Together they stand.
The Edmonton Eskimos' offensive line not only stood together in the face of perhaps their biggest challenge of the season, they stood tall.
For the second time in as many meetings this season, they held the Saskatchewan Roughriders to just one sack per game -- well under the 2.5 they have been averaging this year.
LEAGUE LEADERS
And when you're facing the league's co-sack leaders in defensive ends Stevie Baggs and John Chick, it's no small task.
"When we hold a defence at one sack we were able to do what we did on them," said Eskimos offensive tackle Joe McGrath. "You could just tell by their resume, by the stats they've put up this year with turnovers and sacks, I mean, Chick and Baggs both have eight sacks, they lead the league."
But so, too, does Ricky Ray in the West Division's passing department after starting out last week a perfect 20-for-20 -- a feat he wouldn't have been able to do with just any offensive line.
"We pride ourselves as an offensive line to give him as much time as he needs to throw the ball and open up the holes for Arkee (Whitlock)," McGrath said, who along with offensive guard Patrick Kabongo showed character in chasing after Omarr Morgan's 108-yard fumble return.
"You never know what's going to happen in football. No matter what the play is, we give as much effort as we can and we have that never-quit, never-die attitude on the offensive line. That's how it portrays not only our O-line but the Eskimos as a whole."
Head coach Richie Hall said at the beginning of the season that the team will go as far as its offensive line.
"If we're able to control the line of scrimmage, it gives our skill people an opportunity to showcase their ability and it gives Ricky Ray an opportunity to throw the football," he said.
PAST SUCCESS
"It gives us an opportunity to run the football because in the two times we've played them, I think we've had some success against their defence whether it's run or pass. But it all starts with that front because if we don't have the protection and aggressiveness as far as run blocking, it doesn't give the other guys an opportunity to perform."
If the Roughriders change things up with more aggressive play calls in Saturday's rematch, Hall welcomes their decision.
"They have a good pressure package and they've done successful things but any time you bring pressure there's that other end," said Hall. "Ricky's playing very well right now. I think our offence is doing a real good job as far as protecting so there's that risk factor."
IN AND OUT: RB Calvin McCarty (hamstring) was back on the sidelines at yesterday's practice, while LB Mark Restelli (shoulder), and DT Dario Romero (dehydration) participated in drills. LB Rod Davis (shoulder) didn't participate while WR Maurice Mann and DB Kelly Malveaux had limited participation. KR Tristan Jackson, who sat out last Sunday's game was back to taking some reps yesterday on special teams. DE Kai Ellis appeared to have hurt his knee during practice and was icing it on the sidelines.
GERRY.MODDEJONGE@SUNMEDIA.CA
