Over the past few days, the CFL headlines have been dominated by the news of QB Nathan Rourke's release from the NFL's New York Giants. Once the news broke, speculation started running wild about where he may end up, especially if he comes back home to the CFL.
Rourke was scheduled to try out with the Atlanta Falcons over the next few days. Whether he gets a legitimate shot down in the NFL remains to be seen. Many CFL fans want him to give up the dream and return home, but you can't blame someone for chasing their dream job.
If given a chance, he's better than many number two, especially number three quarterbacks on NFL rosters, but backroom football politics and his passport may be his downfall. Although he played behind Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, having a QB-friendly coach like Doug Pedersen, who played the position, may have been his best bet.
Regardless of what happens, if he decides to return to the CFL, he will be the most sought-after and highest-paid free agent in CFL history, cha-ching!
I'm not the only one who thinks he'd look great in Rider Green.
That said, there is no shortage of storylines for the 2024 CFL season.
Saskatchewan — Even the most optimistic Rider fan, who sees everything through green-coloured glasses, is still shocked but pleasantly surprised at the Riders' 5-2 record to start the season. I like this new era of Corey Mace football, and I know that every week, more and more people are becoming believers. It's pro sports, and teams will win and they'll lose. The big difference is that this team does not quit, no matter the situation. Although they are winless, a big test will come Saturday when the Elks come to town and will likely start Tre Ford. Past Rider history shows we don't do well against backups or rookies (Davis Alexander, who?). The Rider's run defense has been dominant so far this season, but our secondary has given up a tonne of yards, and with a scrambling QB like Ford, we need to make a statement and win this game.
Edmonton - Sitting at 0-7 and with Tre Ford possibly taking over at quarterback from Macleod Bethel-Thompson, Jarius Jackson and Geroy Simon could be in for a tough go the rest of the way.
Winnipeg - You'll get no sympathy from anyone in Rider Nation for the Bombers and their 2-6 record. One of the statistics that's hard to believe is that, through eight games, they only have four passing touchdowns.
Calgary - Probably the most confusing team in the CFL to figure out. At 3-4, the Stamps have looked good with Jake Maier and, at times, looked awful, including their game last week in Ottawa. This can't be sitting well with head coach and GM Dave Dickenson. Also, it's tough to see how bad the crowds are in Calgary these days, from a once proud franchise that would sell out 32,000 tickets to what looks like a smattering of people when they show crowd shots on TSN.
Toronto - The Argos under Ryan Dinwiddie has a 4-3 record. However, with the Chad Kelly situation still unresolved regarding what the team should do and what they will do, many CFL fans and media are not going near the situation.
Ottawa — Many so-called experts question the Riders' 5-2 record. At this point, our 5-2 seems more real than Ottawa's. Let's wait and see on the Redblacks.
Montreal - After what Davis Alexander did last week against the Riders, Jason Maas can feel confident with his team at 6-1 and Cody Fajardo coming off the six-game injured list.
BC - A good team with Vernon Adams at Quarteback that gets even better this week with Keon Hatcher coming back into the lineup from the injured list. This week, reports out of Lions camp have them starting up to eight Canadians on defense. Rick Campbell has done an incredible job building this team's depth. Although they are 5-2 and tied with the Riders, the Lions are the class of the CFL at this point.
When the Riders take on the Elks this Saturday, you can listen and watch the Rider Radio Live Stream on our YouTube channel — Countdown to Kick Off starts at 2 pm.
