10 THINGS I THINK I THINK
1 – The Roughriders have delivered early Christmas presents to the Rider Nation. This week’s signings of pending free agents Brandon Bridge, Thaddeus Coleman and Jovon Johnson were welcome news (they’re all starters), and a tad surprising. In particular Bridge, whom we assumed would test his value in free agency.
2 – Bridge said he only wants to play in Saskatchewan, and didn’t give much thought to signing with his hometown Toronto Argonauts. He said on the SportsCage that he grew up an Argos fan, but the Riders “showed me the love” and it was a relatively easy negotiation. This is the new breed of players. They don’t necessarily chase the dollars, but rather “the love”. It’s refreshing.
3 – Bridge said he was brought into Chris Jones’ office and shown the list of key free agents the team wishes to sign. His name was atop the list. I’d give my right arm to know what other names were on that list! I’m sure the other pending free agents would too.
4 – But the Riders stopped short of annointing Bridge the starting QB for 2018 the way Marc Trestman did with Ricky Ray on the day he was hired last spring. The Rider braintrust has left itself some wiggle room to go after a free agent QB in free agency, and has the salary cap room to make a splash. The QB landscape in the CFL has shifted somewhat so far this offseason, but it has a long way to go.
5 – Kudos to the CFL for staying in the news since Grey Cup and now comes word the media is invited to attend the annual GM meetings in Banff on January 10. We’re going to do our best for the SportsCage to be there since I lobbied so hard with the Commissioner for them to open their doors to us. Here’s hoping the CFL media makes every effort to attend. Silence doesn’t sell tickets, jerseys and hats, so here’s hoping Canadian football fans step up with their wallets this Christmas.
6 – News came down on Thursday that WWE boss Vince McMahon is looking at reviving the XFL. The fledgling pro league was huge news during its only season back in 2001, but it ceased operations as McMahon bickered with his TV partner NBC. The CFL will assuredly see the XFL as competition for players, but I feel the more pro football there is – especially on TV – the better it is for the sport.
7 – It dawned on me this week that 2018 Roughriders training camp in Saskatoon will conflict with Memorial Cup Week in Regina (May 18-27). It’s also been made clear that the only person concerned about this is me, but the SportsCage can’t be in two places at once! Methinks there will be more people than just me concerned about this once the snow melts.
8 – I need a helicopter.
9 – It has not been a casual Christmas break for Regina Pats Coach/GM John Paddock. A shade below .500, the Pats sit in a wildcard playoff spot and many are questioning if they’ll be a suitable host team for the tournament. I’m not one of them. First, I have complete faith in Paddock. Second, they’re good enough to be a playoff team as-is. Third, if the Pats can land Jake Bean from Calgary and maybe one or two more pieces, they can be a force. Fourth, goaltending is NOT the problem and if you think that, you don’t know what you’re talking about.
10 – The SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon is the place to be Saturday as the Saskatchewan Rush host their home-opener against the New England Black Wolves. It’s the return of former Rush great, goaltender Aaron Bold, who’s now with New England. The Rush will raise their conference championship banner and the evening will be filled with Christmas-themed festivities. There are still tickets available! Now … how can we get an NLL franchise for Regina?
Merry Christmas!
RP
@rodpedersen
