Smith, Roughriders remain resolute despite zero wins

Thrown into the fire to replace two injured, veteran quarterbacks, Saskatchewan Roughriders 23-year-old rookie Brett Smith has yet to experience a CFL victory.

The former University of Wyoming quarterback threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns last night in his team's 34-31 loss to the Calgary Stampeders.

On three plays he also tucked the ball away, put his head down and rushed for 54 yards.

"I thought we did some great things. I thought we did some not-so-great things out there. Obviously it just wasn't enough to win," Smith said after the Saturday night game.

"There are so many games where we're this close and that's the frustrating thing about it."

Calm yet not dejected, Smith was optimistic after the game.

"I definitely feel more comfortable every single game and even every snap. I just think there's a lot of room for improvement though. I have to be better."

"The only thing about this situation is you don't have time to make those mistakes in crucial situations like I have. You just have to cancel those out," he said.  

Addressing his team's 0-8 win-loss record, Smith remained firm about his teammates.

"There's not another group I'd rather be playing with. They've rallied around me and it just means so much. We'll get there. It just takes time."

Dressler's milestone

One of the game's bright spots belonged to wide receiver Weston Dressler. 

The Roughriders veteran nabbed his 500th career CFL reception. 

His six-catch night brought his career total to 503 receptions over eight seasons.

He still has some work to do if he wants to match the Roughriders receptions leader, Don Narcisse. 'Narco' had 919 receptions when he retired in 1999 after 13 seasons in the CFL.

"A lot of the time I feel like I'm lucky to still be here. You see so many guys come in and out with all the talent in the world," Dressler said of his time with the team. 

He said the career milestone is a meaningful moment for him.

"It's pretty special to look back and have that type of career and accumulate those types of numbers is pretty special. Growing up throughout the years here makes you reflect on all the things you've been through."

Chamblin not frustrated

After his team's three-point loss, head coach Corey Chamblin said he was excited, not frustrated, about what he deemed positive steps in the game. 

"I'm more excited that I see the youth starting to take the next step. I'm more excited that we didn't have 20 penalties, that we have five penalties," Chamblin said. "If we keep erasing those negatives, building off those positives, [then] sooner or later we'll get into the win column."

He also noted his young quarterback's development.

"He still has to work on his composure a little bit. But his growth in terms of actual play, you can see the maturation there," Chamblin said.

"That's what I keep telling him is, 'It won't happen over night. There's going to be some bumps and bruises.'" 

Kory Sheets weighs in 

Former Roughrider, Kory Sheets, was keeping a close eye on Saturday's game. 

Sheets was busy on Twitter, offering his advice and suggestions for how the Riders offence might improve, particularly on the ground.

The Roughriders' next game is Sunday Aug. 30 against the Ottawa Redblacks in Ottawa.