The loss of Drew Willy to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers proved to be the most significant setback for the defending Grey Cup Champion, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Their season can be divided in two: The games in the B.I. (before injury) period, and the games in the A.D. period (not anno domini, but after Durant).
With quarterback Darian Durant, the Roughriders were 8-2. Without him they were 2-7, including an elimination loss in the Western Semi-Final.
Unless the Roughriders find a capable backup quarterback, the message to the rest of the league is clear: injure Durant and the Roughriders are finished.
The Roughriders tried some rookie pivots and then brought back retired ex-Grey Cup Champion hero Kerry Joseph in desperation. Nothing worked and the Roughriders’ season went into the ashcan.
It could be argued that most of the Roughrider’s toughest games were in the second part of the season against Calgary and Edmonton, but it is clear that after Durant was injured, the Roughriders were not the same team.
Now the Roughriders are looking for someone who is exactly like Durant. Remember a few years ago, when Durant was a rookie? He stepped into the starter’s role and immediately the team improved; he has been the starting quarterback ever since.
Now the Roughriders need somebody to step into the quarterback position if Durant can’t play. Drew Willy seemed ready to do that, but now he is with Winnipeg.
Quarterback is the key position in football and the Roughriders cannot afford to be without a capable number two man. It cost them this season, and it cannot be allowed to cost them their future.
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