RIDERS SHOULD NOT TRADE BRIDGE
Team will need two competent QBs in case starter gets injured or is ineffective
Let it be stated unequivocally that the Saskatchewan Roughriders should not trade quarterback Brandon Bridge — unless they receive an irresistible offer, in which case this column should be devoured by a shredder near you. But seriously, folks ...
Barring an opportunity to consummate a larcenous deal, the Roughriders must continue to suppress any temptation to peddle Bridge to another CFL team.
Roughriders head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations Chris Jones said Saturday in Saskatoon that he has received inquiries about Bridge — a nugget that sparked a debate about whether the team should pursue such a deal.
The notion resurfaced on Wednesday after Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols was helped off the field during practice. Immediate word on his status was not available.
The mere sight of a hobbled Nichols served as a reminder that the Bombers are operating without a safety net, their other options at quarterback being devoid of CFL experience.
Winnipeg had seemingly addressed that void in January by signing Darian Durant, but his sudden retirement in May created a gaping hole — one that Bridge could unquestionably fill.
And a Brandon-Manitoba connection certainly has a ring to it.
Perhaps, in time, a transaction involving Bridge would be sensible from a Saskatchewan standpoint. But unless a team such as the Bombers is prepared to grossly overpay, adherence to the status quo is advisable.
Bridge, only 26, is blessed with size, athleticism, intelligence and an electronic throwing arm. He also owns a Canadian passport, which will be immensely beneficial if the day finally arrives when quarterbacks are no longer exempted from the national/ international ratio.
All he lacks is abundant playing time, which at least one CFL team — the Montreal Alouettes — could provide immediately.
Bridge is already better than anyone the Alouettes will start behind centre this season. Foolishly, Montreal released him in 2016, whereupon he was claimed by Saskatchewan.
After making cameo appearances in 2015 and 2016, Bridge received his first extended CFL duty last season. He started one game, performing impressively, and routinely replaced Kevin Glenn when matador pass protection limited the options available to the veteran quarterback.
The Glenn-Bridge combo enabled Saskatchewan to lead the league in touchdown passes, with 35.
Even so, Jones and associates felt that the quarterbacking needed to be upgraded. Accordingly, the Roughriders acquired Zach Collaros from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and therefore released Glenn.
Collaros, who is to make a reported $430,000 this year, is a virtual lock to be named Saskatchewan’s starting quarterback for its June 15 regular-season opener against the visiting Toronto Argonauts.
But it is not outside the realm of possibility that Bridge will receive significant playing time.
Collaros has yet to establish that he can reprise the form of 2015, when he was the leading candidate for CFL most outstanding player honours before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Even if Collaros does prove that 2015 was not a mirage, there is always the risk of injury. It is a tall order to ask any quarterback to withstand the rigours of 18 regular-season games.
Hence the sporting suggestion that Bridge be retained.
If the Roughriders want to return to the West Division playoffs, they must do everything possible to ensure that there is stability and depth at football’s most crucial position.
Bridge is, at the very least, an insurance policy.
He has established, beyond any doubt, that he is worthy of playing time. It is clear that he can come off the bench and move the offence.
If not for the presence of such a person, the Roughriders would have one fewer Grey Cup championship.
In 1989, remember, Kent Austin and Tom Burgess provided Saskatchewan with its best ever 1 and 1A scenario.
By the end of the regular season, Austin was established as the starter. However, he suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of the 1989 West final against the Edmonton Eskimos. Burgess proceeded to throw two touchdown passes to help Saskatchewan win 32-21.
The next week, Austin started against Hamilton and threw for 474 yards in a 43-40 Saskatchewan victory.
After the 1989 season, it was clear that Burgess had to start somewhere. He was traded to the Bombers and soon guided them to their most recent Grey Cup title, in 1990.
The importance of quarterbacking depth was also underlined in 2014, when any notion of a second successive Grey Cup win by the Roughriders evaporated when Durant suffered an elbow injury.
The Roughriders of 2014 had an 8-2 record with Durant as the starter. Without him, they were hopelessly lost.
The Roughriders are poised to field their strongest team since September of 2014. With that in mind, they must ensure that an injury to or ineffectiveness by one quarterback will not dictate how the season unfolds, or whether it unravels.
Roughriders fans have seen that act before, and it doesn’t play on Broadway.
Not even Broadway Avenue. So why mess with an enviable situation?
For the time being, Bridge’s presence is a luxury that the Roughriders can afford.