Training camp looms and the questions persist about Riders
It would be fair to say no one is exactly holding their breath when it comes to the 2017 Saskatchewan Roughriders.
With training camp opening Sunday and a concert in the new stadium on Saturday night, it would be fair to say more people will be looking at the stadium this year as opposed to the team. The various concerts, soccer internationals and other events are also distractions the city hopes will take the edge off the property tax increases that financed the structure.t
The centerpiece of the structure is supposed to be the Saskatchewan Roughriders. However, there are question marks hanging over the team, from unsigned draft picks to depth at quarterback, running back and offensive line, perhaps throw in some defensive line, linebacker and defensive backs as well. This results in the feeling the Riders gambled on getting Darian Durant back at a reduced cost and, maybe, finding a future starter. But, they are now are pinning their hopes on a career back up with the propensity of throwing an ill-advised interception and another quarterback who hasn’t played in three or five years, depending on how serious you are.
The new stadium buys the team a year, if there isn’t substantial progress made, which can range anywhere from a playoff spot to maybe a 500 record, the Riders may find themselves phoning people on their season ticket waiting list as people debate whether or not they are getting their money’s worth.