The Saskatchewan Roughriders will have all hands on deck as they host the Calgary Stampeders Friday night.
When the Riders released their depth chart for the game, it included nine defensive linemen and seven to make sure they don't get gashed along the ground yet again.
Stopping the run is important regardless of the league's reigning most-outstanding player Jon Cornish comig to town; an extra emphasis had to be placed on the run defence after the Edmonton Eskimos got 300 yards rushing last week.
"We're going to find out, can we stop the run. Can we get everyone to the ball on defence?" said defensive end Ricky Foley.
According to Foley, one of defence's biggest problems last week was not getting enough bodies to the ball. He says that's what you need if a tackle is missed. There needs to be back up to make sure the ball carrier is taken to the ground.
The coaching staff feels that what happened in the game last week can be corrected.
"What hurt us the other night was fundamentals," said defensive coordinator Richie Hall. "Things that we talked about, things we have to do to be successful no matter who we're playing."
One change being made on defence is Canadian Sam Hurl getting another chance to play on side of the ball. It's been a number of weeks since Hurl saw a regular role on defence as Chad Kilgore has been playing at linebacker beside Brian Peters.
By all accounts, Kilgore has struggled with the role. Now Hurl is getting another chance to prove he can do the job.
"It's very exciting. I'm happy to be out there and contribute on defence," said Hurl, who adds he's actually excited to try and stop Cornish. "I'm not really worried about it all, I have a lot of respect for Cornish, I think he's a good running back and I think Calgary's o-line is very good, but I look at it as a fun challenge."
No matter what happens Friday night, by about 11 p.m. fans will know exactly what this team is made of.
"We're going to find out who we are, we're going to find out what we're made of," said Foley. "It's probably going to tell the next little bit of our season here. Tomorrow's going to be huge."
Roster moves
The Riders are making a lot of changes this week.
Added to the 46-man line-up this week are receiver Ryan Smith, defensive back Mark LeGree, defensive lineman Derek Walker, fullback Spencer Moore, receiver Dan DePalma, defensive lineman Chancey Aghayere and defensive lineman Brandon Boudreaux.
Coming off the depth chart are defensive back Woodny Turenne, running back Will Ford, offensive linemen Matt Vonk and Xavier Fulton, defensive lineman Hilee Taylor, and receivers Taj Smith and Chaz Schilens.
Taylor, Smith and Schilens have been added to the six game injured list.
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