The Saskatchewan Roughriders are 2-0 to start their Grey Cup title defence, but if Darian Durant is right, Friday night presents a chance to prove something bigger.
After escaping Calgary with a dramatic 40-37 overtime win over the Stampeders, the Roughriders return home to face Toronto in what Durant believes could become an early measuring-stick game for the rest of the CFL.
“It’ll be huge,” Durant said on Double Talk. “It’ll show the grit of this team. It’ll show the depth of this team.”
That statement isn’t only about wins and losses. Durant believes Saskatchewan’s start has already shown character, but he also sees areas that still need tightening if the Roughriders want to separate themselves from the pack.
Against Calgary, the Riders looked dominant at stretches. Trevor Harris continued his strong start to the season, the offence moved the football and Saskatchewan built what looked like a comfortable lead. Then things changed.
Momentum swung after Calgary returned a missed field goal for a touchdown at the end of the first half and the Stampeders clawed their way back before Saskatchewan eventually finished the job in overtime.
For Durant, the biggest takeaway wasn’t necessarily the comeback itself, it was how Saskatchewan responded.
“I just saw the Riders overcome adversity,” Durant said. “It seems to be a common theme. Late in the game, it seems like the Riders let their foot off the gas, let teams back into these games, and then they seem to do whatever they need to do to seal the deal.”
Durant believes those lessons won’t be ignored internally.
“As long as you win, it’s kind of hidden,” he said. “But I think behind closed doors, Coach Mace and this coaching staff are definitely letting these guys know you have to keep your foot on the gas.”
Even with the late-game swings, Durant came away impressed with Saskatchewan’s offence and particularly with Harris.
“When they’re rolling, they’re rolling,” Durant said. “Trevor is looking like he’s just young Trevor right now.”
Durant pointed to Harris’ command at the line of scrimmage, his willingness to challenge tight windows and the chemistry he has developed with his receiving group. He said the veteran quarterback is playing with confidence and looks comfortable attacking the middle of the field again. That confidence will be tested Friday.
Toronto arrives with one of the league’s most explosive offences and quarterback Chad Kelly, who Durant doesn’t expect to change his aggressive style despite throwing four interceptions in his last outing. Toronto still scored 44 points in that game. That becomes even more important considering Saskatchewan enters the week managing injuries in the secondary.
Durant called this one of those moments where roster construction starts to matter.
“This is where your GM, your scouts, everyone gets paid the big bucks,” Durant said.
The former Riders quarterback believes Saskatchewan’s depth and defensive adjustments will face a major challenge against an offence built to create explosive plays.
A win would also reinforce what has quietly become one of the early-season storylines across the CFL: the balance of power may not be as clear as expected. Edmonton is off to a surprising 2-0 start, something Durant called good for both the franchise and the league overall. He credited quarterback Cody Fajardo for bringing leadership and stability while praising Justin Rankin’s ability to make plays regardless of conditions.
In Hamilton, Durant pointed to head coach Scott Milanovich as a major reason Bo Levi Mitchell appears to be playing at an MOP level again.
Meanwhile, he isn’t ready to panic over B.C.’s slow start, believing injuries have played a major role and expecting Nathan Rourke and the Lions to rebound as the season progresses.
But while several teams across the league are still searching for identity, Durant sees Saskatchewan with a different opportunity. Beating two West Division opponents to open the year got attention. Knocking off Toronto, especially with injuries mounting and expectations rising, would send a stronger message.
“You want to let teams know that you’ve let that Grey Cup memory go and you’re focused on this year,” Durant said. “So hopefully these injuries won’t come back to haunt the Riders. We’ll see this week.”
Friday may not define the season. But according to Darian Durant, it could define how the rest of the CFL views the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
