A lot has gone right for the Saskatchewan Roughriders through their first five games as they sit tied atop the CFL’s West Division with a 4-1 record.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas that need improving. High on the list is play of kicker Alex Hale.
Hale missed a wide right on a 35-yard field goal attempt on Saskatchewan’s first drive of their convincing 38-7 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He also failed to cash in an extra point in the fourth quarter.
Sunday’s performance highlighted a relatively slow start to the season for Hale. The CFL rookie has made 10-of-13 field goals and 16-of-18 extra point tries.
With as many missed kicks as games played, it’s not hard to have at least a little concern about Hale. Riders quarterback legend Darian Durant isn’t pushing the panic button just yet, though.
“A lot of times, especially early in the season, it just takes a lot of getting used to the weather, the elements, the pressure of being a kicker in Saskatchewan. All of these things kind of add up,” Durant told Teagan Witko on SportsCage on Monday. “I’m really just waiting to see him in clutch situations – game on the line or, ‘Let’s send the game to overtime; we need this kick.’ Let’s see where his nerves are. I think that’s when you’ll get a bigger picture of type of guy he is. What type of ice does he have in his veins? Can he make the big kick? Can he stand up under pressure?
“Once again, we’re jumping the gun. Let’s give this kid a chance and see what he can do when all the chips are on the table.”
Hale was a talking point after the game, especially since the Riders opted to punt when their second drive of the game was halted at the Hamilton 41-yard line.
Saskatchewan coach Corey Mace attributed the decision to the head wind and put his support behind the 28-year-old Australian freshman.
“Utmost confidence in Alex, man,” Mace said after the win. “He’s been damn good for us. He’s missed a couple kicks, but he’s been good for us.”
Durant feels as though Mace’s public comments in favour of Hale should do him wonders in the weeks ahead.
“That’s what you need,” Durant said. “Coach Mace, as a former player, he understands. He understands the pressure of being a kicker. You only get a few plays a game. It’s not an easy job at all, I keep saying, especially in Saskatchewan, man. The pressure’s just always there.
“Going forward, you have to show the confidence in your kicker because you’re going to need him at some point in time during this season.”
