Durant still deserves respect
Darian Durant was repeatedly picked off. A few volcanic fans are ticked off.
Some of the discontent has been directed toward Durant and/or an antiquated scribe who has invariably defended the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback.
The problem is that, lately, opposing teams are defending him as well.
With Durant at the controls of the Roughriders’ offence, the team has gone 90 minutes without a touchdown. Saskatchewan has only two majors to show for his last three starts. Over that time, he has thrown one touchdown pass and four interceptions. His first four interceptions of the season were served up in Saturday’s 53-7 CFL loss to the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats, whose robust showing left Saskatchewan with a leagueworst 1-7 record.
Given the continuing woes of the Roughriders, who are on a 6-29 skid, the fans’ frustration is understandable. The people who so faithfully and famously support the community-owned team deserve so much more than the sludge to which they have been subjected since mid-September of 2014. At times like this, nobody should be exempt from criticism — especially the team’s highestprofile player.
Durant has to play considerably better than he did in Hamilton if the Roughriders are to have any chance of salvaging this season. The 34-year-old passer was the first to acknowledge that he threw some “bonehead” passes against the Tiger-Cats. He may be adept at avoiding opposing pass rushers, but he will never evade responsibility.
The concern here, though, is that the Blame Darian faction of the fervent fan base is once again baring its teeth.
More than a few readers have pointed out this week that I should stop protecting Durant. All opinions are valued and respected, but I would point out in rebuttal that the Roughriders should start protecting Durant.
The mind rewinds to 1979, when the Ron Lancaster-coached Roughriders began a rebuilding initiative with future Hall of Famer Tom Clements at quarterback. Clements, for all his talents, was helpless behind a young offensive line and while working with a receiving corps that was hampered by early-season injuries to Steve Mazurak and Joey Walters. In seven games, Clements threw only two touchdown passes — compared to 11 interceptions — before being humanely traded to Hamilton, where he resumed performing at a high level.
Fast forward to 2016. Durant, and the entire Roughriders offence, has been impeded by an offensive line that has been without left tackle Xavier Fulton (who is to return to the lineup Friday in Edmonton), left guard Brendon LaBatte and right guard Chris Best. Aside from Naaman Roosevelt, the Roughriders’ receiving corps is average.
So, realistically, what can people expect from Durant?
His most-recent performance is symptomatic of the Roughriders’ problems, as opposed to the cause. It matters not. Saskatchewan’s starting quarterback will always be subjected to intense scrutiny. It comes with the territory — and the compensation, which is in excess of $400,000 per annum.
Durant was to make about $500,000 in 2016 before agreeing to a renegotiated wage for the final year of his contract. Considering the uncertainties of pro football, especially with a Roughriders regime that is inclined toward change, who knows what the future holds?
It would be a shame if Durant was not behind centre next year when the Roughriders play their first game in a palatial new facility — especially since his picture adorns the southeast corner of the current Mosaic Stadium.
Ideally, Durant will finish his football career with the Green and White, and be suitably revered for doing so.
Considering the current climate, Durant’s detractors should be reminded that they are watching one of the elite players in franchise history. In addition to quarterbacking the Roughriders to a home-field championship victory in 2013, he piloted the team to West Division titles in 2009 and 2010. Moreover, he has demonstrated remarkable loyalty to the team, during an era in which players can be transient.
All of this should be taken into account when Durant is appraised. Football is a “what have you done for me lately?” business, and that is understood.
But the circumstances should also be factored into the equation, in addition to Durant’s contributions. It is worth noting that Durant’s quarterback-efficiency rating for 2016 had exceeded 100 until Saturday’s nightmarish outing. Additionally, he remains an effective and elusive runner, despite missing most of the 2015 season with a ruptured left Achilles tendon. Durant was also sidelined the final nine games of the 2014 season with a torn tendon in his right elbow. Earlier this season, a sprained left ankle cost him two starts. Now he is back, albeit with a struggling team, and so are some of the critics. They are entitled to their views, but an infusion of perspective would be refreshing. Every opportunity to watch Durant is something to be savoured. And if he happens to throw four interceptions, well, the legendary Lancaster had days like that. So did Kent Austin.
In terms of Roughriders quarterbacks, Durant is on the podium alongside Lancaster and Austin. Given the company Durant keeps, he should be treated accordingly.