Drew Tate will start at QB in meaningless finale
Feeling fresh, backup QB relishes opportunity in meaningless game
If you expect Drew Tate to express disappointment with his infrequent forays onto the football field this season, he won't bite.
“It's been awesome because it's Nov. 4 and I feel as healthy as I can be and can't complain at all,” related the Calgary Stampeders' backup quarterback, who gets the call to start on Saturday in the regular season finale in Vancouver against the B. C. Lions.
Would he have liked to have played more?
“I mean, yeah, but every day after the game, the last 17 weeks, I've woken up and been as fresh as I was going to sleep,” he added. “So I kind of like that, got to be honest.”
Take what you will from this glass- half- full outlook. But offensive co- ordinator Dave Dickenson is eager to see what the nine- year CFL vet can manufacture with this rare opportunity.
“He's had a good week,” said Dickenson. “I'm not going to say he's happy he hasn't played, but it does mean that we had stability at the quarterback position. It's good for him to get some action in this game and I think he'll play well. He's ready and he's been a good influence all year.”
This will seem like deja vu for Tate as his last QB start was in Game 18 of 2014, also in Vancouver versus the Lions.
This season his biggest contribution has been as holder on field goals, as third- string Bryant Moniz has assumed the short- yardage role.
Suffice to say, he's looking forward to this.
“Really no different as far as studying- wise,” Tate noted. “Make sure I'm hydrated, body feels good going in, get the majority of the reps. There'll probably be a lot of new guys in the huddle, so really it comes down to communicating really well, tempo and execution.” And timing. “Absolutely,” he agreed, “and hopefully we can work on that out here. Hopefully I'm not wasting a lot of reps out here and then doing new stuff in the game, where we don't have timing with each other. Just as long as everyone knows what they're doing and playing fast I think everything will take care of itself.
“Just do your job individually and then collectively I think we'll be OK. This is your job, this is what pays us.”
Head coach/ GM John Hufnagel has said that all three quarterbacks will see action, though it would be shocking to see Bo Levi Mitchell out there for long, if at all.
Also expected to get in on the action is Moniz, the second- year Stamps pivot, who has scooted in for four touchdowns.
“I think anytime you get a chance to step on the field it's an opportunity — it's an interview, really — your time to show what you can do,” the product of Hawaii pointed out. “As a backup you try to stay prepared for whatever day that is, because you never know when that's going to happen.”
“Bryant, I'd like to see him a little bit,” said Dickenson. “You're always evaluating.
“You just don't know where things go long- term. I'm still trying to win the game, I'm trying to execute our offence.”
There's that tightrope again, trying to balance winning football with adroit use of personnel.
“You want to be smart, but it's professional football, you should go out with a mindset to compete hard, be physical and win the game,” said Dickenson.
“Nothing changes behind centre with which one of those three is in there. I think we can win with all three. We do know they're a tough team, but I expect our quarterbacks to be leaders and get everyone in the right spot and execute our offence.”
“You want to assert your dominance,” explained Moniz, “let them know what kind of team you are. I think both teams are going to get a feel for each other and try to let them know they're going to get more of this next week. Try and do as much as you can ... but not everything.”
Hopefully I’m not wasting a lot of reps out here and then doing new stuff in the game where we don’t have timing ...