The Calgary Stampeders suffered a tough blow in their recent matchup against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, leaving fans and players alike disappointed. The Stamps’ 29-17 loss on Saturday night served as a wakeup call, highlighting several areas of concern for the team as they inch closer to the season’s midpoint.
Calgary’s offense struggled to find any rhythm throughout the game. Quarterback Jake Maier was under constant pressure from Saskatchewan’s defense, managing only 215 passing yards and one touchdown. The Stampeders’ ground game was nearly nonexistent, with running back Dedrick Mills being held to just 42 yards on 13 carries. Despite a few glimpses of offensive potential, the team failed to capitalize on critical moments, including a turnover inside Saskatchewan’s red zone late in the third quarter that could have shifted momentum.
Defensively, the Stampeders had no answer for Roughriders’ quarterback Mason Fine, who picked apart their secondary with ease. Calgary’s inability to generate a consistent pass rush gave Fine ample time to connect with his receivers, racking up 290 passing yards and two touchdowns. Missed tackles and blown coverage only compounded the issues for the Stamps.
Head coach Dave Dickenson did not mince words after the game. “This was a tough one. We didn’t execute the way we needed to. There’s no sugarcoating it—this was a wakeup call for all of us,” he said.
As the Stampeders prepare for their next game, there is a growing sense of urgency to right the ship. With the playoff race tightening, Calgary will need to address its offensive inconsistencies and defensive lapses if they hope to remain competitive in the Canadian Football League (CFL) West Division.
