elks will try to exploit the Riders’ susceptibility to the pass. The outcome of the game will likely hinge on the effectiveness of the Elks’ offence and their ability to overcome the challenge of facing a historic rushing defence.
More Than Just a Rushing Defence
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have been remarkable in their ability to contain opposing running backs. But their defence is much more than just a strong rushing defence. The Riders' defence also boasts a solid secondary that can effectively limit the opposing team's passing game. With the Riders' defence proving to be a well-rounded unit, the Elks will face a tough task in finding success on offence.
A Test for Tre Ford
This game is a test of Tre Ford's ability to overcome adversity and lead his team to victory. With the Elks' offense seeking to establish a balanced attack, Ford's performance will be crucial. He will need to showcase his athleticism and accuracy against a highly-motivated Riders defence. If he can effectively manage the game and exploit the Riders' vulnerabilities, the Elks have a fighting chance to pull off an upset. This game will be a true test for Ford and a chance for him to make a statement on the CFL stage.
