Murphy’s Law applied to Riders’ quarterbacking

John Murphy’s departure from the Calgary Stampeders was such a devastating blow that they proceeded to make three consecutive Grey Cup appearances.

Using precedent as a guide, the Saskatchewan Roughriders — who have mutually parted ways with the veteran CFL player-personnel man — aren’t likely to be in a crisis situation sans Murphy.

Yes, Murphy did provide a foundation of talent in Calgary that helped the Stampeders extend their period of sustained success.

And, obviously, the Riders’ roster was upgraded during Murphy’s three years as the assistant vice-president of football operations and player personnel.

Murphy was hired by Saskatchewan shortly after Chris Jones took over as head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations in December of 2015.

Jones and Murphy inherited a 3-15 doormat and subsequently increased the victory total to five, then 10, then 12.

The 2017 Roughriders were one defensive stop shy of advancing to the Grey Cup.

This past season, Saskatchewan finished second in the West Division and earned a home playoff game — albeit one that was wasted when the Green and White was quickly bounced from the post-season.

Even so, the Riders have elevated their fortunes on Jones’ watch. But a Grey Cup berth remains elusive.

After so many changes — and not inexpensive ones at that — the Roughriders are still playing Follow The Leader.

The first-place finisher in the West has represented the division in five consecutive championship games.

Saskatchewan has been left to look enviously upon the Stampeders (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) and Edmonton Eskimos (2015) since last capturing a division title in 2013.

More was expected — by now, at least — when the Roughriders wooed Jones away from Edmonton shortly after the Eskimos’ most-recent Grey Cup triumph.

Jones quickly added Murphy and, honestly, it looked like a lottery win for the Roughriders.

Under Jones and Murphy, the Roughriders have fortified the roster in several areas. The one glaring, gnawing deficiency just happens to be at football’s most crucial position.

Darian Durant was the Roughriders’ starter in Year 1 under Jones, who in November of 2016 deemed the iconic passer to be “moderately successful.”

Kevin Glenn and Brandon Bridge combined for a leaguehigh 35 TD passes in Year 2, but Jones felt that the team could do better.

Glenn was succeeded as the starter by Zach Collaros, who threw more interceptions (13) than touchdown passes (nine) last season.

Ideally, the Roughriders would have been able to develop a young passer by now, but they have failed miserably in that regard.

Whether the responsibility falls chiefly upon Jones or Murphy is immaterial. The bottom-line assessment is that, during a three-year association with the Roughriders, that duo could not secure a quarterback who would provide a long-term solution.

Until that difference-making signal-caller ends up wearing green and white, the Roughriders will continue to be moderately successful. Meanwhile, back in Calgary …