Saskatchewan Roughriders legendary quarterback Darian Durant was on the SportsCage shortly after the Canadian Football League announced a series of changes that will come into effect in 2026 and 2027.
After analyzing the changes CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston announced, Durant can understand where the league is coming from.
“When it comes to viewing the game, making it more exciting... I saw where there's a projection of 60 to 70 more touchdowns being available because of these rules.”
The 43-year-old Durant quickly supported the CFL’s new 35-second running play clock.
“Let's get the play clock rolling. Let's not wait for the referee to decide when to start the play clock. Every team knows they have 35 seconds to get their play in, to get the audibles or whatever in so you can make a play on offence.”
Durant, however, was torn about the CFL’s intention to move the goalposts to the back of the end zone.
“I don't like the goalpost being moved, and I'll say that from a missed field goal perspective and being able to return the ball. I think that returning missed field goals is such a momentum swing. They are such huge plays in a game, something that you don't want to get rid of.”
One argument for moving the goalposts to the back of the end zone is that it opens up passing lanes for quarterbacks in the red zone. Durant feels that it removes an acquired skill.
“That's such a low percentage thing that happens in the league. It's a skill that we practice every day as quarterbacks. You know, the goalpost is there, you know, you have to have a little bit of an arc on your throw. Ensure you're aware of it and it's just part of the game.”
Durant, who spent 12 seasons in the CFL, was also reluctant to change the rules of the rouge.
“It's been a part of the game forever. I think that you can't really reward kickers for missing field goals. And for the receiving team to have the ability to run it back.”
The South Carolina native also wasn’t on board with shortening the field.
“I could see where the commissioner is coming from with this. I don't like it because if you're good enough to pin a team deep, and your punter's good enough. Once a team goes two and out, you guarantee three points if they try to punt or you get a single. So, you should be rewarded as a punt team for your kicker being accurate and pinning a team deep.”
Some current players, like B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke and former players like Peter Dyakowski have come out strongly opposed to the rules, citing a lack of consultation with the players. Durant believes there should have been at least a conversation.
“There should have been some type of survey. Even if you're not going to take the guy's word or you don't even care what the players say, you have to give them at least an opportunity to voice their concerns and explain why they don't and why they do like something. You have to consult with the guys who play. I think it's only right.”
The 43-year-old Durant, who is raising his young family, was also aware of the ramifications of the changes to amateur and grassroots football.
“What do you do with the millions of dollars communities have put into these field turf fields? You raise so much money to put these fields in. Now you have to go and change. Maybe you go across the country and consult with some of these younger leagues and see if it's feasible or if it's something that you implement one rule at a time to give everyone a chance to adjust.”
Durant believes that a slower phase in may be better in the long term for the game.
“Change one rule at a time, and maybe throw things out there from a perspective of let's just see if it works. Let's give it a year to see if it changes the game for the good or the bad, or if it affects the game in any way. For all these rules to happen at once, I think you're hurting the little leagues preparing these guys for the CFL game as they get older.”
You can hear Double Talk with Darian Durant on Mondays on the SportsCage at 5 p.m.
