CFL fans can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Training camps are beginning and very soon the preseason will kick off the season leading to the 100th Grey Cup. The year can not come soon enough for Saskatchewan Roughrider fans who watched their team have a dismal showing in 2011. Some I have talked with are nervous for this year while others are optimistic.
Regardless, management took note of the rough road that the crew endured last year and changes were a common theme throughout the offseason.
That theme of change was recently pointed out by Rob Vanstone of the Regina Leader Post. In his Robservations, Vanstone said a total of 21 of the 42 players who suited up for the green and white in last year’s regular-season opener are gone. Along with that, 16 players who were with the team in the final game in 2011 have also been given their walking papers.
You can take that one step further with the coaching staff. A lot of new and younger faces are taking charge led by head coach Corey Chamblin. The team’s facelift will also determine the fate of general manager Brendan Taman.
So what will the latest version of the ‘Riders look like? Here is a brief peek at what people can expect in the early going.
Quarterback Darian Durant has already been given the nod as the team’s starter and why shouldn’t he be? I agree with him being number one. Where the true battle lies is behind him.
Ryan Dinwiddie and Cole Bergquist were released while players like Heisman trophy candidate Colt Brennan, Levi Brown, former San Francisco 49er J.T. O’Sullivan, who also played with 10 others in the NFL, are vying for number two.
My money is on Brennan although talk has focused on O’Sullivan. In any case, the competition will be interesting to watch.
The backfield will also be different after starter Wes Cates was let go, Hugh Charles was dealt to Edmonton and Stu Foord moved west, signing with B.C.
Cates, who was a mainstay behind the quarterback was not brought back and the job is Brandon West’s to lose. West who was with the team last year and had 233 yards on 45 carries. However, a few others have been brought on board that have some NFL experience. While there are not any ‘household’ names, the players will all be competing for that top job.
The team also has fullbacks Neal Hughes and Graeme Bell to round out the group.
The wide receiver picture is interesting after the departure of Andy Fantuz. Similar to the quarterback position, former NFL players have been brought in to compete. Along with the core crew of Rob Bagg, Chris Getzlaf, Weston Dressler and Efrem Hill, former New York Giant Sinorice Moss and a few others are vying for a spot on the roster. The ‘Riders draft pick of Ismael Bamba sounds like a very good Canadian receiver.
Add to the mix some key off-season signings of Brendon LaBatte and Dominic Picard and a trade with Winnipeg for Odell Willis and the team has some potential and the possibility to do some damage in the CFL’s west.
So while change can sometimes be a bad thing, I think in this case it should be a good step in the right direction. It might take a few games but if the group can come together and buy in to coach Chamblin’s plans, I think the team will host a playoff game this year.
I also really like the coaching staff. While many are young, I think bringing in a fresh set of ideas will help in creating a new identity.
The team opens its regular season against Henry Burris, Andy Fantuz in Hamilton and then are at home July 8 versus Edmonton.
