Saskatchewan Roughriders' running back A.J. Ouellette knows the exact reasons why he's leading the CFL in rushing yards through four weeks with 347 in four games.
"We've got a physical team," Ouellette said on the 620 CKRM Rider Broadcast Network Fifth Quarter post-game show. "My running style matches the way the team is built, so it's meshing now."
Over his last three games, the 29-year-old has run for 326 yards on 53 carries and scored three touchdowns. In Week 4, he recorded single-game career highs with 23 carries for 139 yards to lead Saskatchewan to a 37-18 win versus the B.C. Lions.
"He's been outstanding... it's good to validate," head coach Corey Mace said post-game. "The offensive line, they did such a good job upfront, they take such pride in being able to move the [line of scrimmage] and they've got some good run defenders and some physical defensive linemen on that side of the ball. We won the battle of the trenches from that standpoint with our offensive line."
The Green and White improved the team's record to 4-0. However, according to Ouellette, the team is not resting on their laurels.
"We left some plays out there. We're always pumped for a win, but we know we can't have those penalties if it's a close game," Ouellette said. "It's going to hurt us, so we've got to come together as a family, we've got to start playing smart. We're playing physically, so keep playing that way, but we've got to add the intelligent part to it and be smarter."
The Riders were without veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, who was sidelined due to a head injury and illness. That gave backup Jake Maier a chance to start, he finished the game completing 13-of-23 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
"He did exactly what he was asked to do every play that was called, whether it was reading the defence on the hand-offs or scanning through progressions and throwing the ball where it needed to be," Ouellette said. "No major mistakes, led the team out there, confident in his play calls in the huddle and is a great team player, great leader out there."
The Roughriders are enjoying an undefeated bye week in Week 5.
"A little bit of recovery, hang out with the dogs, hopefully a bonfire or two, a lot of hydration," Ouellette said about his bye week plans.
The Riders host the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, July 11 at Mosaic Stadium. Catch the pre-game show with Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 4 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 7 p.m. You can hear extensive coverage on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
