The Calgary Stampeders are preparing for their second game of the regular season after a bye week that allowed the sting of their opening loss to linger. The team sits at 0-1 and will face the Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0) on Saturday at McMahon Stadium.
Defence Under Scrutiny
Stampeders defensive leader Damon Webb acknowledged the unit's performance in the season-opening 30-28 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was average at best. When asked to grade the defence, Webb said, "Give it like a C, right? I feel like we did some good things, and I feel like we did some not so good things. But it just all comes with just growing and communicating throughout the week and getting together and just everybody having to be on the same page."
Webb emphasized that a similar effort won't suffice against Trevor Harris and the Roughriders offence. "We'll be better this week, for sure," he added, noting the extra preparation time from the bye week.
Roughriders: A Formidable Opponent
The Roughriders enter the game with momentum after a 31-27 win over the BC Lions. Stampeders running back Dedrick Mills acknowledged the challenge: "Grey Cup champions, man. They're a pretty good team — pretty solid all around, got a great quarterback, great offensive line, great running back, great defence … just overall great."
However, Mills recalled the Stamps' success against Saskatchewan in 2025, sweeping the season series with wins of 24-10 and 32-15. "We've got to come out and be the more physical team, like we did last year against them every game," he said.
Keys to Success
Webb highlighted the importance of communication and preparation. "We've got a whole extra week to get ready for Sask and see the game plan that they have. So now we've got a game plan to set up this week." The defence will need to contain veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, who Webb described as having great pre-snap awareness.
The Stampeders will look to improve their defensive performance and secure their first win of the season when they host the Roughriders on Saturday at 5 p.m. at McMahon Stadium.
