One drive can make all the difference.
As the training camp competition for the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ No. 2 quarterback spot continues, CFL on TSN analyst Glen Suitor was reminded of a story about a single offensive series that kickstarted – and may have saved altogether – the career of four-time CFL passing yards leader Michael Reilly.
“When he was a rookie in B.C. he had basically one drive,” Suitor said on the Rider Broadcast Network’s pre-game show before Saskatchewan’s preseason game Monday against the Calgary Stampeders.
“Coach Wally Buono at the time, he told this story much later when Mike had become a star quarterback in the league, but he told the story that in the preseason game he thought in his mind that he was going to cut Michael Reilly, that he didn’t do enough in camp to prove that he could be the No. 2.
“And he gave him one drive in one of the preseason games, and Reilly took it down the field and put it in for a touchdown. I can’t even remember if they won the game, it really didn’t matter. But that drive changed the mind of Wally Buono at the time, and he said ‘You know what, I’m gonna stick with this guy. I’m gonna take another long look at him and he’s gonna make the roster. Maybe as a No. 3 three to start, but we’re gonna keep him because that drive was impressive."
Reilly became a regular starter with the Edmonton Elks in 2013 and retired after the 2021 season as a two-time Grey Cup champion, with a Most Outstanding Player award to his name as well.
Speaking to SportsCage radio host Barney Shynkaruk on Tuesday’s show, Suitor – who played 11 years in the Riders’ defensive backfield from 1984-94 – expanded on what he saw Monday from the Roughriders’ would-be backup QBs.
Third-year Rider Jack Coan played most of the first half for Saskatchewan against Calgary, finishing 9-for-15 with 98 yards and an interception, while 22-year-old rookie Brayden Schager was 10-for-18 for 139 yards – also adding 41 more on the ground, including a 20-yard touchdown run – in just over a full quarter of work.
“There was a lot of great Hall of Famers that didn’t have that timing down early and I didn’t see it in Jack Coan. I did see it a little bit in Schager so that’s encouraging,” said Suitor.
“Very small sample size for both of those guys so I don’t think you’re making any decisions just yet but to me it’s processing speed. When you have a window to throw it in as a quarterback in the pro level, the window is open and closed in a split second so get it out of your hands when you see it, and you gotta believe it, and then that’s where that swagger comes in.”
