This week’s Insider Talk is full of discussion on Canadian quarterback Michael O’Connor, Ottawa’s decision not to sign Naaman Roosevelt, and Montreal’s performance coming off their Week 1 bye.
Insider Talk includes anonymous quotes from people around the CFL — players, coaches, personnel people, executives, and agents — regarding the latest news around the league. It’s a combination of insight, analysis, rumours, and friendly gossip.
Enjoy this week’s quotes and come back next Wednesday for another edition of Insider Talk.
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I’ve watched a lot of (Calgary Stampeders’ quarterback) Michael O’Connor. I think he’ll do well (replacing an injured Bo Levi Mitchell), especially with Dave (Dickenson) calling plays for him. He’ll do a good job.
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Montreal had an advantage not playing Week 1. They had film on everybody and nobody had anything on them. Barron Miles is a first-time defensive coordinator — nobody really knew what he’s going to do.
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I heard Ottawa was going to sign Naaman Roosevelt but Paul LaPolice didn’t want him.
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People forget that (Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive end) A.C. Leonard still hasn’t been playing defensive line for that long. He’s already one of the league’s better pass-rushers, but I think he could be truly elite.
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Did you know that Darvin Adams is Winnipeg’s fourth-highest-paid receiver? He’s not making much less than the top guy but there are three receivers ahead of him.
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What B.C.’s coaching staff did to Nathan Rourke (in Week 1) was unfair. Asking him to make his first career start in front of a sold out Mosaic Stadium in Week 1 was ridiculous. Unless [Michael Reilly]’s arm is literally falling off, you start him and go to Rourke later in the game.
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Usually when problems come up you can fix them quickly. This year’s different. There’s a million roadblocks — smaller budgets, paperwork at the border, mandatory quarantines. I’m hoping like hell that we stay mostly healthy.
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Winnipeg was smart to bring in (veteran placekicker) Tyler Crapigna. If he kicks well, great. If he stinks, you give the job to (Marc) Liegghio once he’s had a chance to build his confidence.
