Stamps wary of talented Jennings
Rakeem Cato, Jeff Mathews, Brett Smith, etc. ... the Calgary Stampeders have had their fill of young, rookie quarterbacks this CFL season.
The one that stands out for a number of players is Jonathon Jennings, who happens to be the one they'll be facing this Saturday in Vancouver and again in the West Division semifinal game on Nov. 15.
“From what we've seen, he's one of the better young guys that's playing in the league right now,'' conceded Stamps' halfback Jamar Wall. “He's smart, he uses athleticism to get out of the pocket, but he still gets the ball down the field. Having that aspect to escape and extend plays is tough, that's tough on the defence. It's great for them. We really have to study and contain them.”
“Jennings has given them a spark,” agreed linebacker Keon Raymond, “and they rally around him. I think now we'll see really what they can do. We've played them and they're definitely a different team. That's the first thing Coach Huff illustrated to us; they're not the same team and I'm looking forward to playing them these next two weeks.”
The last time these squads met was on Sept. 18, when the Lions came to McMahon Stadium and succumbed 35- 23 to the home side. Jennings came into that game in relief of the injured John Beck late in the second quarter and did something Beck wasn't able to do and that's throw the ball downfield with enthusiasm.
The 23- year- old amassed 252 yards in the air.
“He's definitely one of the best we've faced this year,” said defensive end Freddie Bishop III. “He doesn't just scramble to scramble; he's trying to get the ball downfield and makes smart decisions. A big key for us will be to rush together, keep him in the pocket. A couple of times last week we allowed the quarterback to get out of the pocket and extend plays. We're not going to be able to do that this week.”
The addition of Jennings has bolstered what was a flagging, inconsistent offence and helped the Lions into the third spot in the West. It's up to the Stampeder defence to put some uncertainty back into their collective heads.
“They're on a roll,” agreed Wall. “I don't think they will try to rest anyone because they're clicking now. Why would you take a chance of sitting someone and messing with that chemistry? So I think they're going to come out ready to play. I don't know what we're doing ( in terms of resting people), but we expect to come out the same way.”
NAGGING INJURIES
On Wednesday, once again some players walked the field rather than take part in reps, some due to nagging injuries, others being given a breather.
Left guard Shane Bergman did not practise as he has a stiff neck and has been seeing a chiropractor. It's hopeful he'll be on the field on Thursday. Not such good news for fellow offensive lineman Brad Erdos. Erdos, who had an arm injury, practised on Wednesday but suffered a setback and was seen with that left arm back in a sling. He's doubtful for the B. C. game.
Receiver Jeff Fuller ( foot) practised but is still in pain, so he is questionable.
GRANT ADDED
The Stamps added another player to their practice roster on Wednesday, while revealing an injury to another. Defensive lineman Quayshawne Buckley suffered a shoulder problem in practice last week and will be given the medical attention he requires.
Added to the PR is defensive back Uriah Grant out of Ole Miss. Grant attended mini- camp with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013 and played in the Arena league in both 2014 and 2015.
Extra yards: The Stampeder team awards will be announced on Thursday morning.