Calgary Stampeders’ head coach Dave Dickenson was unhappy with the play of franchise quarterback Jake Maier in his team’s 35-20 loss to the Edmonton Elks in the Labour Day Classic, though it remains unclear if he plans to make a change under centre.
“(Maier’s performance was) not good enough, he knows it,” said Dickenson. “I don’t mind some interceptions but (he made) too many kinda lob throws. We won’t win or be able to play as an offence if we continue to do that.”
The veteran quarterback completed 22-of-34 pass attempts for 297 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. It marked the first four-interception performance of Maier’s career and only Calgary’s second loss in the Labour Day Classic since 2012.
Logan Bonner entered the game late, completing four-of-six pass attempts for 33 yards. The 26-year-old product of Utah State University spent last year on Calgary’s practice roster and has dressed in a depth role all season.
When asked directly about whether or not Bonner could have an expanded role moving forward, Dickenson didn’t seem sure.
“I don’t know. [Maier]’s battling, he’s our leader,” he said. “People have bad games and bad coaching jobs. I’m not saying I’m going [to make a change] but we’ve gotta be better and we’re fooling ourselves if we think that (type of performance) can win football games because that will not win football games.”
Dickenson characterized his team’s performance as “poor” and “embarrassing,” expressing his frustration and disappointment. Calgary’s defence allowed 586 yards of net offence as McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw for a career-high 486 yards and three touchdowns.
Though it remains unclear if he will make a change under centre, Dickenson strongly implied that changes could be made at other positions.
“To me, (our players look) too comfortable,” he said. “If you’re not doing the job, (we’ve) gotta go to the next guy.”
The Calgary Stampeders (4-7) will visit the Edmonton Elks (4-8) for the second half of the annual Labour Day home-and-home on Saturday, Sept. 7 with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
