Coach Jones gutted solid receiving corps, says unhappy fan

Chris Jones is showing signs of being football’s answer to Donald Trump — megalomaniac who does whatever he wants, without rhyme or reason, without oversight, simply because he can.

Jones’ release of Duron Carter is the latest example.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ head coach/gm stonewalled the media as to the “why?”, offering no explanation beyond saying he wanted to “go in a different direction.” Exactly what direction that is remains a mystery.

Carter was our leading receiver last year, one of three on the team who gained more than 1,000 yards (Naaman Roosevelt and Bakari Grant being the others).

For Canadian receivers in 2017, we had veteran Rob Bagg and a youngster named Nic Demski who showed a lot of promise. We had one of the best receiving corps in the league, and Jones has gutted it.

Demski is prospering in Winnipeg, his new location.

Grant and Bagg didn’t survive the 2018 pre-season. Now Carter is gone as well because Jones wanted to “go in a different direction.”

How many receivers would play five games at cornerback, knowing they had no experience at the position and knowing they were risking their livelihood as a receiver in doing so?

I can’t accept the argument that Carter wasn’t a team player.

Similarly, all receivers want to see the ball more. That doesn’t mean they aren’t team players.

It sounds like Carter and offensive co-ordinator Stephen Mcadoo didn’t get along, but that’s no reason to get rid of a quality player.

Our offence was booed during the July 28 game against the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium, not because of the players’ performance but because of the uninspired and ineffective game plan.

Given Mcadoo’s passion for two-yard passes and the fact that the Riders currently rank seventh in the CFL in total offence and eighth in passing yardage, maybe it’s time to “go in a different direction” where the offensive co-ordinator is concerned!

I feel privileged to have been in the stands to see the spectacular one-handed catch Carter made last year — probably the best catch I’ve ever seen. He was a pleasure to watch in Rider green.

Good luck to you, Duron, wherever you go.

As for Jones, I think he can be a terrific defensive co-ordinator, but that’s all.

The other roles and responsibilities he has taken on are clearly more than he’s capable of handling effectively.

Maybe we can at least play the upcoming game with a full roster.

That would be progress.

Roy Schneider,

Regina