Roughriders' next 4 games to tell the tale of the season

A 5-4 record at the halfway point of the season. The Saskatchewan Roughriders would have taken that in most years of their storied history.

But in 2022, that's on pace to be on the outside looking in come playoff time in the west. Not good timing considering the Grey Cup game will be played right here in Regina.

This generation of fans is spoiled. Nowadays failing to earn a playoff spot — or even a home playoff game — is unacceptable.

The number of fans who remember the team's especially lean years is dwindling.

Back then it was 11 years without making the playoffs, until the streak was snapped in 1988. There was even a song, 11 Years, That's Enough, featuring the vocal stylings of one Glen Suitor. Look it up.

This year the question lingers: they are above .500, but who have they beat?

The Riders' five wins this year have come against eastern teams or the Edmonton Elks. 

The latest, last Saturday's 34-23 decision in Edmonton, probably drew more criticism than praise from a skeptical fan base.

How could Chris Jones's defence rush only three players and still flush Cody Fajardo out of the pocket all night long?

Why can't Cody Fajardo hit a receiver in stride, or at least in the general vicinity?

These were common rants on the phone-ins. 

Very little was said about the night Duke Williams had, or the kickoff return touchdown from Mario Alford.

But forget all that, now is when the CFL season gets real. The summer is winding down and Labour Day is just around the corner.

For the Riders, the next four games will tell the tale.

Have they ever faced a tougher stretch?

Two games against Nathan Rourke and the BC Lions. Then two games against the defending Grey Cup champs from Winnipeg.

Rourke may be the most exciting young