Bridge big part of QB plans for ’18: Jones
Brandon Bridge is an important part of the mix when it comes to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterbacking situation.
That’s the word from head coach and general manager Chris Jones, who swung a blockbuster CFL deal Jan. 3 by acquiring 29-year-old signalcaller Zach Collaros from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Despite all the commotion over Collaros, Jones is quick to accentuate Bridge’s abilities.
“Brandon Bridge is an awful strong talent — probably as talented a guy as there is in the league … size, height, weight, 40(-yard dash speed), arm strength, stuff like that,” Jones says. “I think it’s a good thing for him to be around a guy like Zach, too, who is going to come early, stay late and hold guys accountable, hold himself accountable and raise his hand when he does something wrong. I think it’s going to be a good group there with the dynamic of those two guys.”
Last season, the 25-year-old Bridge was the primary backup to Kevin Glenn, who has since been released. The Roughriders announced Dec. 20 that Bridge signed a new contract. Two weeks later, the Collaros trade was completed.
“I called Brandon prior to us announcing it,” Jones noted. “I told him, ‘I want you to hear it from me first. I don’t want you to see it on your computer or see it on your phone or any of that kind of business. It’s a deal where it’s just like you and KG. Now it’s you and Zach Collaros.’
“The best guy plays. That’s just the way it’s going to go. We’ve got two really dynamic young quarterbacks who I feel really strongly about and they bring something a little bit different to the table.”
Vernon Adams Jr., Marquise Williams and David Watford are the other quarterbacks on the Roughriders’ roster.