LAPOLICE ON THE 2015 RIDERS

CFL on TSN analyst – and former Roughrider Offensive Coordinator and Blue Bombers head coach – Paul Lapolice joined us on the SportsCage’s Rider Monday on 620 CKRM to discuss the CFL’s West Division heading into 2015.  Here’s what Paul had to say about the Green & White:

WHAT DO YOU SEE WITH THIS RIDER TEAM?

PL:  Obviously change.  That’s the biggest thing that happened with that team obviously.  New Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator and Offensive Line coach along with a bunch of other new coaches on defense.  It’ll be about how those new coaches adjust and work together.  That’s what’s important.  But this team was very good last year, their quarterback got hurt and then they lost a bunch of football games.  They didn’t have a qualified back-up or I should say and experienced back-up.  They’re not that far off.  That’s the first point.

They went and got Kevin Glenn in case something happens to Darian and he’s a good player.  The thing that’s going to be interesting is, where are they gonna get their extra player?  Last year they played with six Canadians on offense and one on defense as I look at my draft prep.  They traded Foley for Shea Emry, that’s an easy trade for a Canadian.  Now Emry can start but when you lose OT Ben Heenan, who’s going to pick up the slack?  That extra Canadian?  Will be on the O-line or at a receiver spot?  That’s going to be interesting to see where they put that extra Canadian.  Two on defense?

Levi Steinhauer and Dylan Ainsworth are the Canadian D-line guys.  Do they plug-and-play newcomer Keenan MacDougall at the free safety spot?  I don’t know how they come out and play.

WHAT ABOUT WR CORY WATSON AS THE SEVENTH CANADIAN?

PL:  Cory’s problem throughout his career has been injury.  He’s a tough kid, he’s physical, but that has sometimes led to injury.  Ya they could go with three Canadian receivers and go from there.  I liked they picked up Joash Gesse to back-up Shea Emry as a Canadian linebacker.  Gesse was released by Edmonton.  And another name to think of is Keenan MacDougall, the signing from Calgary.  He’s a very talented football player.  He’s had some injuries so hopefully both those guys can overcome those things.

COULD THE RIDERS DRAFT A STARTING CANADIAN D-LINEMAN?

PL:  It’s very hard for a drafted rookie – even a first round pick – to step right in and be a contributor right away.  Sometimes you get a WR that can step in at Z or something but for a kid to come out and start at nose, that would be very difficult and doesn’t happen often.  In my experience, the only guy that ever started was OL Wayne Smith.  Andy Fantuz didn’t even start right away.  Henoc Muamba was #1 for us in Winnipeg but couldn’t get on the field right away.

It’s gonna be hard for a new guy.  They’ll have those expectations for whoever they draft but the CFL is different than the NFL.  You have to develop for a year before a guy can step in and play.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE RULE CHANGES?

PL:  Starting with the pass interference – and I’m an offensive coach and have talked with other offensive coaches – they were always mad with the calls.  “Let ’em play!” But for me as a head coach, I like that there’s no contact on receivers after five yards for two reasons: 1) it’s easier for the referees to call and to be consistent crew-to-crew and 2) it’s easier to teach the players.  Everyone’s on the same page.

I’m concerned about the punt teams.  Coach Dyce out there … all the coordinators in the league … it’s going to be difficult now with the five interior lineman not being able to get down field.  That’s going to be hard because it’ll alter how you cover kicks.  Sometimes when you’re facing a great returner you like to kick it across the field and not worry about how far the ball goes.  That’s gonna be harder now and I don’t know if you can cross-field kick when only three guys can release down the field.  You’re gonna see a lot of high, deeper punts but I think the returners will have a field day this year.