RODSERVATIONS

Remember When?

QUICK HITS

1 – It’s still the most oft-asked question here in Riderland: What are the Riders going to do for a quarterback this season? Starting behind centre in Week 1 could be any one of Kevin Glenn, Brandon Bridge, Jake Waters, G.J. Kinne or Bryan Bennett. Or, it could be someone else entirely if Chris Jones and Co. have someone else up their sleeve.

But rest assured about one thing: the Saskatchewan Roughriders won’t go into the season unprepared or under-qualified at the most important position on the field.

Jones and Murphy’s jobs – and perhaps just as important, their reputations – depend on it. They don’t want to fail any more than you do.

2 – Somone texted into the SportsCage on Wednesday and said the solution is clear: Just wait until 2018 when James Franklin is available as a free agent.

Ya right! That sounds great on March 1, but Rider fans aren’t going to be satisfied with throwing away a season “just because”.

3 – These Rider fan worries about the QB spot would fall under the category of “anxiety”. By definition, “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”

Doesn’t that sum up Rider Nation in a nutshell?

We also suffer from abandonment issues, and I blame Kent Austin and Henry Burris for that.

3 – Just spitballing here … but what about a Drew Willy-to-Saskatchewan trade scenario? In perhaps record time, Drew Willy was relegated to the bench on February 28 by new Argos Head Coach Marc Trestman. Does Drew still have starting QB qualities? The Roughriders, Blue Bombers and former Argo GM Jim Barker all thought so at one time. Do you? Would Chris Jones? Perhaps it’s a road to examine.

4 – Meanwhile … in Austin, TX … Vince Young is telling people he will be quarterbacking the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2017. That’s what my football sources in Texas – close to Vince Young – told me this week. This story is real, but don’t scoff. Refer to Point 1, Paragraph 3.

5 – It’s absolutely WONDERFUL to be a student again! I totally love it. When I receive my diploma, you’ll be the first to know. These are great times for the MMG.

6 – What a sheer honour it was to attend the Celebration of Life for Gordon Currie at Conexus Art Centre on Wednesday. I got to sit with a bunch of Saskatchewan legends including Norm and Kathy Fong, Dale West, Mal Isaac, Tom Shepherd and Doug Alexander. How fantastic! I learned a lot too.

Legendary CKCK and CBC broadcaster Mal Isaac said every time we do the SportsCage at the Brandt Centre, the Pats lose.

7 – The Regina Pats are in a swoon but it’s understandable and explainable. They are coming off a ridiculously gruelling stretch and are convalescing in the middle part of this week before hosting the Medicine Hat Tigers on Friday (you can watch on Access and Shaw at 7:00 pm Sask Time).

The Pats should be fine but make no mistake; they are NOT the same team as the one before Christmas that was pulverizing opponents like King Kong and destroying everything in their path. Gone are Rykr Cole, Riley Woods, Luc Smith and Lane Zablocki and they seemed to be major components of the team just a few months ago.

But, we’ve got to trust John Paddock because he hasn’t misstepped yet. Don’t fall victim to Point 2.

9 – Join Tiger Williams, Miss Universe Canada Siera Bearchell and me on April 1 in Assiniboia for the fundraiser for the New Arena Project. Tickets are $100 and available at Nelson GM in Assiniboia. I promise you it’ll be worth the drive!

10 – When the dust settled after Wednesday’s NHL Trade Deadline, what did we learn? The pundits are saying the Washington Capitals emerged as the #1 Cup contender after acquiring defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk. But will YOU be betting on them in your Stanley Cup playoff pool? I’m still weary of a team who’s led by Alexander Ovechkin. I’m liking LA.

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THAT’S IT! HAVE A GREAT DAY
RP
@rodpedersen