Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
Kevin Glenn’s right hand has been watched closely this week.
People were analyzing his ability to shake hands at the CCMA Awards, sign autographs on the green carpet and even hold the microphone.
He and Brendon LaBatte were handing out an award a day after Glenn left Saturday’s game. The fact he was even there without a cast or brace or splint was relief enough for Riders.
On Monday, further relief when Head Coach Chris Jones confirmed there wasn’t a break.
But the last thing Jones is confirming is whether or not Glenn will be able to play on Friday night against the Tiger-Cats.
Kevin Glenn’s status for Friday could be decided just before the game (Arthur Ward/CFL.ca)
At the two practices open to the media, Glenn didn’t do much outside of shadowing Brandon Bridge. He’s barely thrown the ball and admitted to media on Wednesday that gripping the ball is likely the biggest problem he’s had since the injury.
The reason Rider Nation is a little on edge is they’ve seen seasons derailed because of quarterback injuries, most notably 2014 and 2015 with Darian Durant’s elbow and Achilles injuries.
Those teams weren’t built to win without him. They also lost an emotional leader in the huddle.
Yes, Kevin Glenn is a similar presence. He’s been there, done that, and can provide a calm influence.
But here are four reasons why the Riders are better fit now than they have been to survive an injury to Kevin Glenn IF he misses any time at all.
1. Brandon Bridge and Vernon Adams Jr.
The Riders have backup quarterbacks that have shown the ability to get the ball downfield, scramble, extend plays and complete passes. The Riders’ struggles in previous seasons involved very big question marks at quarterback with Tino Sunseri or Seth Doege or Brett Smith.
While both Bridge and Adams Jr. are unproven, their added ability to escape and get out of the pocket make it more likely they’ll find a receiver or running back who has come free.
2. The offensive line
The Riders offensive line is second-best in the league for keeping the quarterback ‘clean’. When you add up sacks and QB pressures allowed, the Riders are only behind the Calgary Stampeders. With Brendon LaBatte now at centre, the team has a veteran line with Bruce Campbell playing well at LT since added. Derek Dennis has made a positive move to left guard as LaBatte went to the middle.
The addition of Peter Dyakowski has helped anchor the Riders’ revamped O-line this season (Arthur Ward/CFL.ca)
Peter Dyakowski was a great deal for the Riders at the start of the season. After Chris Best retired, they needed to find a right guard and the veteran CFLer was perfect. Then you have Thaddeus Coleman, who has locked down the right side off the edge. This offensive line will keep whoever is back there clean and provide even more time to make the right decision.
3. Receivers
When you’re throwing to a group that is in the debate for best receivers in the league, that is a huge benefit to Brandon Bridge. Duron Carter is a big-play threat, who seems to find the end zone every week. It’s unclear if Bridge can find Carter down field as often, but when you have to check down to Naaman Roosevelt, Bakari Grant, Caleb Holley or Rob Bagg, you’ve got something good going on.
Also, Kienan LaFrance and Greg Morris were serviceable in relief of Cameron Marshall. There wasn’t much of a drop-off.
4. Defence
The Riders defence can make up for any mistakes by Brandon Bridge or better yet, score or at least set up the Riders on a short field. Jones’ defence can get to the quarterback and when it’s Jeremiah Masoli, the Riders may be licking their chops as they can match Masoli’s speed and force him to make a play downfield.
Ed Gainey can’t stop catching interceptions and because of that, the competition amongst defensive back is high. Finally, the Riders added Otha Foster and Jeff Knox Jr. to the defence this week, which will make help the overall speed of the team. Foster is back to his SAM linebacker spot which has been a struggle to fill.
Whoever is throwing the ball on Friday, the Riders are well-equipped to leave Hamilton with a victory.
