RIDERS HAVE UNCERTAINTY HEADING INTO 2009

REGINA -- There is a sense of uncertainty as the Saskatchewan Roughriders head into 2009.
The departures of defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall and offensive line coach Mike Gibson have contributed to that feeling. Hall left to become the head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos. Gibson has moved on to become the offensive co-ordinator for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Hall was the architect of one of the CFL’s top defences. Gibson oversaw an offensive line that performed as well as it could considering the number of injuries. Their positions will be filled in the New Year. Bob Wylie, who was the offensive line coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for two seasons, appears to be the favourite to take over for Gibson. Riders defensive assistant coach Gary Etcheverry and CFL veteran Dave Ritchie are candidates for defensive co-ordinator.

The uncertainty isn’t limited to the coaching staff. The Riders finished 12-6 in 2008, good enough for second place in the West Division, and earned the opportunity to play host to a second consecutive home playoff game.

They accomplished those feats despite numerous injuries. It’s possible the Riders endured enough broken legs to carry them through another two or three seasons. They don’t need any more bad breaks in 2009.
Those injuries slowed the Riders’ progress in 2008 because it’s tough to develop a sense of cohesion when starters are on the sidelines.

The injuries were part of the reason for the quarterback carousel. The Riders tried to find a quarterback who could be effective with an ever-changing group of receivers. That didn’t take place but Riders rookie head coach Ken Miller was able to win 12 games with four different starting quarterbacks.

Miller ran out of miracles in the West Division semifinal, which was won 33-12 by the B.C. Lions. Starting quarterback Michael Bishop was ineffective against the Lions’ formidable defence and turned over the ball four times.
Bishop was replaced by Darian Durant in the fourth quarter but by then the game was well out of reach.

Bishop’s inability to guide the Riders’ offence led to him being released just two days after the 2008 campaign. Although the decision didn’t leave any doubt about Bishop’s role with the Riders in 2009, there is uncertainty around the quarterbacks.

The Riders head into training camp with four unproven quarterbacks. Durant appears to have the edge followed by Steven Jyles, Drew Tate and Dalton Bell. Durant showed the most in his limited appearances as a starter and will be given every chance to become the No. 1 quarterback.

But there is the uncertainty of starting a new campaign without a veteran quarterback providing leadership. Durant was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 15 but has already agreed to terms with the Riders. He feels he can fill the leadership void because of the three seasons he spent with the Riders as a backup to Kerry Joseph and Marcus Crandell.
“It definitely helps to have a veteran presence,’’ Durant said. “Being around Kerry and Marcus taught me so much that hopefully I can transfer that over to the football field. I’m confident that I can do that.’’

Durant also plans on arriving in Regina a month ahead of training camp to begin his preparations. He will also have an opportunity to start working with Jason Clermont, who signed with his hometown Riders after being released by the Lions in December.
Clermont’s signing was an early Christmas gift for the Riders. He became available after being cut by the Lions after seven seasons. It’s a good move for Clermont and one that strengthens the Riders’ offence. Clermont is a tough, sure-handed receiver who can help the young quarterbacks develop.

The linebacking situation is another contributor to the uncertainty around the Roughriders. The Riders’ starting linebacking trio of Maurice Lloyd, Anton McKenzie and Sean Lucas are all eligible to be free agents. Lloyd and McKenzie, who were CFL all-stars, should attract league-wide interest. There has already been some speculation of the players following Hall to Edmonton.

The trio of linebackers enjoyed playing in Regina, which should help tip the scales towards the Riders’ side. McKenzie is expected to return. Lloyd will likely sign with another team and who knows about Lucas?

Free agents, coaching and the quarterbacking situation are among the questions facing the Riders heading into 2009. It will take time and many games before those questions can be answered. So, until the, we are left with uncertainty.