QB rotation produces just enough points to win
Chris Jones likes to keep everyone guessing when it comes to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterbacks.
It began when the Roughriders’ head coach and general manager refused to divulge his starting quarterback heading into training camp. Jones said at the time that there was an open competition between Zach Collaros, Brandon Bridge and any of the other quarterbacks on the roster.
Jones eventually decided that Collaros would start the regular season, with Bridge next in line. That changed when Collaros suffered a concussion in Week 2 and Bridge was promoted to starter.
The guessing game has progressed (?) to what transpired during Thursday’s 18-13 win over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Jones alternated between Bridge and David Watford in an attempt to generate something from Saskatchewan’s offence.
Bridge started and was replaced late in the first quarter by Watford, who lasted into the second quarter. Bridge returned, lasting into the third quarter when Watford was back. Watford played into the fourth quarter until being replaced by Bridge for Saskatchewan’s final four offensive series.
The rotation worked well enough to snap the Riders’ two-game losing skid and improve their record to 2-2.
However, it wasn’t an offensive explosion. Bridge completed 11 of 13 passes for 101 yards and had four carries for 30 yards. He also lost a fumble while attempting to dive into the end zone. Watford completed three of six passes for 47 yards and had seven carries for 50 yards.
“I want more out of them and I’m hard on them,” Jones said. “They both have unique qualities. David is probably a little faster than Bridge is. Bridge has more experience than David. We’re going to keep grinding until we figure it out.”
Bridge was at quarterback late in the fourth quarter with the Riders trailing 13-12. He led the Riders on a four-play, 77-yard drive that was capped by a 34-yard touchdown run by Marcus Thigpen. One play earlier, Joshua Stanford had made a 29-yard diving catch.
“I told Josh that I was coming to him,” Bridge said. “I told him, ‘If it’s not there, I’m probably going to run.’ He made a spectacular catch and I was so happy.”
Bridge, however, said it’s challenging for a quarterback to develop a rhythm while alternating.
“The only time I felt I was in a rhythm was in the last two minutes,” he said.
The fact the Riders won after back-to-back losses made it easier for Bridge to accept the rotation.
“The personal goal is you want to play the whole game, execute every play, and play to the best of your ability,” Bridge said. “Dave and I have a great relationship and we watch film together. I feel like I’m Kevin Glenn right now by helping out a guy who is fresh to the league and becoming a veteran.”
The rotation keeps both quarterbacks in the game because they don’t know when their number will be called.
“We’re going to support the guy who is out there,” Watford said. “We’re helping each other out on the sideline in what we’re reading on different plays and what we’re seeing out there.”
How long Jones will go with the rotation remains to be seen. The Riders are off until July 19 when they visit Hamilton.
“That’s what they pay me to do — figure out somebody to go in there and play,” Jones said. “The best way to stay on the field is to have success on the field.”