V.A. CAME TO PLAY
New Roughriders quarterback Vernon Adams (acquired from Montreal on Tuesday) and Head Coach & GM Chris Jones met with the media on Wednesday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium. Here are some notes from the session:
– Adams was quick to thank Saskatchewan for the fresh start and said he’s happy to be with a team that wants him.
– The former Oregon Ducks star was quick to backtrack, saying that it wasn’t meant as a slight towards the Alouettes. He thanked Montreal for giving him his first pro opportunity, but he’s glad to be a Roughrider now.
– The 24-year old from Pasadena, CA product said he knew a future with the Alouettes wasn’t in the cards when the team signed CFL veteran Drew Willy to back-up Darian Durant.
– Upon leaving Montreal, Durant told Adams he’ll “love it out there” in Saskatchewan.
– At 5’11”, Adams said he’s aware of his physical limitations height-wise but he’s countered that with an uncanny ability to get outside the pocket and use his legs.
– Chris Jones said Adams is possibly the most-elusive quarterback he’s ever tried to defend in football. Adams led the Alouettes to a 19-14 win at Saskatchewan in Week 18 last season (177 yards passing, 1 TD, 1 INT, 24 yards rushing).
– Jones said Adams will immediately begin operating the Roughriders’ short yardage package.
– Jones said the addition of Adams may light a fire under incumbent back-ups Brandon Bridge and Marquise Williams, but they should be self-motivated enough regardless. They will be keeping all four quarterbacks for the foreseeable future.
– It’s interesting to note that the combined salary of all four Rider quarterbacks is less than what Darian Durant is earning in Montreal in 2017!
– Regarding Bridge’s time count violation late in Sunday’s 41-8 home win over BC, Jones admitted that he was very upset with the penalty but he said it’s a reflection on the coaches, not Bridge.
– The Riders are currently in a bye week and don’t play again until Friday, August 25 at Edmonton.
RP
@rodpedersen
