RIDERS MAKE CHANGES.....BUT IS IT ENOUGH

By Rob Vanstone, Leader-Post September 15, 2010

REGINA — Given the events of Tuesday, it was only appropriate that Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant appeared at a local auto dealership that uses "Driving Change'' as its motto.

Before a mid-afternoon media conference at which the signature-edition Darian Durant Ford F-150 truck was unveiled at Bennett Dunlop Ford, the Roughriders made some notable changes.
Dominique Dorsey, once a productive kick returner, was placed on the nine-game injured list. He might as well have been sent to Madagascar.

Prechae Rodriguez, once a productive wide receiver, was released. Cary Koch is to take Rodriguez's place Friday against the visiting Calgary Stampeders.

Hugh Charles, who has spent most of the season on the sideline, will be activated for Friday's CFL game. Charles is to return kickoffs and provide some relief for tailback Wes Cates. Slotback Weston Dressler is to moonlight as the punt returner.

Ryan Grice-Mullen, who was a member of the B.C. Lions for two seasons before trying out for the NFL's Miami Dolphins, is apparently ticketed for Regina. He can be employed as a receiver or kick returner.

Moreover, general manager Brendan Taman said that the search is on for an import offensive lineman.

Aside from those moves — actual or anticipated — all is quiet in Riderville.

The deactivation of Dorsey ranks as a surprise only when his production (or lack thereof) is compared to his glittering credentials. The regression of Dorsey, who won the CFL's special-teams player-of-the-year award as a member of the 2008 Toronto Argonauts, is astounding. How could someone turn into such a non-factor at the age of 27?

Not so long ago, it appeared that Dorsey was at least reliable when it came to the fielding of punts and kickoffs. Once the most rudimentary act of any kick returner became an adventure, there was no longer any case for deploying Dorsey.

The Roughriders had defended Dorsey by pointing out, with considerable validity, that flawed blocking played a role in his microscopic returns. That point was underlined during Sunday's second half, when Dressler replaced Dorsey on punt returns. Dressler, for all his elusiveness, did not fare significantly better than Dorsey in that regard. But at least Dressler caught the ball. Congratulations to him.

The team's brass would prefer that Dressler concentrate exclusively on his responsibilities as a slotback, but he is the best option with Dorsey out of the equation. Perhaps this will be a hidden blessing, in that Dressler's special-teams responsibilities could create an opening for Jason Clermont to be deployed as a slotback. Dressler will require periodic breathers, so why not use Clermont on the first few plays following a punt return?

Once upon a time, Dressler and Rodriguez were mentioned in the same sentence. Rodriguez, who enjoyed a smashing CFL debut with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, was the runner-up to Dressler for the league's rookie-of-the-year honour in 2008. That banner season by Rodriguez proved to be a mirage. After 10 generally uninspired performances, head coach Ken Miller had little choice but to jettison Rodriguez.

Koch is next in line. Or maybe Grice-Mullen, if Koch does not pan out. Given the Roughriders' recent struggles on offence, perhaps the infusion of some new faces will be beneficial. The same applies to Charles, who should provide a nice complement to Cates. If Calgary can use two tailbacks (Joffrey Reynolds and Jon Cornish) to great effect, why not Saskatchewan?

Tuesday's moves, while applaudable and inevitable, did not address the primary problem — the offensive line.

Unless the Riders can address the matador pass protection and the alleged run blocking, the moves involving Charles, Koch and possibly Grice-Mullen will have little impact.
If Taman's pursuit of an offensive lineman proves to be futile, Durant isn't likely to be a part of many long drives — except when associated with the Ford F-150 that bears his signature.

rvanstone@leaderpost.comRead more: