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Coleman said things don’t get any better for offensive linemen than when they’re moving the ball effectively on the ground.

“We have a pretty nice-sized offensive line and a lot of defences don’t like that,” Coleman said. “This is a passing league, but when we can run the ball like that and be successful like that it puts a lot of pressure on the defence.”

Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, would like to average five to six yards per carry on first down because of the options it creates on second down. The Riders averaged 6.1 yards per carry against the Argonauts and are averaging 5.1 yards on the ground through the first five games of the season.

“Our goal is to always try to get six yards,’’ Coleman said. “If you get five or six yards on a running play, it changes the whole pass-play selection for second down. You can pass it or you can run it, use play action, or even go deep to keep the defence honest. That’s what you want to do on second down and that’s why you want to have to win on first downs.’’

It helps having a veteran back like Marshall. At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, he has the power to run over defenders and through arm tackles. He also has the speed and elusiveness to break a long run after bursting through a hole.

“He’s not a little back,’’ Coleman said. “He doesn’t have the height, but he’s very stocky. He’s powerful and you have to see that guy in the weight room. He lifts with the offensive line, so that’s powerful, and he’s no little guy.”