CFL: Durant’s the Man in Saskatchewan

Darian Durant has been proclaimed as starter for the Roughriders heading into the 2012 CFL season, despite the franchise’s moves to add depth under center. Al Dannity looks at how safe Durant’s position is and where the Riders are going in 2012.

No controversy? Umm okay
The list would make most fans salivate. Colt Brennan, J.T. O’Sullivan, Levi Brown, and Drew Willy are all signal callers who know their way around a NFL franchise. All four were signed by the Roughriders as back-ups to Darian Durant but there was no question, or so it seemed, that they would put pressure on the incumbent starter in Saskatchewan. Not so according to head coach Corey Chamblin.

“In my mind I know who the No. 1 quarterback will be and that’s Darian Durant,” said Chamblin on Thursday. “Like any other position there are moves so we can be competitive all across the board, but Darian is our leader. We believe in him and we know he will take us where we need to go and where we want to go.” History would favor giving some support to Durant, who led the Roughriders to consecutive Grey Cup appearances in 2009 and 2010. Last year’s disastrous season in the West Division however had fans expecting moves to be made under center. The Riders had the worst scoring offense in the whole CFL last year and also tallied the worst yards per game average.

Cause for hope?
The moves made on the offensive line would suggest the Riders want to give Durant a chance to prove himself. The drafting of Ben Heenan and free against signings of Dominic Picard and Brendon LaBatte indicate Saskatchewan wants to do everything it can to justify the three-year extension given to Durant this past off-season.

The Riders defensive issues however are a major concern. Having lost all three of last year’s starting linebackers, the Roughriders must go back to the drawing board on defense. There also remains a cloud of doubt over the signing of Odell Willis. Having acquired the defensive end from the Blue Bombers via trade, the Riders have been put into a holding pattern due to Willis’ legal problems. Willis was arrested last month on a DUI in Georgia, putting his ability to gain a work permit to re-enter Canada in doubt. Rider nation will hope Willis gets the all-clear as this defense needs all the help it can get. With a CFL low 29 sacks in 2011, an improved pass rush is vital if the Riders are to return to the post-season in 2012.

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