JOSEPH TO START
Judging by Thursday’s Roughrider practice at Mosaic Stadium, all indications are that Kerry Joseph will start at quarterback in Sunday’s game against Edmonton in Regina (2:00 pm, TSN, CKRM).
Somewhere in the mess of that picture to the right, Joseph was running the first team offence. He opened up 3-for-3 with completions to Weston Dressler (2) and Brett Swain before a 50-yard pass glanced off the fingertips of Korey Williams. In the first session of O-Team/D-Team Joseph took every snap and that continued in the second session.
However after the workout Rider coach Corey Chamblin said he’ll reserve the final decision on a starting quarterback until later in the week. Joseph, singing from the same hymn book, noted that he hasn’t been given the opportunity yet but feels like he’s picked up the offense rapidly.
Regarding those who feel Joseph isn’t the same player as he was in 2007 due to age, the 41-year old replied that he’s never put much stock into other people’s opinions. Joseph said he may not be as fast as he was seven years ago but his arm is just as lively. He also said whenever you lose something physically, you gain something mentally.
When asked about facing the Eskimos – the team which released him over the winter – Joseph said, “If I told you I didn’t have a chip on my shoulder, I’d be lying.”
Chamblin said the first team quarterback reps will be split in Friday’s practice however the workout is closed to the public and media.
Meanwhile we were all surprised to see #4 Darian Durant participating in individual drills on Thursday. He was working on his footwork, and helping out Joseph, but did not throw a pass.
RP
Got nothin' to lose!
I disagree whole heartedly with this. If Tino is going to be here for longer than this year he needs the reps. Young QB's can't develop without playing time and he knows the schemes better than Joseph. If we are washing our hands of Tino let's just cut him and focus on the next guy up for the future. And that's not Joseph.
The only schemes Joseph needs to know is handing off and getting sacked.
Stewts
Start Gainer. He's been around the longest.
Nightmare on Piffles Way
Tino had 5 weeks to step up and be the guy. I think he will get there eventually but it doesn't look like he's ready to be the guy this season. A little bit more seasoning on the guy won't hurt in the long run. Changes have to be made unless you thought the last game was good enough and are satisfied. Let see what happens, can't get any worse.
Williams in for DePalma – would like to see the Canadian WR's that are on the PR or # 85 get a shot instead of American retreads. Seems to be a bias against playing Canadians unless you have to.
KJ is a good plan – why have 2 rookies repeating the same mistakes
seems like neither back-up has the run ability to stick. Have the Riders contacted the kid released from Montreal? How has the new kid shown…he's been here what 3 weeks?
Reginawing
any comments on the Canadian WRs from the PR from those of you who have actually attended practise and seen them play ?????
Great idea, I think its best to have Tino warmed up and ready to come in. He has shown when the pressure from him having to start is off, he has been much more affective.
Go Kerry, like the first comment I say nothing to lose. If Tino is the professional he wants to be he must get used to being pulled from games when things are not working. Still happens to Ricky Ray and Henry Burris once in awhile. Think about the 89 Grey Cup, Austin and Burgess were both used that year. Click! One of the pieces is falling into place. Get the offense to actually do something this week and the defense will be better too.
It makes sense. DD probably won't be back this year. KJ has the experience and he is a leader. Tino has done well coming in off the bench when needed this year. KJ gives us a different dimension, much more mobility and a load to bring down. 1 win and we're in the playoffs. Lets make it this week!
We are in the playoffs now..
Don't mind the KJ decision short term (this season); in all honesty I cant see Sunseri or Doege being here next year so why "develop" them any further; they just couldn't make the jump to pro. Price on the other hand would be nice to see in some game action before seasons end. Not saying he's the answer but its worth taking a look at what you have.
Stranger
This is good. I know most people would like to see Tino in under center but he has had his chances to take charge of the offence and has struggled. When you are in charge of the O, you need to act like it. And Tino is emotionless to this. Football is playing with emotion and if you don't have any emotion, then how can you get your team fired up. Kerry can't do any worse, infact, he has pride in the organization and team, and will work hard to prepare. Yes, he is 41, but if your body is… Read more »
Coach Cortez has been coaching for 35 years, has 5 Grey Cup Championships. He knows what he is doing, if he figures this is the best chance to win, so be it.
Go Riders!!!!
What a joke, we aren't winning the cup this year why don't we let tino play. I mean let him play not if you make a mistake or throw a int your out. Let him qb this team not just hand the ball off 42 times. With this move it tells me neither tino or Seth will be here next year, so now we have to groum 2 new backups next year. Young qbs take time to learn this league and they don't by not playing, I'm sorry but I've lost all confidence in the coaching staff with they way… Read more »
Joseph will probably lead the Riders to a big win in this one. He won't run a lot but his passing is what we need to become winners. The running thing was good while it lasted but got far to over done and the other teams shut it down pretty good. So with Joseph in we can go back to step one with good passing and good running mixed in together. I'm sure we will see more of Dressler , Baggs and Getzlaf in this one. I'll say 27-18 Riders. Go Green. Riders that is !
YIKES! THINGS MUST BE WORSE THAN I THOUGHT… I DON'T THINK THIS IS A GOOD SIGN.
IF WE ARE GIVING UP ON SUNSERI AND DOEGE, I TOO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SEEING IF PRICE IS READY TO GET OUT THERE. HOWEVER, I HAVEN'T SEEN HIM AT ALL. DOESN'T HE COME FROM THE BEST SCHOOL OF OUR THREE YOUNG GUYS?
REALLY SEEMED LIKE TINO WAS HANDCUFFED OUT THERE LAST GAME.
Your CAPS LOCK button might be on
so when they announced this acquisition all of you thought it was great for him to come in and mentor the young guys as long as he wasn't coming to start games. now he is the starter and this 41 year old retired guy is going to lead the team to a victory over a team that shut you out 2 weeks ago? at what point as a rider fan do you just say F*ck it and have no clue about how logical, or contradict yourself time after time. well if Mr hopson says its ok then it must be.… Read more »
And if the Riders win are you going to bite that cyanide tablet?
The Rock
Thanks for the update Rod!