The Edmonton Elks lost their season opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders last Saturday, 29-21.
One of their new signings this season was McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who they signed in the off-season. During Double Talk with Darian Durant, he was impressed by Thompson's play last Saturday.
"I think he showed flashes of what he can do in that system this past weekend," said Durant to host Brendan McGuire. "I think he put up pretty good numbers besides the turnover."
Durant continued to show his support for Bethel-Thompson.
"Just give it some time with him. I'm a fan of his. I think he'll do a good job."
Bethel-Thompson finished the game against the Riders with 336 passing yards and threw two touchdowns and one interception.
When Durant compared both of the Elks' quarterbacks, he chose Bethel-Thompson over Tre Ford, their backup, due to his more experience in the league.
"I think bringing in Bethel-Thompson gives you that stability. It gives you a proven winner," explained Durant.
Bethel-Thompson is indeed a proven winner, he won two Grey Cups with the Toronto Argonauts in the 2017 and 2022 season. Last year he was not in the CFL but in the United State Football League which is now defunct and called the United Football League.
While Durant did show his support for Bethel-Thompson, he made sure to preface his remarks by saying that he thinks Ford is a good quarterback but needs more seasoning.
"I think he has a huge upside," said Durant. "I think sitting behind a guy like Bethel-Thompson and in the quarterback room with Jarius Jackson will help that development."
Ford is in his third season with the Edmonton Elks, during which time he played 16 games and threw for 2069 yards and twelve touchdowns last year.
Durant made sure to point out that he thinks it is a better idea for a younger quarterback to have a veteran one with them, as he did when he backed up Marcus Crandell during his playing career.
"I think you need, as a young quarterback, that veteran in the room," described Durant. "Who can break down coverages and defensive coordinators and what they're trying to do to speed up that learning process for you."
Due to the Elks' past losing seasons, Durant believes that if the Elks can put out a worthwhile product this season, fans will come back.
Make sure to catch Double Talk with Darian Durant every Monday on the SportsCage.
