Riders’ Jones scores points with the media
Team’s head coach came to Regina with a surly reputation, but he’s been the opposite
Chris Jones arrived in Saskatchewan with the reputation of someone who was snappish with the media. The opposite scenario conventionally applies. The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations is candid, expansive and far more easygoing than anticipated during his regularly scheduled yak sessions. Kudos to Jones for recognizing that reporters, as annoying as they can be (cranky columnists in particular), have jobs to do and are a conduit to the CFL team’s expansive fan base. He is much more relaxed in Year 2 with the Roughriders.
There was some discussion at Roughriders practice earlier this week about the first CFL completion by Kevin Glenn, who recently reached the 50,000 milestone in career passing yardage. Several names were bandied about, such as Curtis Marsh, Dan Farthing, Roell Preston, Demetris Bendross, Darren Davis, Dylan Ching, Derick Armstrong and Chris Szarka. But it turns out Glenn’s first connection was with running back Rock Preston (remember Rock and Roell?) for a 16-yard gain during mop-up time on Aug. 17, 2001, when the host Calgary Stampeders held on for a 37-13 victory.
Glenn’s first series as the Roughriders’ quarterback was, well, interesting. On first down, an offensive pass interference call negated a completion to Bendross. On first-and-20, Glenn was sacked by Kelly Lochbaum for a loss of 20. Hello there, second-and-40! Preston received an objectionable conduct penalty after his 16-yard reception, whereupon Paul McCallum launched a 55-yard punt on third-and-34. Good times ...
If 34-year-old quarterback Vince Young is truly open to resuming his comeback attempt with the Roughriders, why doesn’t he return to Regina, rehabilitate a torn hamstring under the supervision of the Roughriders’ medical and training staff and immerse himself in meetings and the playbook?
I love the sight of people wearing genuine, imitation Roughriders jerseys bearing the No. 17. I realize that the number signifies Year 1 in the new Mosaic Stadium, which has cupholders, but No. 17 will always remind me of the magnificent Joey Walters.
Fast fact: Saskatchewan has a 3-25 record (token playoff game included) against West Division opponents since mid-September 2014. Moreover, the Roughriders have lost their last 14 intra-divisional road games.
And now for a Bobservation. It honours my idol Bob Hughes, whose sardonic comment from years ago warrants reiteration in light of recent events. Once upon a time, after the Roughriders closed a practice, he said, inimitably: “They should open the practices and close the games.”
Oh, and here’s one from Mitchell Blair: “O.J. Simpson has just called Al Cowlings asking him if he can get a ride home Oct. 1!”
This one is also stolen with valued reader James Broughton providing the material. James wonders whether, for CFL purposes, YAC should be an acronym for yards after challenge as opposed to yards after catch.
Players and coaches have to face reporters and answer questions after rough outings. The same standard should apply to CFL officials.
Nice people who deserve a plug: Kerry Benjoe, Tracy Johnson, Wayne Morrison, Ainsley MacIntyre, Mattea Hamilton, Barry Crowley, Sandy Zimmerman, John Bolstad, Frank Kovacs, Lauren Golosky, Bobbi Jo Waite Lang, Arielle Zerr, Aaron Winch, Broderick Rodocker, Jordan Schulz, Bakari Grant, Marc Mueller and the always-personable lifeguards at Wascana Pool.