The Saskatchewan Roughriders will have their work cut out for them this Sunday, as they face off with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the annual Labour Day Classic. Speaking with Lee Jones for this week’s edition of X’s and O’s, former Roughrider Wes Cates said the Bombers are on the upswing after a decisive 44-28 victory over the Montreal Alouettes. “I still feel like Montreal is the best team, but Winnipeg came with a good approach. I think Zach Collaros isn’t necessarily playing his best ball this year, but the team around them is really ramping things up,” Cates said. “… I feel like if the Winnipeg defence is going to be this problematic for opposing offenses, and if Zach can kind of get back in his groove, this is a really scary team.” Despite the “13th man” homefield advantage, quarterback Trevor Harris is going to need to develop the passing game, as many of the Riders’ more veteran receivers such as Keenan Schaffer Baker, Mathew Sexton and Samuel Emilus remain out with injuries. “They’re using Daniel Wiebe. He’s quick, sudden movements. You know, he’s not a tall receiver, but he seems to find space and definitely have some sort of connection with Trevor. So, I think he’s going to be the guy that gets the most targets,” Cates added. “Now I still feel like guys like [D’Sean] Mimbs and Dhel Duncan-Busby have the ability to be the downfield, big play guys, so I think Trevor will still spread it around a bit.” On the defensive side, the Saskatchewan Roughriders face a double threat with running back Brady Oliveira – and are sure to face a workout as a result. " Brady Oliveira has been kind of amazing. He’s had like a resurgence … and the fact that he’s getting involved in the passing game," Cates explained. “He’s one of those guys that’s like an engine for the team. When he’s having a good game, the O line gets excited, the rest of the team gets excited.” Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is scheduled for 5 p.m. CST. Wes and Lee’s full discussion can be viewed above.
