Darian Durant is ready for another playoff run.
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post files
REGINA — Darian Durant is ready for another playoff run and it that means some runs of his own for the Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback, then all the better.
Durant and the Roughriders concluded their final preparations for Sunday's CFL West Division semifinal against the visiting B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium (3:30 p.m., TSN, CKRM). Durant was then asked for his thoughts about Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray rushing for 135 yards on 12 carries in their 31-28 victory over the Lions on Oct. 17.
Ray is a prolific pocket passer, but wasn't known to be that kind of runner before that career performance against the Lions. Durant is more of a threat to run than Ray.
"They wouldn't dare leave the edge open for me like they did Ricky Ray,'' Durant said Friday. "When you watch the film, you see the defensive ends committing to the running back and they just assumed that Ricky wouldn't run for 50 yards. With my ability and the threat that I pose, someone will have to respect me. If they don't, I will be able to hurt them like he did.''
Durant has returned to his running form late in the season. He was slowed by an ankle injury suffered in practice, but said that was due more to the defences than the injury.
"I pick and choose the times when I run,'' said Durant, who paced all quarterbacks with 618 rushing yards and 7.7 yards per carry. "I did that early in the season because that's when my team needed me. You can believe this is the time of year when you will see me pick it up.''
Durant doesn't boast a great deal of experience of picking it up in the playoffs. Durant is to make his third post-season start in Sunday's semifinal. While the starts are few, there is quality to them.
Durant, 28, guided the Riders to a 27-17 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in the 2009 West Division final at Mosaic Stadium. A too-many-men-on-the-field penalty kept Durant from leading the Riders to a victory in his first Grey Cup game. The Montreal Alouettes beat the Riders 28-27 in that game.
Riders head coach Ken Miller feels that Durant has matured since making his playoff debut as a starter in 2009.
"In the off-season he worked really hard on his strength and his release,'' Miller said Friday. "He has a quicker release and a stronger arm. He definitely has a better feel and knowledge for the game.''
That growth is reflected in Durant's on-field performance. Durant struggled with his consistency at times but still led all quarterbacks in passing yards, with 5,542. He completed 25 touchdown passes, but threw a league-high 22 interceptions. He also started all 18 games for the second consecutive season since being named the No. 1 quarterback after the Riders completed their 2009 pre-season schedule.
He has proven to be durable and resilient while demonstrating an ability to bounce back from less-than-stellar performances. Durant has grown into the complete package at quarterback heading into the playoffs. That growth has been helped by his two playoff starts.
He has proven to be durable and resilient while demonstrating an ability to bounce back from less-than-stellar performances. Durant has grown into the complete package at quarterback heading into the playoffs. That growth has been helped by his two playoff starts.
"I'm a firm believer that you learn by experience,'' Durant said. "I know what to expect, having played in last year's West final and Grey Cup.''
The Lions don't have that kind of experience with quarterback Travis Lulay, who is scheduled to make his first playoff start in his second season with the Lions. Durant wasn't ready to concede the difference in experience was a major advantage for him over the 27-year-old Lulay.
"It all depends on what type of learner he is,'' Durant said. "Some guys you can tell things to and they learn that way. I'm a guy where I like to be in the moment and learn through trial by fire. It depends on the type of guy he is and how mentally tough he is.''
The Lions don't have that kind of experience with quarterback Travis Lulay, who is scheduled to make his first playoff start in his second season with the Lions. Durant wasn't ready to concede the difference in experience was a major advantage for him over the 27-year-old Lulay.
"It all depends on what type of learner he is,'' Durant said. "Some guys you can tell things to and they learn that way. I'm a guy where I like to be in the moment and learn through trial by fire. It depends on the type of guy he is and how mentally tough he is.''
Durant's teammates appreciate their quarterback's toughness. They understand there is pressure on Durant to carry them to an extended run through the playoffs that culminates with an appearance in the Grey Cup on Nov. 28 in Edmonton.
"After the head coach, the quarterback is blamed the second-most for what happens to the team,'' said veteran tailback Wes Cates. "He knows that he has teammates in his corner and he has us to fall back on.
Hopefully that pressure doesn't bother him.''
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