2016 Saskatchewan Roughriders season
2016 Saskatchewan Roughriders Season Overview
The 2016 season marked the 59th year of competition for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and their 107th season overall. Following a disappointing 3–15 record in the previous year, the Roughriders aimed to better their performance but ultimately finished with a record of 5–13, placing them fifth in the West Division. This season was significant not only for its ups and downs on the field but also for its historical context, as it was the final year the team played at Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field before moving to a new venue in 2017.
Offseason Developments
In preparation for the 2016 season, the Roughriders made a series of strategic changes during the offseason, starting with a change in leadership. On December 7, 2015, Chris Jones was hired as head coach and general manager. Jones had recently led the Edmonton Eskimos to victory in the 103rd Grey Cup, bringing a wealth of experience to the organization. His hiring was part of an effort to revitalize a struggling franchise that had suffered through a lackluster previous season.
Jones’s first major responsibility was the 2016 CFL Draft, which took place on May 10. The Roughriders held seven selections, including the coveted first overall pick due to their poor performance in 2015. This draft was expected to be pivotal in reshaping the team’s roster and addressing key areas of need.
Key Roster Changes
The offseason also involved significant roster changes as part of Jones’ strategy to create a competitive team. In December 2015 alone, the Roughriders cut 19 players, including notable veterans such as Tyron Brackenridge and Taj Smith. This move drew criticism from fans, particularly concerning Weston Dressler and John Chick, two fan favorites who were released in January after having signed contract extensions just months prior. Their departures were seen as necessary sacrifices to free up salary cap space for new acquisitions.
As free agency approached, the Roughriders were active in reshaping their lineup. They re-signed key players like Spencer Moore and Rob Bagg while also adding new talent including receivers John Chiles and Jeremy Kelley, running back Curtis Steele, and various defensive players. Notably, they acquired Bruce Campbell from the Argonauts and Tevaughn Campbell from the Stampeders through trades.
Rebranding Efforts
In addition to roster changes, the offseason saw an update to the team’s branding. On March 23, 2016, the Roughriders unveiled a revised version of their logo that had been in use since 1985. This rebranding coincided with their “Farewell Season” campaign at Mosaic Stadium, featuring tributes and commemorative merchandise celebrating their long history at this iconic venue.
Pre-Season Preparations
The Roughriders held their training camp at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon beginning on May 29. This location had become a familiar setting for players and fans alike over recent years as it provided an opportunity for community engagement while preparing for the competitive season ahead. The pre-season games served as critical opportunities for evaluating player performances and solidifying roster decisions.
This season also marked a poignant farewell to Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, where the team had played since its inception over a century ago. The new Mosaic Stadium was under construction throughout this season and was slated for completion by late 2016. The emotional significance of leaving an iconic home field added an extra layer of motivation for players and coaching staff alike as they embarked on what would be their final campaign at Taylor Field.
Regular Season Performance
The regular season began amid high hopes but quickly turned into another challenging year for the Roughriders. Despite improvements over their previous record, finishing with five wins against thirteen losses meant that they once again fell short of playoff contention. The pivotal moment came on October 10 when they were officially eliminated from post-season play after a loss by Montreal Alouettes against Edmonton Eskimos.
Season Highlights
Throughout the season, there were moments of excitement and promise amid struggles on both sides of the ball. The team managed to secure four victories before reaching their mid-season low point where playoff hopes began to fade rapidly. Notable performances from key players kept spirits somewhat high among fans and analysts who observed incremental improvements compared to previous seasons.
Key Games
The Roughriders faced various challenges throughout their schedule but managed to secure memorable victories that showcased their potential. Each win offered glimpses of progress under Coach Chris Jones’s leadership as new strategies began taking effect on-field execution.
Conclusion: A Season of Change
The 2016 Saskatchewan Roughriders season encapsulated a period of significant transition filled with both challenges and renewed hope for improvement. Under new leadership and amidst an evolving roster, fans witnessed an organization striving to reclaim its stature within Canadian football while simultaneously preparing for a historic shift into a new stadium environment.
Though they missed out on playoff contention yet again, this season laid groundwork that would ultimately benefit future campaigns as Coach Jones continued his efforts toward rebuilding a competitive football team in Saskatchewan. The emotional farewell to Mosaic Stadium marked not just an end but also an opportunity heralding new beginnings as fans looked forward to brighter days ahead in their new home starting in 2017.
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