WEDNESDAY COMMENTARY – JUST WIN BABY
The Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Calgary Stampeders in CFL action on July 6th, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, SK...Liam Richards/Electric Umbrella The Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Calgary Stampeders in CFL action on July 6th, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, SK. Liam Richards/Electric Umbrella
(Listen daily for the Rod Pedersen Commentary on Cat Country 98 & Rock 98.5 FM)
Tuesday’s news coming out of Mosaic Stadium was a bit of a head-scratcher.
The Roughriders opened their practice week with Mason Fine running the first team offense at quarterback, with Cody Fajardo watching from the sidelines.
Onlookers immediately speculated that this development means the sophomore Fine will be the starting quarterback for this Saturday’s must-win home game against the Calgary Stampeders.
But nope. Riders head coach Craig Dickenson told the media after the workout that Fajardo was simply given a “vet day”, but is expected to start this week against the Stamps.
For those unaware – and apparently there are many – a “vet day” is exactly as it sounds. It’s a day off from the rigours of practice, typically only afforded to veterans whom have earned it.
But the first day after a bye week? Cody didn’t get enough rest then?
Something definitely doesn’t meet the eye here.
It’s the most important game of the year so giving your starting quarterback the day off is unheard of. (Unless your name is Tom Brady, and Cody is not Tom Brady)
Adding to the confusion and deception is the fact Fajardo wasn’t made available to the media; in other words he didn’t have the opportunity to explain what in the world is going on.
Now of course none of this matters if all the men in that locker room are on the same page and they know exactly what Dickenson’s doing.
But do they?
I’ve heard murmurs out of the Rider locker room this week that it will in fact be Fine starting against the Stamps, which signals a whole other kettle of fish.
But I’ll take Dickenson at his word that Fajardo will be starting, because he’s an honourable man.
The adage or tradition remains that the Riders will put the quarterback on the field who represents their best chance to win.
But as the losers of five games in a row, I’m not certain right now anybody knows who that quarterback is.
That’s today’s Rod Pedersen Commentary
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 12 pm ET on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio. Call your cable provider to subscribe. You can also watch on YouTube Live or listen 24/7 at RodPedersen.com/ListenLive)
I had to pick an NFL team and I finally just went with the Raiders. The mantra of that boils down to Al Davis. His entire philosophy on Offense was to have a quick attack, take what the offense wants, not what the defense gives. Go deep and at all times have a QB and Receiving Corps that is the equivalent of being in possession of a bomb and willing to drop it. His defensive philosophy was the opposing QB must go down in the first 5 to 10 plays and go down hard. – what shocks me is Craig… Read more »
I’m beginning to question how honorable this man is when he just didn’t say that Cody was benched yesterday. Lost my respect and it’s obvious he doesn’t know what he’s doing anymore and I question that the support of the room is even behind him anymore.