RIDERS SPLIT QB CHORES
Collaros gets call ... so does Bridge
1. QUARTERBACKS
Why not? Quarterback are the focus of attention whether it’s a pre-season or regular-season contest. Friday ’s game will provide an opportunity to evaluate Collaros and Bridge over a full 60 minutes.
The “open competition’’ between Collaros and Bridge for starting quarterback may come down to their performances on Friday. Collaros, however, remains the front-runner based on the training-camp repetitions he has had with the starters compared to Bridge.
The game will be a chance for coach and GM Chris Jones to see if Bridge can work from inside the pocket and refrain from taking off whenever he’s under pressure.
2. RUNNING BACKS
Fans will have to wait until the third week of the CFL season for the unveiling of the possible onetwo punch of tailbacks Jerome Messam and Marcus Thigpen.
Jones said that Thigpen won’t dress on Friday. That means he won’t be on the field until June 30 when the Riders play host to the Montreal Alouettes. He has been suspended for the first two regular-season games after testing positive for a banned substance.
That’s unfortunate for Thigpen, because he was the most consistent running back in training camp and would have been the starter if not for the suspension.
That leaves a stable of internationals — Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, David Cobb and Johnson Storm — in Friday’s spotlight.
Stacy, especially, has shown speed and power when given the opportunity. Friday’s game may be the last opportunity for the others to showcase their talents before Sunday’s final cuts. One aspect each tailback must exhibit is a willingness to block.
3. OFFENSIVE LINE
The projected starters — tackles Thaddeus Coleman and Terran Vaughn, guards Brendon LaBatte and Travis Bond, and centre Dan Clark — did not allow a sack when they were together for the first quarter of the loss to Edmonton.
The Riders need that consistency, considering the difficulties the offensive line had while trying to protect the passer in 2017.
The identity of the sixth offensive lineman remains in doubt, with Dariusz Bladek and Josiah St. John nursing injuries. The game against the Stampeders may provide an opportunity for prospects like Takoby Cofield, Jarvis Harrison, Emmanuel Adusei and Dalton Houghton to step forward.
4. DEFENSIVE LINE
The likely starters — ends Willie Jefferson and Charleston Hughes, and tackles Zack Evans and Eddie Steele — didn’t dress in the loss to Edmonton.
The Riders already boast one of the league’s top defensive lines and they can all pressure on the quarterback. Hughes will be inspired, even though it’s only a pre-season game against his former team.
An intriguing lineman to watch in the latter stages is Eric Striker. He originally started with the Riders as a linebacker, but has since been switched to defensive end. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, he’s undersized for a defensive end, but his speed may pose a challenge for the larger offensive linemen.
5. LINEBACKERS
The Riders look set with internationals linebacker Samuel Eguavoen and Derrick Moncrief among the starters. Cameron Judge played well against the Eskimos on the weak side and could be the national the Riders are searching for to join the starters.
Sam Hurl was listed as the starting middle linebacker on the depth chart the Riders released Thursday, but that could change once the season begins. He provides Canadian depth at the position and on special teams.
The Riders have 12 linebackers on their depth chart and not all can make the cut. Some members of the group are vying for spots on special teams. A strong effort on special teams may be the best way for them to crack the roster.