Matt Dominguez says Roughriders losing streak can be broken
Former wide receiver says team needs to focus on basics
As the Saskatchewan Roughriders face down a four-game losing streak, a former player has some advice.
Former Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Matt Dominguez said the team needs to focus on the basics.
"Whenever they're doing something good, they shoot themselves in the foot," Dominguez said. "Defensively, they've got something going, and for some reason, one player, here or there, ruins the whole thing."
Dominguez said it's frustrating to see the team lose by a small margin every game.
When we win three games, they're planning Grey Cup parades. When we lose a few games, it's like fire everybody.- Matt Dominguez on Rider Nation
"You've got four losses, but only within twelve points, which means you're close in every single game," he said. "That means that there was one play here or there where you didn't make the play."
The former wide receiver said it's important for players in leadership positions to start speaking up.
"You've got some of these guys that, when they speak, people will listen," Dominguez said. "If they can provide an accountability for each and every player, then you'll see the turnaround happen."
Dominguez said there can be a lot of pressure from fans during low periods and it's important to focus on the game.
"The fans are always going to be the fans," he said. "When we win three games, they're planning Grey Cup parades. When we lose a few games, it's like fire everybody. What the team has to do is not focus on them. Just focus on what they have to do. To a man, what is your job, and do your job."
Dominguez said this weekend's game against Hamilton Tiger-Cats could give them the chance to break the streak.
"I think (Hamilton's) won only one game. It's literally the basement against the basement," he said. "And Hamilton has to travel. I think what's going to happen is you're going to see a team that's going to be able to come out, they're going to be able to rectify some of the issues that they've had."
The Riders take the field against Hamilton on July 26 at Mosaic Stadium.