Bridge steps up to stake claim on backup QB job
Unheralded Canadian wows sellout crowd in first game at new stadium
Brandon Bridge put on quite an exhibition in a CFL pre-season game.
That showing may contribute to the Saskatchewan Roughriders shuffling their quarterbacking depth chart after Saturday’s 25-25 tie with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at new Mosaic Stadium.
Bridge was third on the depth chart entering the game, behind veteran Kevin Glenn and rookie Bryan Bennett.
Bennett was seeded second due to impressive performances at the Riders’ mini-camp and during the first two weeks of training camp. Former NFLer Vince Young, who is attempting a comeback at 34, didn’t dress due to a hamstring injury.
Despite the accolades that Bennett had received leading up to Saturday’s contest, it was Bridge who stood out Saturday before an announced sellout crowd of 33,350.
The performance was so impressive that Bridge may well ascend to second on the depth chart, ahead of Bennett and Young, when the Riders resume training camp in Saskatoon on Monday.
“That’s up (to the coaches) to decide,” said Bridge, who completed 20 of 26 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown.
“I’m just trying to show them that I can be the guy. I want to show that I understand the offence and that I’m an accurate quarterback.”
Bennett had been accurate throughout the first two weeks of training camp, only to struggle on Saturday. He displayed little of the poise and control of the offence he has exhibited during camp.
He was 7-of-15 for 82 yards, without a touchdown or an interception, and lost two of three fumbles.
“Bryan has had a great camp, but I felt he was a little bit shaky at times,’’ said Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager.
“I felt his body language wasn’t great. He’s a strong kid and he’s a competitor. I’m sure he’ll come back next week and play well.”
Jones added that Bennett will get another opportunity when the Riders visit the B.C. Lions on Friday in the final pre-season game for both teams. “He’ll get a chance to play and see if he can settle in,” Jones said.
During Bridge’s first stretch of action on Saturday, he completed 13 of 16 passes for 121 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown strike to Duron Carter.
Even so, Bridge downplayed his performance.
“I think it was all right,’’ he said. “I wouldn’t say it was exactly great. I know that we need to finish drives. We had five or six field goals and we can’t be a great team like that. The great teams like Calgary always get seven (points). For us to be mentioned with those teams, we have to get the ball across the goal-line.”
Bridge joined the Riders in August 2016 after being released by the Montreal Alouettes.
He was primarily a backup quarterback during the 2016 season, but did see extended action during a 41-18 loss to the B.C. Lions in the regular-season finale. In that game, he completed 10 of 11 passes for 120 yards and added a 16-yard touchdown run.
Jones mentioned that showing when asked how Bridge’s mostrecent performance might influence the depth chart.
“Here’s another opportunity on a big stage, where we were at the opening a new stadium, that he played very well,’’ Jones said. “We’re going to continue to monitor how he plays in games.’’
Rookie Marquise Williams acquitted himself well considering he didn’t join the Riders until the first week of training camp. He completed five of six passes for 38 yards and put the Riders in position for a game-tying field goal.
Quinn Van Gylswyk connected on a 38-yard field goal with three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to create the 25-25 tie. The Riders had moved 59 yards in six plays — the biggest play being a 34yard pass interference penalty on Winnipeg ’s Matt Smalley — before Van Gylswyk hit his fourth field goal in as many attempts.
The Riders are scheduled for only three days of on-field practice before playing the Lions. It’s the final pre-season tune-up before the Riders open the regular season June 22 against the host Alouettes. Glenn is a good bet to start Friday in Vancouver.
“I know (the coaches) are going to have to get Kevin ready for the pre-season, too,” Bridge said. “I’ve learned a lot from Kevin because I’ve been working with him for the last two years. I’m just trying to be the best that I can be.”
I’m just trying to show them that I can be the guy. I want to show that I understand the offence and that I’m an accurate quarterback.