Latest news with #JakeMaier
National Post
6 hours ago
- General
- National Post
Tommy Stevens feels at home in Roughriders' quarterback room
Despite being on a new team this year, quarterback Tommy Stevens is already comfortable in his surroundings. Article content Article content After signing with the Roughriders during free agency this off-season, the short-yardage specialist joined a club that already featured fellow quarterback and former Calgary Stampeders teammate Jake Maier — who was acquired by the Riders earlier in the off-season — along with offensive coordinator Marc Mueller, who was Calgary's quarterbacks coach for Stevens' first three seasons. Article content Article content In fact, reuniting with Mueller — who is in his second year as Saskatchewan's play caller — was one of the reasons Stevens chose the Roughriders in free agency. Playing in front of Saskatchewan's fan base as a member of the home team was another. Article content 'I'd be lying to you if I told you I wasn't fired up that this was going to be a possibility,' Stevens said as the Roughriders prepare for Thursday's season opener (7 p.m., TSN) against the Ottawa Redblacks at Mosaic Stadium. 'Glad it all worked out. Really happy to be here. I mean, this place is incredible. I think it's nicer every time I'm in here. Article content 'I'm glad I won't be a visitor in here. I'm glad this will be home.' Article content In his three years with the Stampeders, the 28-year-old Stevens developed into one of the CFL's elite short-yardage specialists. Last year, he rushed the ball 60 times for 237 yards — a four-yard average — with 10 rushing touchdowns, which was tied for the league lead. Article content Along with Maier, Stevens joins a quarterback in Saskatchewan room that also features veteran starter Trevor Harris and second-year pivot Jack Coan, who played college football at Notre Dame before coming to Saskatchewan in 2024. Article content 'Obviously me and Jake have been pretty close for, I guess this will be going on the fourth season we've been together,' said Stevens. 'But coming in with the new guys with Trev and Jack, they've been great. Article content Article content 'I think that's super important. And especially in our room — only one guy can play, right. So being able to have that kind of relationship, being able to bounce ideas off of each other. Article content 'Obviously, Trevor's been around for a while, and Jack's played some big-time football too, so just being able to hear their perspective on things, how they go about their process, how they read certain plays, what they think that we should do on whatever it may be, it's been helpful.'
National Post
3 days ago
- General
- National Post
10 thoughts: Top takeaways from Roughriders' pre-season finale
Article content With the Saskatchewan Roughriders electing to rest many veterans in Friday's regular season finale against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, it was a chance for some of the rookies and depth players to showcase their talent. Article content Article content And while the Riders waited until the last minute of the game to finally reach the end zone for the first time in the pre-season, there were some strong performances from the Green and White, and a few other performances which could make Saturday's roster cuts a little easier to figure out. Article content 10 thoughts Article content There's no way Jake Maier doesn't earn the backup quarterback spot regardless of what happened in the pre-season, right? The former Calgary Stampeders started didn't look outstanding in either pre-season game, but he's shown in 45 career starts that he can play in the CFL. Jack Coan is worth keeping around to develop because he's looked better in his second season already. But is he willing to sit on the practice roster for the year though if that's the case? Despite ample opportunity to do so, Mario Anderson didn't lock down Saskatchewan's backup running back job. Neither did Trent Pennix. While Anderson scored Saskatchewan's only touchdown of the pre-season, he had a fumble which was returned for a touchdown in the first half and averaged just three yards per carry while Pennix averaged 4.25. Maybe A.J. Ouellette can stay healthy for all 18 games with Canadian Thomas Bertrand-Hudon carrying any extra workload. After rejoining the team this week, punter Joe Couch had a strong night as he made his case to win the starting job over Bailey Flint. Couch's first punt went 53 yards before the Australian made an outstanding tackle on the return of his second punt, which was called back due to a penalty. After Flint averaged 40.6 yards per punt last week, Couch averaged 45.2 yards per punt on six punts on Friday. His familiarity with the team, having spent the 2024 season on the practice roster, could give him an upper hand for the starting gig in 2025. Speaking of special teams, the battle to earn Saskatchewan's primary returner was a key battle to watch in the second pre-season game. Veteran Mario Alford and rookie Drae McCray, who played great in the first pre-season game, both got reps in the first half before McCray went down with an injury late in the second quarter and did not return. You've got to be healthy to make the team, so this is something certainly worth monitoring. Sure-handed receiver Mitch Picton had a nice grab in the first quarter to put the Riders in scoring position. The Regina product also had a nice first-down catch in the second half. Overall, he led the team with seven catches. He could easily be a starter in the CFL. Could this be the year? As good as Picton was on Friday, American receiver Joe Robustelli was even better. In the first half, Robostelli caught a pass for 48 yards which would have been even better if he didn't step out of bounds. Robustelli also had a 30-yard gain in the second half while appearing to injure his shoulder. After going to the sidelines with the trainers, Robustelli wanted to get right back into the game. The best ability is availability and after spending much of the year on Saskatchewan's practice roster in 2024, Robustelli has had a strong training camp and is making a case to earn a roster spot this year. Daniel Wiebe, Saskatchewan's eighth-round draft pick this year, continues to make plays. The University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout had three catches for 21 yards on Friday, including one reception where he broke a tackle or two to increase the gain. Wiebe was also called upon to return four punts and a kickoff with McCray injured. While he has one more year of university eligibility, he's making a case to stick around the big club this year. Rookie American defensive back Eddie Heckard made sure he hauled in an interception in the second quarter, with plenty of time to match the catch on a deep pass by Chris Streveler. Although there's no room to earn a starting defensive back spot, Heckard, who signed this off-season, could have earned a backup or practice roster spot. There were also a couple of defensive backs who might have played themselves out of a roster spot with the performances on Friday. Saskatchewan has some good depth at linebacker. With Jameer Thurman, C.J. Avery and C.J. Reavis all getting the night off, Americans Aubrey Miller Jr. Antoine Brooks Jr. and Braxton Hill were noticeable in a good way for the Green and White while Canadians A.J. Allen, Nick Wiebe and Jayden Dalke — who transitioned to linebacker from safety this year — also looked good. Saskatchewan has clearly found some depth at linebacker, while also giving them an option to start a Canadian if need be. Also, let's assume the Roughriders are just saving their touchdowns for the regular season. After failing to find the end zone in the first pre-season game last weekend in Winnipeg with many starters suiting up, the Roughriders were nearly held out of the end zone for a second straight game on Friday night. If this was the regular season, it might be worth taking about, but it's pre-season so let's see how things go when the games matter for real. Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
10 thoughts: Top takeaways from Roughriders' pre-season finale
With the Saskatchewan Roughriders electing to rest many veterans in Friday's regular season finale against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, it was a chance for some of the rookies and depth players to showcase their talent. And while the Riders waited until the last minute of the game to finally reach the end zone for the first time in the pre-season, there were some strong performances from the Green and White, and a few other performances which could make Saturday's roster cuts a little easier to figure out. Here are the top 10 takeaways before the Riders get set for the real games to begin next week: There's no way Jake Maier doesn't earn the backup quarterback spot regardless of what happened in the pre-season, right? The former Calgary Stampeders started didn't look outstanding in either pre-season game, but he's shown in 45 career starts that he can play in the CFL. Jack Coan is worth keeping around to develop because he's looked better in his second season already. But is he willing to sit on the practice roster for the year though if that's the case? Despite ample opportunity to do so, Mario Anderson didn't lock down Saskatchewan's backup running back job. Neither did Trent Pennix. While Anderson scored Saskatchewan's only touchdown of the pre-season, he had a fumble which was returned for a touchdown in the first half and averaged just three yards per carry while Pennix averaged 4.25. Maybe A.J. Ouellette can stay healthy for all 18 games with Canadian Thomas Bertrand-Hudon carrying any extra workload. After rejoining the team this week, punter Joe Couch had a strong night as he made his case to win the starting job over Bailey Flint. Couch's first punt went 53 yards before the Australian made an outstanding tackle on the return of his second punt, which was called back due to a penalty. After Flint averaged 40.6 yards per punt last week, Couch averaged 45.2 yards per punt on six punts on Friday. His familiarity with the team, having spent the 2024 season on the practice roster, could give him an upper hand for the starting gig in 2025. Speaking of special teams, the battle to earn Saskatchewan's primary returner was a key battle to watch in the second pre-season game. Veteran Mario Alford and rookie Drae McCray, who played great in the first pre-season game, both got reps in the first half before McCray went down with an injury late in the second quarter and did not return. You've got to be healthy to make the team, so this is something certainly worth monitoring. Sure-handed receiver Mitch Picton had a nice grab in the first quarter to put the Riders in scoring position. The Regina product also had a nice first-down catch in the second half. Overall, he led the team with seven catches. He could easily be a starter in the CFL. Could this be the year? As good as Picton was on Friday, American receiver Joe Robustelli was even better. In the first half, Robostelli caught a pass for 48 yards which would have been even better if he didn't step out of bounds. Robustelli also had a 30-yard gain in the second half while appearing to injure his shoulder. After going to the sidelines with the trainers, Robustelli wanted to get right back into the game. The best ability is availability and after spending much of the year on Saskatchewan's practice roster in 2024, Robustelli has had a strong training camp and is making a case to earn a roster spot this year. Daniel Wiebe, Saskatchewan's eighth-round draft pick this year, continues to make plays. The University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout had three catches for 21 yards on Friday, including one reception where he broke a tackle or two to increase the gain. Wiebe was also called upon to return four punts and a kickoff with McCray injured. While he has one more year of university eligibility, he's making a case to stick around the big club this year. Rookie American defensive back Eddie Heckard made sure he hauled in an interception in the second quarter, with plenty of time to match the catch on a deep pass by Chris Streveler. Although there's no room to earn a starting defensive back spot, Heckard, who signed this off-season, could have earned a backup or practice roster spot. There were also a couple of defensive backs who might have played themselves out of a roster spot with the performances on Friday. Saskatchewan has some good depth at linebacker. With Jameer Thurman, C.J. Avery and C.J. Reavis all getting the night off, Americans Aubrey Miller Jr. Antoine Brooks Jr. and Braxton Hill were noticeable in a good way for the Green and White while Canadians A.J. Allen, Nick Wiebe and Jayden Dalke — who transitioned to linebacker from safety this year — also looked good. Saskatchewan has clearly found some depth at linebacker, while also giving them an option to start a Canadian if need be. Also, let's assume the Roughriders are just saving their touchdowns for the regular season. After failing to find the end zone in the first pre-season game last weekend in Winnipeg with many starters suiting up, the Roughriders were nearly held out of the end zone for a second straight game on Friday night. If this was the regular season, it might be worth taking about, but it's pre-season so let's see how things go when the games matter for real. tshire@ Roughriders fall 27-20 to Blue Bombers in pre-season finale Roughriders' Joe Couch happy to be back with team after being cut The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. 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National Post
3 days ago
- General
- National Post
Roughriders fall 27-20 to Blue Bombers in pre-season finale
Article content The Saskatchewan Roughriders pre-season is officially in the books. Article content Article content Now the Green and White can look ahead to the 2025 regular season. Article content On Friday night, the Roughriders elected to rest many veterans in their second and final CFL pre-season game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium. After losing their pre-season opener 15-9 last week in Winnipeg, the Roughriders were once again on the losing side on Friday night as they fell 27-20 to drop to 0-2 in the pre-season. Article content Article content When Friday's game got underway after a one-hour delay due to poor air quality from the wildfire smoke in the area, it was the Bombers — who also sat many starters — striking first as quarterback Chris Streveler led the Blue and Gold on a 12-play, 78-yard drive capped off with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Keric Wheatfall. Article content With Trevor Harris not dressing, Jake Maier got the start for the Roughriders. Article content After a two-and-out by Saskatchewan, Bombers' veteran quarterback Zach Collaros entered the game for Winnipeg and proceeded to throw back-to-back 40-yard passes to Dalton Schoen and Wheatfall, with the second toss into the end zone to make it 14-0. Article content On Saskatchewan's second drive of the game, Maier hit Mitch Picton for a 28-yard game which led to a 16-yard field goal by Brett Lauther to make it 14-3 at the start of the second quarter. Article content With Streveler back in the game for Winnipeg, he was looking for a deep ball but was intercepted by Riders' rookie defensive back Eddie Heckard, who brought it back 45 yards to Winnipeg's 21-yard line. Article content Article content However, the Roughriders gave the ball back as running back Mario Anderson fumbled the ball on the very next play before Bombers defensive lineman Phillip Webb returned it 90 yards for the touchdown to make it 21-3 Winnipeg. Article content Article content A few drives later, Saskatchewan was looking to close the gap but Maier was intercepted at Winnipeg's one-yard line by Bombers defensive back Isaiah Avery. Article content Following a punt by the Bombers, Maier bounced back and hit Joe Robustelli for a 48-yard gain before Lauther kicked a 24-yard field goal to make it 21-6. Article content On Coan's first series, the second-year pivot engineered a 10-play, 41-yard drive which led to a 53-yard field goal by Lauther to make it 21-9.
National Post
4 days ago
- General
- National Post
Roughriders resting many starters in final pre-season game
Article content The Saskatchewan Roughriders are choosing to rest many veteran players in their final pre-season contest on Friday night. Article content Article content With the Winnipeg Blue Bombers set to come to Mosaic Stadium on Friday night (7 p.m., CFL+), many rookies and depth players for the Roughriders will be in the spotlight as they look to make one last impression on the coaching staff before final roster cuts are made on Saturday. Article content Among the veterans not dressing for the Roughriders are quarterback Trevor Harris, running back A.J. Ouellette, linebacker C.J. Reavis, defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., linebacker Jameer Thurman, defensive back Marcus Sayles, defensive end Malik Carney, receiver Samuel Emilus, safety Nelson Lokombo, defensive back Tevaughn Campbell, linebacker C.J. Avery, offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick, offensive lineman Logan Ferland and receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker. Jake Maier will get the start at quarterback with Jack Coan and Tommy Stevens expected to also see playing time as backups. Article content With Ouellette out, Mario Anderson starts at running back with Trent Pennix listed at No. 2 and Thomas Bertrand-Hudon at No. 3. Article content Veteran receivers KeeSean Johnson, Dhel Duncan-Busby, Mitch Picton and Dohnte Meyers will all start the game on Friday along with rookie D'Sean Mimbs while many of the backups including Brayden Misseri, Daniel Wiebe, Joe Robustelli and Abdul Janneh Jr. will also see the field. Article content Return specialists, rookie Drae McCray and veteran Mario Alford, are also both dressing as they both look to make their case for a spot on the roster. Article content Article content Potential starters Trevon Tate, at left tackle, and Jacob Brammer, at right guard, will start the game along the offensive line with Zack Fry drawing the start at centre, Daniel Johnson at left guard and Payton Collins at right tackle. The Roughriders also have five Americans listed as backups who will also get playing time. Article content With Thurman and Reavis not suiting up, Aubrey Miller Jr. will start at middle linebacker with Antoine Brooks Jr. Drawing a second start at strong side linebacker. On the other side, A.J. Allen starts at weakside linebacker with seven other linebackers listed as backups.
