Riders’ QB in favour of CFL reviewing hits to the head
Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Brandon Bridge is all for the CFL changing its rules when it comes to reviewing hits to the head.
Bridge absorbed such a blow on the second-last play in Sunday’s 23-18 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Division semifinal.
Winnipeg’s Jackson Jeffcoat wasn’t penalized for the hit that led to Bridge being helped off the field. David Watford came in for Bridge and his last-gasp pass attempt was intercepted.
“For (the officials) to not throw the flag on that play, initially, I don’t think they were in the wrong,” Bridge said Tuesday while meeting with the media.
“With how every play is being reviewed for a touchdown, I think they should review (hits to the head). If the Command Centre sees that it was head to head, they should be able to review that.”
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie released a statement later Sunday saying the officials had clearly missed the call. Ambrosie added that the official’s view of the play was blocked.
Ambrosie suggested the CFL’S Command Centre should be allowed to review calls regarding player safety and that the rule change might be installed in time for Sunday’s division finals.
The hit on Bridge was the second consecutive game in which a Riders quarterback was levelled by a blow to the head.
Starting QB Zach Collaros missed the final three quarters of the Riders’ 35-16 win over the B.C. Lions on Oct. 27 after being hit in the head by defensive end Odell Willis. No penalty was called until the Riders successfully challenged the play.
Collaros wasn’t able to dress on Sunday due to the effects of the hit. He said last week that the CFL needs to increase the consequences for illegal blows to the head.
“I agree with Zach,” Bridge said. “In the NCAA, if you have a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first half, you’re ejected from that game. If it happens in the second half, it carries over to the next game. If you start hitting people’s pockets, they’ll start second-guessing (themselves).”
Meanwhile, Bridge and Collaros are among 27 Roughriders who are eligible to file for free agency in February. Bridge said he would like to return and has enjoyed his two-plus seasons with the Riders.
“If they reach out to me, we’ll have those talks at the appropriate time,” Bridge said. “I would love to be here. If not, I’ll have to pack my bags and find another home.”
Jones was non-committal when asked about his quarterback plans for next season.
“We’ll talk about true free agency a little bit later,” Jones said. “It’s all about exit interviews and that kind of thing right now.”
Defensive end Willie Jefferson, who was named a West Division all-star after recording 10 sacks and returning two interceptions for touchdowns, is among the long list of Riders about to become free agents. He would also like to return for a third season, but sounded like he’s considering his options.
“If the NFL is an option, then for sure,” Jefferson said. “If not, then Saskatchewan might be my home.”
The Riders announced Tuesday that running back Marcus Thigpen had signed a contract extension through the 2019 season.
“I want to be here and I want to be a Rider,” said Thigpen. “I’m just excited to be back.”