The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened their CFL preseason with a 20-15 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Monday at McMahon Stadium. While the scoreboard favored the home team, the game offered plenty of intrigue, particularly the debut of rookie quarterback Brayden Schager and the league's new 35-second play clock.
New Rules Speed Up the Game
The CFL's offseason rule changes were on full display. The 35-second clock between plays kept the action moving, and the game was on pace to finish in a brisk two and a half hours. Notably, no single point was awarded on a punt into the end zone, and the halftime intermission was shortened to 180 seconds. However, the final three reverted to the traditional format, with officials placing the ball, which slowed the pace considerably. The league's "God Centre" for video reviews was less intrusive, as promised.
Schager Makes His Case
Brayden Schager, playing his first football game since his college career at Hawaii ended in 2024, was a bright spot for the Roughriders. He completed 10 of 18 passes for 139 yards, rushed five times for 41 yards, and scored a 20-yard touchdown on a broken play. Despite his impressive showing, the team has groomed Jack Coan as the backup to Grey Cup MVP Trevor Harris, but Schager's performance may alter the depth chart.
Quarterback Rotation
The Roughriders used three quarterbacks, leaving Harris at home. Jack Coan played the first half, completing 9 of 15 passes for 98 yards with an interception and showing a slow release. He also ran three times for 22 yards. After his interception, Stamps quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. hit Jalen Philpot for a 70-yard touchdown. Tommy Stevens, the short-yardage specialist, completed 2 of 4 passes for 11 yards and ran twice for five yards.
Looking Ahead
The Roughriders have their final preseason game Saturday at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Coaches will use that game to decide on the fifth starting receiver, evaluate kickers, determine the offensive line composition, and assess a defense that lost seven regulars in the offseason. Due to a scheduling quirk, the team then has a three-week break before opening the regular season at home against the B.C. Lions on June 13.
