5. The Roughriders need Willie Jefferson back. I was a huge fan of Willie Jefferson and no doubt at least a couple of the games won in 2018 could be attributed to his play. I thought for sure he'd be off to the NFL with his Cameron Wake reach and know how. He didn't try out for any NFL teams and said the tape stood for itself. Then last weekend on his Instagram Story there was a post about his first time testing Free Agency. On Tuesday Willie signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and I won't pretend it sucks every time a fan favourite signs with our arch rivals but we also cannot fault someone for going after their best opportunity. It's been speculated that the Riders never put forth an offer, but as fans we never really know those details nor should we. As fans came down in a wrath which would make Smilin' Hank shake his head news descended that the Riders signed Micah Johnson. All might have been forgiven. A word about the social media rampage that fans go on... don't tag players in your emotional ranting. It's completely embarrassing to your fan base and it likely only serves as fuel when the players see it. I'm glad we had Mr Jefferson for 3 seasons and while I wish him luck with his new team...I won't ever wish it in September or the playoffs!
4. Jeremy O'Day wasn't prepared for Free Agency. Part of this argument is the continuous blame which people lay at the feet of Chris Jones who departed in January for an NFL position. It goes that because of his departure O'Day wasn't able to effectively formulate a plan to go after free agency players who the fans decided should be brought into Riderville at all costs. I think the idea that O'Day was caught off guard is wrong. We have to remember that no matter the player personality that running a football team effectively is a business first and foremost. Even if you go after the biggest player in the league and offer top dollar you are doing that at the cost to the rest of the team. It wasn't that long ago that the Riders signed Darian Durant for $500,000 and then couldn't lure offensive lineman to protect him. The stakes were much higher in 2019. You need an entire team to play to win and I guarantee that one person can lead but it takes the team to follow. The high priced Quarterbacks were signed elsewhere but meanwhile O'Day and company made other valuable signings for the betterment of the Roughriders. No team wins the Grey Cup in February and a lot will happen before the season opens. Let's see how that plays out before condemning a man.
3. Mosaic Stadium and Regina can no longer attract talent. This attempt to dishonour the jewel of the league was immediately debunked when Micah Johnson took to the podium in his media introduction. Cody Fajardo said something similar in that he couldn't wait to be on the right side of the stadium in green and white. There is no other facility in the league that comes close to having what the Roughriders call home. If a player doesn't sign with the Roughriders it's not because of the facilities they play in. Reilly chose to be 2 hours from his home and family. Brett Lauther was willing to go unsigned if his contract wasn't extended by the Riders. To me that speaks volumes. Sure Regina is a small town and there isn't a whole lot to do but at the same time during the CFL season I expect a player to be living and breathing football. They shouldn't be out on the town living it up. We know that when they are bad situations happen. Craig Dickenson said that we expect players to contribute to the community and to me that means charity work and appearances not hanging out on Dewdney.
2. The Roughriders failed to sign a quarterback. High expectations lead to huge disappointment and irrational emotions. Did you really really think the Riders had a chance of signing any of the available "elite" quarterbacks? For weeks we were told Mike Reilly would sign close to home. We were told Bo Levi Mitchell, who let's face it, Rider Nation didn't want anyway, would re-sign with the Stampeders. Who was left? Pardon my expression but everyone else was moderately successful. Wasn't it the best move to sign a quarterback who already knew the system and schemes? I think so. Yes, there are some health questions with Zach Collaros but with him being backed up by someone solid not named Bridge the Riders might be better off than okay. Let's all remember there are at least 5 quarterbacks brought in to Rider Training Camp in Saskatoon. While the Roughriders have stated Zach Collaros is our number one pivot, they will all compete and competition is a good thing in a world that tends to hand out participation ribbons.
1. The sky is falling. Well Henny Penny you need to take a good look at the Roughriders roster to see that the sky is still intact. Step away from the ledge and social media while you're at it. It seems to me that there are two basic types of fans. A: The Riders are the only team you follow and players are their identity. You completely over react at any type of different news other than what you were expecting. You post all over facebook and twitter that people should be fired and often tweet regrettable statements. B: The Roughriders are your main team but you follow the CFL as a whole. You know that football is a lucrative business and hard choices not only need to be made but have to be made. You wish ex-players luck with their new teams and rejoice when good players are brought in. Look at A and B closely. Which one are you? Which one do you want to be? Rider Nation is known for being passionate but other fan bases often look over the Saskatchewan borders and laugh at us. Players want to be on our team because of the passion but it's also one of the most critical fish bowls in the league. As Roughrider fans we can be better and we should be better.
This hits many nails square on their heads. I tend to avoid threads in the forums where people get on a narrow track trashing players they know nothing about or condemning management decisions when they have no idea why that decision was made. When they make a statement that nobody wants to play in SK they need to look for the reason in the mirror. You cannot motivate someone by criticizing them constantly. The old adage that beatings will continue until morale improves no longer works. Take your criticisms elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThere had been an article which unfortunately I could no longer link to, but it was written by Darrell Davis and the whole thing was about how the shine had worn off and the Riders could no longer bring in the big names. It really bothers me when media types do this sort of thing because fans believe it when it's heard enough. I don't think things are all sunshine and butterflies either but positivity goes a long way just as you said to motivate and inspire. Thanks for reading and your comment :)
DeleteHere is the link to the Darrell Davis article. https://3downnation.com/2019/02/12/rejected-by-premier-pivots-the-riders-are-no-longer-a-premier-free-agent-destination/ He should truly be ashamed of himself for writing such illogical trash. He must have had a traumatic childhood and should seek help. I believe life can be quite miserable if you adopt a negative attitude about everything in life. I dare to dream how great things might be if we decide to make it that way. Keep your stick on the ice. Lorne.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link! I had scoured the internet looking for it. I should have known it was on 3DN.
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