By Joel Gasson

Corey Chamblin remains on message

Oct 30, 2012 | 3:38 PM

Corey Chamblin is sticking to the script he's used all year.

While the questions are different, and so are the answers. It's all about tone and message when it comes to the Riders head coach. When this team has done well, Chamblin hasn't been afraid to challenge his team to be even better, especially the defense. When the team is struggling, Chamblin generally remains very positive with the media, and in public. This week is no different, even with the final game of the regular season and the playoffs looming.

The Riders don't return to practice until Wednesday for that regular season finale against the Lions, but Chamblin took some time out of his day on Tuesday to speak to the media. The slump certainly dominated the conversation.

“We've had these conversations before, after the five game losing streak, you thought it would be a 15 game losing streak,” said Chamblin. “I think at any given time you can win or lose a football game. I think we put all the key pieces in place, and when the timing is right, we'll win those games.”

The general thought around Rider Nation right now is that this team needs to win against the B.C. Lions in order to build some momentum heading into the playoffs. While it certainly wouldn't hurt, Chamblin thinks that everyone maybe reads a little to much into streaks, one way or the other.

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“Because if that was the case, we'd know how to win them or lose them,” he said. “You can win a Grey Cup as a 8-10 team, a 9-9 team. You can lose as a 14-4 team. You just have to be playing your best ball when you need to be.”

You don't need to look far for teams that have struggled down the stretch and still made it to the Grey Cup. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers didn't amount to much after Labour Day, especially compared to their start. The Riders have also had mixed results, both good and bad, with different endings in the playoffs too. So really, you have to wonder who much a win or a loss means heading into the second season, or even just the next regular season game.

The explanation for the Riders ups and downs this year could be placed on the fact that this is a young team, and a young team that hasn't played together before. So there are times when they put it all together and look like world beaters…other times, not so much.

“New guys learning how to play together, and be a part of something,” said Chamblin.

No satisfaction

Chamblin was also asked about the league deciding to suspend the Argos Brandon Isaac for his head-to-head hit late on Darian Durant on Saturday. He didn't have much to say about it.

“I don't get any satisfaction out of a guy being suspended, not getting suspended, my biggest thing is I got to be concerned about winning games,” said Chamblin.

As for if the league did enough to protect Durant after the hit, Chamblin suggested that the league doesn't play the game, adding that protecting a quarterback is more about the team doing the right things.

Speaking of protecting the QB

There is a chance that Durant might not play Saturday against the B.C. Lions.

While Chamblin wouldn't come right out and say it, he said there's a chance he might not, and for a variety of reasons.

“It could be medical, it could be physical, there's a lot of reasons he might not play,” said Chamblin, who added it could be a philosophical decision to sit Durant as well.

Chamblin also admitted that Durant was only supposed to play a half against Toronto, but they changed their minds.

Injury report

Doesn't seem like anything major came out of that game for the Riders injury wise.

Defensive lineman Jay Alford didn't play because of some bruising, as Chamblin described it. He could play on Saturday, they'll be making some decisions on other players who are a little banged up too.

Taking it indoors

It appears Chamblin doesn't want to mess around with the elements this week.

A new practice schedule was released after Chamblin met with the media, and practices this week have been moved indoors to the Credit Union Eventplex, presumably because this weekend's game is also indoors at BC Place.

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