Riders’ actions speak louder than words
Now that the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback carousel has stopped spinning more furiously than Donald Trump’s servile lackeys, there is time for a sober (hiccup) analysis of the situation.
Roughriders boss Chris Jones has stated that he would like Kevin Glenn and Brandon Bridge — both of whom called signals during Sunday’s 25-21 CFL playoff loss to the host Toronto Argonauts — to return in 2018.
Glenn has one season remaining on his contract. Bridge is eligible to test free agency in February, although preliminary contract talks have apparently begun.
Jones said all the right things during Monday’s season-ending yak session with the media. He offered due commendation to Glenn and Bridge, a duo that helped Saskatchewan post a
10-8 regular-season record and advance as far as the East Division final.
Words are one thing. Actions are another.
Judging by the decisions Jones made leading up to and during Sunday’s game at BMO Field, it is evident that he does not have absolute confidence in either quarterback.
Jones did not hesitate to replace Glenn with Bridge down the stretch, even if it necessitated a switch early in the game.
That approach was largely successful during the regular season. Bridge tended to provide a spark, and different dimensions, when summoned from the sideline.
However, Jones deviated from his formula during Sunday’s first half, making not one, but three quarterbacking changes.
Glenn was pulled early in the second quarter.
Following back-to-back twoand-outs, Bridge also got the hook.
Glenn returned to the game and threw an interception on two consecutive possessions.
Bridge was then reinserted, late in the second quarter, and remained behind centre for the duration.
He eventually heated up in the fourth quarter, running for 36 yards to set up an 11-yard touchdown pass to Duron Carter.
Bridge was also at the controls when the Roughriders briskly moved into position for a 28-yard field goal by Tyler Crapigna, who narrowed the Argos’ lead to 18-13.
Christian Jones subsequently scored on a 79-yard punt return, whereupon Bridge found Naaman Roosevelt for a two-point conversion with 2:44 remaining.
Ricky Ray took it from there, coolly directing a game-winning drive.
Perhaps the Argos transmitted a message with their climactic possession.
Ray is a three-time Grey Cup champion and an automatic Hall of Famer. As long as he is healthy, there isn’t any debate about who will play quarterback for Toronto.
The 38-year-old Ray did not have his finest game on Sunday. But when a successful drive was of the essence, Ray delivered, as he has so many times before.
The Roughriders are still looking for someone of that ilk — THE guy to play quarterback.
The handling of Glenn and Bridge fosters speculation that Jones will be more emphatic while pondering the quarterback options for 2018 and beyond.
James Franklin, Mike Reilly’s understudy with the Edmonton Eskimos, is eligible to test free agency in February.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Jones saw fit to offer him a ton of money — a Franklin mint, if you will.