Forty percent of SportsCage Insiders believe that the Saskatchewan Roughriders should have left quarterback Jake Maier in the football game Friday night in Winnipeg, instead of bringing in Jack Coan in the fourth quarter. Legendary Riders QB Darian Durant says that Maier likely felt the same way.
“You're watching Trevor, you go from being a starter and then you come and you sit behind Trevor and you're watching a totally different style quarterback and have the type of success that Trevor's having. You want to get out there and show what you've learned, show that you've matured, show that you're not that same guy that was in Calgary. It was a perfect opportunity for him and I'm sure he's a little disappointed in it, but you have to say all the right things and put the team first,”
With first place locked up, the Riders rested several veterans, which Durant says was also tough on the starters who played.
“It's tough to go out there and stick your head in and make a tackle or sacrifice your body in situations like that. I would much rather have something to play for at the end of the season where the starters can continue with the rhythm and can continue to play. I guess it's a good thing when you clinch early, you can get that rest. It's a tough situation to be in.”
That said, Durant wasn’t able to play in a meaningless game.
“Unfortunately, we weren't able to create enough cushion during my career to be in those situations. I'm all for playing guys and making sure you're in the rhythm. If you have to take three, four weeks off before you play a meaningful game rust does exist. I really believe in it and hopefully it's non-existent this year.”
You can hear the entire conversation at SportsCage.com
AND that’s between the lines for Sheppard Realty in Regina. Specializing in farm and ranch real estate in Saskatchewan. Call Harry, Justin or Devan at 352-18-66.
