Former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall sees similarities between Roughriders’ head coach Corey Mace and Las Vegas Raiders’ bench boss Antonio Pierce.
“I like the attitude [of Mace],” Wall said in an appearance on 620 CKRM’s Countdown to Kickoff show.
“In the NFL, I cheer for the Las Vegas Raiders. Our new coach, Antonio Pierce, he was a former player, linebacker, defensive side of the ball, and took over when they fired Josh McDaniels. That seems to be a similar vibe that he’s brought to the Raiders as coach Mace has brought to the Riders, so it’s kind of cool to see.”
The 58-year-old retired politician has liked what he has seen from Mace so far amid Saskatchewan’s 5-4-1 start, calling it “very impressive.” The record is nearly identical to the 5-4 mark that Pierce produced after taking over the Raiders mid-way through last season, which resulted in his interim tag being removed.
The Riders currently sit in first place atop the West Division but there have been a few hiccups along the way. Wall has confidence in the way the first-year head coach has handled them, particularly the 276 rushing yards the Riders gave up in a 42-31 loss to the Edmonton Elks in Week 9.
“Coach didn’t seem real pleased about that, which is also good to see,” he remarked.
“The coach channels Rider fans so I think if we’re frustrated about something, it’s good to hear the coach echo similar sentiments and know that we were watching the same game.”
When it comes to players, Wall brought up Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou on his own accord, stating the seventh-round pick is one of his favourites.
“I’ve really gotten to enjoy watching Ajou Ajou play,” he said, referencing the rookie’s plethora of dance moves. “I don’t have any moves like that. Many people could attest to that, especially in line dancing.”
However, the former premier’s definitive favourite player remains one of the big offseason acquisitions by Riders, linebacker Jameer Thurman.
“How do you not like Thurman? how do you not like that linebacker?” Wall asked, highlighting his fumble recovery in the Riders’ Week 7 win over Winnipeg.
“He did that halftime interview four games ago when he talked to TSN about the importance of getting a turnover in the second half, and that might determine the game. Then he gets the turnover and they won the game. I’m glad he’s back from injury, he’s probably at the top of the list.”
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-4-1) visit the Toronto Argonauts (5-4) at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, August 22.
