Saskatoon fans show support for Roughriders
Murray’s musings, mutterings and monster from Day 15 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp:
GREEN IS THE COLOUR
Saskatoon showed its support for the Riders when about 2,000 turned out for Saturday’s annual Green and White Day at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The sun-splashed crowd was treated to an offensive showcase as defenders were encouraged to give receivers a large cushion. The decision to open things up was to make sure quarterbacks were making the right reads.
STANDING PAT
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, has fielded calls regarding the availability of quarterback Brandon Bridge. CFL teams are fishing to improve their depth at backup quarterback and, with Zach Collaros on the Saskatchewan roster, they are wondering if the Riders might bite on a deal for one of the team’s other passers. However, Jones said it’s
“not even a question” he would consider. He is well aware of the value of having a credible backup quarterback.
HOGGIES IN SPOTLIGHT
The offensive linemen took turns fielding punts Saturday. The linemen tried to catch as many balls as they could while still holding on to the first two footballs they snagged. Dan Clark, Eddie Steele and Emmanuel Adusei each caught three footballs before losing control of the fourth. Adusei then reminded the crowd that “we’re athletes,” a point proven Saturday.
MURRAY’S MONSTER
Saturday’s session could have been a good one for Rob Bagg to slack off. The soft coverage meant receivers could have jogged through their routes and still be open. Bagg, a 33-year-old veteran heading into his 11th
CFL campaign, doesn’t practise that way. He always goes full out. He made two receptions, both of which came after he sprinted to get open. He also works that hard when other receivers are targeted. Bagg ’s efforts elicited a loud ovation. He’s appreciated and he showed his gratitude when interacting with fans after the game. For his work ethic, effort and willingness to interact with fans, Bagg is Murray’s Monster.
VAUNTED VAUGHN
Terran Vaughn continues to take strides toward solidifying his spot as the starting left offensive tackle. Jones said Vaughn has had only one bad day at training camp. It’s not as if Vaughn isn’t being tested. He faces
Willie Jefferson and Charleston Hughes, among the league’s best defensive ends. The regular season, which begins June 15 against the visiting Toronto Argonauts, is another level of competition for players. For now, the Riders appear to have addressed an area of concern.
INJURY WATCH
Jones didn’t have an update on slotback Chad Owens, who suffered a shoulder injury Friday while attempting to make a diving catch. Defensive back Ed Gainey and tailback Jerome Messam were also among the 12 players who sat out Saturday’s session. Jones said Gainey was “a little bit banged up” and the Riders have the 33-year-old Messam “on a pitch count.”