By Jamie Nye

Roughriders missing the big play

Aug 2, 2011 | 6:34 AM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders were inches away from the big play on several occasions during Saturday night's loss to the Calgary Stampeders.

And when you're trying to find the difference between the success of the Roughriders from a year ago to the 1-4 team that's started the regular season the big plays are noticeably lacking.

Offensive Coordinator Doug Berry was as curious to find the numbers and offered them up to the media when the Roughriders started the work week on Monday, noting the offense had 44 big plays (passes over 20-yards and runs over 15-yards) in the first five weeks of 2010 to just 22 through the same time this season.

So what's the difference?

“We don't go into the huddle and say 'big play on one'. The players make (the play),” Berry stated.

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Time to step up

Berry's statment to his offense was it's time for the players to take it upon themselves to step up and make those plays. He cited several plays where a 30-yard gain was negated by a dropped pass or quarterback Darian Durant being just inches away from hitting a receiver for a play.

The big play that can be the difference to punting the football or getting into scoring position is having an obvious impact on the scoreboard. The Roughriders have scored 101 points in their first five games this season compared to 172 last year in that span.

“When there's an opportunity for a big play we have to be making more than what we're making right now and that can even come in the pass protection. If we need an extra third of a second (of blocking) we need to have that and I think as we start executing at a higher level the big plays start coming.”

Not just the offense

The lack of a big play is not only lacking on offense. The Roughriders defence has also been unable to provide a big game changing play for the team so far this season.

“It would be nice if we could create some turnovers with a little bit more regularity and work with some short fields to help out the offense just like it's important for the offense when we get backed up to move the ball off our goal line so the defence doesn't play against a short field,” said Head Coach Greg Marshall.

The defence is also just missing a big play. Tristan Jackson levelled Stampeders receiver Romby Bryant late in Saturday's loss. A hit like that would usually knock the ball loose and could have put the Roughriders is scoring position with under a minute to go. Instead, Bryant was able to hold on to the ball, get the first down and allow Calgary to kill 40 critical seconds.

The Roughriders will look to turn the tide against the B.C. Lions, who gave up seven big plays to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in their week five loss.

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