By Jamie Nye

Bombers showing Roughriders the blue print

Aug 2, 2011 | 5:12 PM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive line won't say they're licking their chops but after the B.C. Lions gave up seven sacks last week to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers the opportunity knocks for a break out game for the front four.

The Roughriders have just seven sacks through the entire five weeks of the season. Four of those are from their linebackers, with Barrin Simpson leading the way with three.

The defensive line's production hasn't been up to the standard set by the coaching staff at the start of the season.

“We're still looking for that ability to have a consistent pass rush when we only rush four guys but I think the guys have made a lot of progress and I think they've gotten a lot better at working together,” said Head Coach Greg Marshall after Tuesday's practice at Mosaic Stadium.

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While the Blue Bombers were able to get to B.C. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay quite regularly last week, Luc Mullinder is hesitant to say his fellow linemen feel the Lions struggles have them feeling a big night is coming on Friday, “Yes and no, you know what I mean. Yes, we know they're just coming off a rough game but also they are coming off a rough game they're not going to go into their practice week saying, 'we suck,' they're going to try to get better just as much as we're trying to get better.”

Mullinder has one sack on the year and knows that won't be good enough to succeed.

“Pressure on the quarterback is a premium so that's what we have to do. I think with enough effort and enough concentration we're slowing going to go uphill and I think we've started the ascent.”

The Roughriders had their most productive day in last week's loss to Calgary as Jerrell Freeman, Barrin Simpson and Keith Shologan were able to sack Henry Burris, and they had Burris in their grasp several other times as well.

Keeping up with the Willises

Mullinder's single sack this season is one higher than newcomer Remond Willis. Willis has now suited up in four games for the Roughriders after being signed following his release from the Bombers.

His cousin, Odell, now leads the league in sacks with seven and the younger cousin would like to be able to have family rule in the sack category, “I got to get on my game, I got to catch-up with him real fast. I've got 13 games left and I think I can get there though.”

Willis says his cousin and his Bomber teammates showed him what it will take this week to get to Travis Lulay.

“Their motor was going and I didn't see a d-linemen take a play off the whole game so I mean, I guess we have to be like them and keep our motor up.”

News and Notes

Wes Cates missed his second practice this week with an undisclosed injury. The running back has not practiced with the team since suffering an injury against Montreal a week and a half ago. Receiver James Robinson got more reps than usual in the receiving corps for the Roughriders as he rotated in and out with Jason Clermont.

Kicker Luca Congi had an impressive day for his first full practice with the team. He hit a couple of field goals from beyond 40-yards and says he will be ready after he's done his time on the nine-game injured list. Eddie Johnson did not kick for the second straight day and Chris Milo handled most of the kicking duties. Quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie continues to give the coaches a look at kicker if needed as he knocked one in from 45-yards out.

Linebacker Jerrell Freeman practiced without pads.

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