By Jamie Nye

‘Angry’ Roughriders heading to Hamilton

Jul 14, 2011 | 5:38 PM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are heading to Hamilton carrying a bit of frustration after a 0-2 start to the season. The urgency is obvious as the Roughriders go into Hamilton fighting to show the CFL the Riders are still one of the top teams in the league.

A 0-3 start to season would be unacceptable, for a team who's been in the Grey Cup three of the last four seasons.

“It'll be hell in (Regina) if we come back here and we're not victorious,” stated defensive back Lance Frazier before the team flew to Hamilton Thursday afternoon.

Motivation won't be an issue

Frazier also used the word 'angry' when describing the Roughriders mindset as they prepare to take on one of the other winless teams in the league. There is a lot of negative energy around Mosaic Stadium but it's something the team thinks they can spin into positive motivation.

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“Any type of motivation right now is good motivation so whatever it is, whatever it takes to get you ready just bring that to your game and hopefully we put a good product on the field.”

Head Coach Greg Marshall is hoping the team's frustration doesn't make them play tight.

“You want them to be on edge because you don't want them to be content obviously with the way we played the last two weeks. I don't think anybody in that locker room is and I don't think any of the coaching staff is so we're going to channel that into positive emotions. You don't want them to become tight and pressing and 'squeezing their sticks' you know, you just want them to go out and play fast and try to make plays.”

Travel plans

The Roughriders may be a little more ornery after a long travel day to Hamilton. The team will go west before they head east but they're travelling a day earlier than usual for their first of two games in the Eastern time zone.

“We felt it was important to get there tonight and hopefully get a good nights rest, instead of having to get up tomorrow at four o'clock in the morning.”

News and Notes

All-star safety James Patrick is likely out for Saturday's game. Patrick is battling an ankle injury and missed last week's game against Montreal. Lance Frazier (knee) and Chris Getzlaf (hamstring) are both expected to suit up in Hamilton after getting dinged up last week.

news@panow.com