CONFIDENT COACH
Riders strong in mock game
Chris Jones’ stomach was feeling significantly better after the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ latest mock game.
Last year, the Riders’ head coach and general manager said he wanted to throw up after the controlled scrimmage at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Jones then criticized the execution and vowed the Riders would bounce back during the ensuing week of practice.
Jones didn’t have any of those queasy feelings after Saturday’s mock game was conducted before about 3,000 spectators at SMFF.
“It was way better than last year,’’ said Jones, now in his second season with the Riders. “We didn’t run near as many plays and it was a little hotter last year, too. It was a much cleaner day (Saturday).’’
Jones was pleased with the performances of the approximately 90 players, but wasn’t willing to publicly evaluate anyone in particular.
“I don’t like to single guys out after a game unless it was completely obvious,’’ Jones said.
“Everybody did some good things, just like Tyler (Crapigna). He didn’t have a good day, then he comes back to kick a 55-yard field goal to end the day. Everybody had some good things and everybody has something they need to improve on.’’
The five quarterbacks on the roster were among those with good and bad moments.
Veteran Kevin Glenn played just one series and completed all five of his pass attempts for an unofficial total of 60 yards. He was the most poised of all the quarterbacks when it came to running the offence and finding open receivers.
“That’s about what Kevin normally does in a practice,’’ Jones said. “He throws about 70 to 75 per cent completions and he knows the offence. He’s had plenty of reps this week and it was an opportunity to evaluate the other four.’’
One priority is to ensure depth behind the No. 1 spot.
“As evidenced last year and the year prior, you need three solid quarterbacks because you never know,’’ Jones said.
“Two years ago in Game 1, Montreal got to No. 3 in a hurry. You have to make sure the other guys know what they’re doing and can run your offence as well.’’
The Riders learned that former NFL quarterback Vince Young needs more time to adjust to playing in the CFL.
Young was inconsistent, as he has been throughout training camp. He was 6-for-10 passing for 59 yards, with two interceptions and two time-count violations.
“He did some good things,’’ said Jones, whose team is to open its pre-season schedule next Saturday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “It’s the first time he has really been put under the live gun with the clock and a full set of officials and things like that. It has been a (while) for him. He had a couple of delays of game. He’ll be better next week.”
Quarterbacks Bryan Bennett and Brandon Bridge each had an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Unofficially, Bennett completed 10 of 11 pass attempts for 150 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Bennett, who showed poise while running the offence, connected on touchdown passes with Antwane Grant, Naaman Roosevelt and Duron Carter.
Bridge completed three of seven passes for 50 yards and a 13-yard touchdown pass to University of Regina Rams product Mitchell Picton.
Marquise Williams, who signed with the Riders on Wednesday, was 1-for-4 with an interception.
“Bennett and Bridge both threw the ball well and they both have big arms,’’ Jones said. “Now it’s a matter of making sure that they throw it to the right-coloured jersey.’’
Defensive tackle Ese Mrabure, recently signed linebacker Derrick Moncrief and defensive backs Zavian Bingham and Ed Gainey had interceptions.
The defence was awarded sacks even though contact wasn’t allowed. Willie Jefferson had two sacks. Zach Minter and Tobi Antigha had one each.
Jones was pleased with the number of interceptions, but was unhappy with the four offside penalties committed by the defence.
“We need to clean that up because we can’t continue to extend drives,’’ Jones said. “I do think it will be a little bit more poised team than it was a year before.’’
The Riders were off Sunday. They are to return to the University of Saskatchewan’s Griffiths Stadium on Monday at 9 a.m.
You need three solid quarterbacks because you never know. You have to make sure the other guys know what they’re doing.