Wes Cates wants it all

[Rider_Stronson]

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpo...5-ccac265bc09e

Cates working to be all for the Roughriders


Greg Harder, Leader-Post
Published: Sunday, June 29, 2008


REGINA -- Wes Cates wants it all.

"I definitely want to be one of the best backs in the league -- not just rushing, rushing and receiving," offered the Saskatchewan Roughriders' tailback. "You like to get the rushing yards because that's how running backs are measured but I think all-purpose is more important because it shows you're eating up yardage and you don't have to get the ball on the ground to be effective. It's better for your team as a whole. That's what I'm about. I'm about the team and winning. As long as I can contribute and put up yardage any way it comes, I'm happy."

The talents of the multi-dimensional running back were on full display Saturday night as he led Saskatchewan with 135 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in a 34-13 win over the visiting Edmonton Eskimos.

Like the Riders' offence, Cates started slowly, registering just 16 yards on the ground and 10 through the air in the first half. But Saskatchewan flipped a switch late in the third quarter -- and it was the power-running tailback who helped lead the charge.

"It was rough starting off but I think we made a couple adjustments and I was making better reads in the second half," he said. "Their defence wore down and I just kept going, broke a couple tackles late and got some yardage.

"The score doesn't really tell the tale," he added. "I think we played better than the score suggests, but we did what we're supposed to do: We put up points late and that's what teams need to do to win. You gotta be ready to put some points on the board when it's coming down the stretch in the fourth quarter."

Cates finished with 14 carries for a game-high 86 rushing yards, including a 32-yard scamper in the fourth quarter after he spun away from a sure loss in the backfield. That run led to a 12-yard major to go along with his 10-yard score in the third quarter.

Cates also contributed three catches for 39 yards, highlighted by a 37-yarder early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Marcus Crandell lofted a perfect touch pass over his shoulder in tight coverage. Cates held on to the ball despite the fact his helmet was ripped off by an apparent facemask that went unpenalized.

The play led to a 36-yard field goal by Luca Congi and a 20-13 lead.

"That was in the game plan; we just waited for a good time to use it," explained Cates. "We knew the linebackers were having a hard time covering me man-to-man. It was just a perfect setup. The free safety wasn't helping over top so Marcus just put a good ball out there and I went and got it. Considering the circumstances it was pretty good coverage, just a facemask at the end."

Head coach Ken Miller said the Riders had been waiting for the right opportunity to turn Cates loose in the open field.

"I asked (offensive co-ordinator) Paul (LaPolice) to make the call and quit talking about it," joked the rookie bench boss. "He made the call and it worked great."

Asked to evaluate Cates' impact on the game, Crandell just smiled and responded: "He's Wes."

"Wes is a hard runner, he makes people miss, he runs great routes out of the backfield and he has great hands. He showcased all of it today."

Cates was pleased to use his full repertoire after playing through a hairline fracture in his foot during last year's playoff run. The healing process also hampered his workout regimen heading into training camp, during which he was hobbled by some unrelated leg problems.

"During camp I had a couple tweaks early, nothing serious," said Cates, who saw limited action in the preseason. "They kind of rested me through camp so I was kind of worried about my conditioning . . . but I managed. There were a couple times I was feeling it a little bit but it's all downhill from here. Big (kudos) to the O-line and the receivers and M.C. got his first win at quarterback. We'll just build from there."

[BC Green]

I honestly didn't realize he's as good as he is. I thought the Lazeo trade was pretty even when it happened and it probably was, but ET filled a much needed spot with the right guy.

[Mr. Pilzner]

Originally Posted by BC Green

I honestly didn't realize he's as good as he is. I thought the Lazeo trade was pretty even when it happened and it probably was, but ET filled a much needed spot with the right guy.

Wes is only going to get better too. I've been saying it all along Wes is the real deal. Check out youtube video's from last year, I believe they are Saskatchewan Roughriders tribute vidoes. There are two of them and some amazing runs and catches by Wes.

He is going to be awesome to watch this year.

[Rossco]

I would like peoples opinion on Wes' 1st td run. The TSN guys were spouting how it was meant to be a fake hand off with MC either running the opposite direction, or rolling out the opposite direction for a pass. Before they showed the replay, I thought that this doesn't sound like Cates. I have always seen him as a team player. To rip the ball out of MC's hands didn't sound right. On the replay it looked to me like it was a really poor hand off where Marcus held on to the ball a little too long. It also appeared that all the blocking was set up to where Wes was running. If it was to be a fake, Marcus would have been pretty lonely out there with the ball. What do you guys think? A fake gone bad, or a muffed hand off that Wes made good?

[Darius]

Originally Posted by BC Green

I honestly didn't realize he's as good as he is. I thought the Lazeo trade was pretty even when it happened and it probably was, but ET filled a much needed spot with the right guy.

Yeah, it's weird. We've talked soooo long much about MD (his injury, et al), Flick, KJ vs. Crandell, the new guys (Dressler and Bowman) but Cates has kind of flown under the radar since the Cup. Maybe because he was injured down the stretch last year. But, he's proved today that he is an elite back in this league...a real difference maker. But what I really love about him as a player is that he genuinely seems really happy to be here (or he's a great actor when he is interviewed) and that he seems really smart, if how he interviews is any indication. He reminds me of Chris Bosh, and the maturity, poise and humour he displays when he is interviewed.

[Rider_Stronson]

Originally Posted by Rossco

I would like peoples opinion on Wes' 1st td run. The TSN guys were spouting how it was meant to be a fake hand off with MC either running the opposite direction, or rolling out the opposite direction for a pass. Before they showed the replay, I thought that this doesn't sound like Cates. I have always seen him as a team player. To rip the ball out of MC's hands didn't sound right. On the replay it looked to me like it was a really poor hand off where Marcus held on to the ball a little too long. It also appeared that all the blocking was set up to where Wes was running. If it was to be a fake, Marcus would have been pretty lonely out there with the ball. What do you guys think? A fake gone bad, or a muffed hand off that Wes made good?

Suitor was wrong. If you watch the blocking scheme, it was inside run all the way. It was just a poor exchange.

[Under_Miner]

Originally Posted by Rider_Stronson

Suitor was wrong. If you watch the blocking scheme, it was inside run all the way. It was just a poor exchange.

Cates just made sure he held on, and Crandell's hand got in the way!

[lowe42]

I still cant believe there was no penalty on the long catch by Cates. The DB is hanging all over him (pass interference) doesn't look back for the ball(face guarding)then face masks him and rips hiss lid off in the process. 3 different penalties on one catch, and the refs never felt the need to call anything, officiating is such a joke in the CFL

[riders_kozak]

I thought that it was an option play and it seemed like MC wantedto keep the ball. If you look at the replay WC rips that ball pretty hard, and if you watch MC's reaction he doesnt really try to sell the the hand off as usual. He took like two steps and then turned around looking akwardly.

[Dusty4prez]

Originally Posted by Rider_Stronson

Suitor was wrong. If you watch the blocking scheme, it was inside run all the way. It was just a poor exchange.

No, that's how the option plays are made usually.

[brewer]

Originally Posted by lowe42

I still cant believe there was no penalty on the long catch by Cates. The DB is hanging all over him (pass interference) doesn't look back for the ball(face guarding)then face masks him and rips hiss lid off in the process. 3 different penalties on one catch, and the refs never felt the need to call anything, officiating is such a joke in the CFL

I could not believe it too
CFL better spend more money on officals
Cates was the player of the game

[szarka33]

Cates never gives up on a run. He also bounces of tacklers better then anyone in the league besides Reynolds right now.

[ska_t_o]

And once sledgehammer number 33 gets back, look out, Wes will have some big games on the ground this year. I also like the comments about Wes' receiving, I think you could make a serious argument for him being premier receiver out of the backfield in the league. Who's better? Chuckbob?

[BC Green]

His blocking sent Flick to the endzone untouched. Total team guy. Good hands explosive speed and power, lots of heart. He's a keeper.
You know when you think about the players already here, it makes ET's job that much easier shopping around for who might improve this team.

Originally Posted by ska_t_o

And once sledgehammer number 33 gets back, look out, Wes will have some big games on the ground this year. I also like the comments about Wes' receiving, I think you could make a serious argument for him being premier receiver out of the backfield in the league. Who's better? Chuckbob?

It would be fundamentally wrong to not use that tremendous OL to lay the hurt on other teams.

[ziggy]

Originally Posted by riders_kozak

I thought that it was an option play and it seemed like MC wantedto keep the ball. If you look at the replay WC rips that ball pretty hard, and if you watch MC's reaction he doesnt really try to sell the the hand off as usual. He took like two steps and then turned around looking akwardly.

To me it looked like Marcus tried to sell the fact that he still had the ball. They had run this option earlier in the game and at that time the hand-off was faked. It may be that in this situation, it is designed such that Cates has the discretion to pull the ball from Marcus if he sees a hole.

[szarka33]

speaking of Wes, anyone else notice that Wes just knows where the yard sticks are and always finds his way to te fiirst down line and stretches the ball out too get either close or get it everytime.

Great sense on the field.

[Mr. Furious]

Originally Posted by szarka33

speaking of Wes, anyone else notice that Wes just knows where the yard sticks are and always finds his way to te fiirst down line and stretches the ball out too get either close or get it everytime.

Great sense on the field.

He has done a great job of that and has sustained key drives for us in all three games with effort and determination.

This was something Joseph always brought to the table and I thought we may be missing without him but Cates has done a better job.

[riders4life!]

Cates continues to amaze me.

[szarka33]

Great on screens too, very patient and waits for his blocks instead of screaming full speed into tacklers.