How many people knew the Saskatchewan Roughrider rookie camp began Wednesday?
My guess is not many. Despite back-to-back Grey Cup appearances, a new head coach and Darian Durant preparing to be the starting quarterback for his third season, the hype around the Saskatchewan Roughriders isn't at the level some would expect from a team that had such high expectations heading into their centennial season last year.
It is still early in the season, and Rider Nation will no doubt be showing off their Rider pride, as grocery stores will soon see a high demand for watermelons. Right now things seem a little quiet as far as expectations, but why?
Durant is poised to continue his growth and climb as one of the league's elite quarterbacks and yet that isn't drawing much attention. Durant does not have his favourite receiver this year in Andy Fantuz, but the Riders have lost Matt Dominguez before and no one was sure if he was replaceable. Two years ago when nearly half the receivers broke their legs or had other injuries, unsung heroes stepped up for the team. How would Chris Getzlaf have had a chance to prove himself if the core guys of Fantuz, Dressler, Bagg and Armstead didn't have some kind of injury problems, opening the door for Getzlaf to be more than just the brother of Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf.
After competing for the Grey Cup in the last two seasons, an overhaul of the coaching staff may seem a bit unnecessary. Six coaching changes were made including the surprise departure of former defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry. What may have forced the decision by Etch is the reinstatement of former defensive co-ordinator and former Edmonton Eskimos head coach Richie Hall. Hall is back in Saskatchewan where, as many Rider fans believe, he truly belongs. After working with the defence for 15 years he will hopefully step in without missing a beat. It seems a bit strange that after replacing Hall with Etcheverry the Roughriders made the Grey Cup twice. I mean, sure Hall was around for the Grey Cup win, but at the current time the question has to be if it ain't broke why fix it?
Because he is the loveable Richie Hall. I guess that is good enough.
The Riders have also added special teams coach Craig Dickenson, who was with the Oakland Raiders last season. A new special teams coach was a must this season and the Riders should be able to hold their own in the special teams battle and avoid being fooled by teams like Toronto this time around.
Also new to the club are Mike Walker, defensive line coach; Steve Buratto, offensive line coach; Bill MacDermott, running backs coach; and, of course, new head coach Greg Marshall.
It could be a more defensive minded team than Rider fans are used to rooting for, but if it finally does bring the Grey Cup back and break the 13th man curse, who cares how the Riders do it?
Next week the Roughriders' main camp gets started and it sounds like the camp will be full. It just may take some time to find out who will be filling the vacant spots of Marcus Adams, Jeremy O'Day, Kitwana Jones, Omarr Morgan and Fantuz, some of the most recognizable names to don the green and white in the previous five seasons.
Wednesday, tickets went on sale and despite some question marks coming into the season, I'd expect 30,000 fans at all Saskatchewan Roughriders games at Mosaic Stadium even if some people are debating whether to get NHL tickets in Winnipeg or support Saskatchewan's only professional sports team.
Green is the colour, meeting expectations will be the game.
