The Saskatchewan Roughriders are entering the Doege days of their 2014 season.
As promised, Riders head coach Corey Chamblin announced the team's starting quarterback Wednesday ahead of Friday night's game against the Stampeders; rookie Seth Doege will get the start when the Riders host Calgary at Mosaic Stadium.
"I'm one of those coaches, it doesn't matter what a lot of people say should be done. I think I've made a lot of decisions since I've been here three years, some of it's off gut and different things like that," said Chamblin. "It just works for that week and it works sometimes for the season and that's where my gut is right now and I'm going to go with that."
Chamblin hasn't been afraid of change during his time as head coach of this team. In his first season as bench boss, he made changes nearly every week. That wasn't so much the case last year with a veteran team.
One reason for the changes this season is the team's state of evaluation, wanting to see what exactly they have in Doege.
"I've seen Seth over the last couple of weeks and I said let's move forward and see what he has this week," said Chamblin.
According to Chamblin, Sunseri took the news well, besides being disappointed.
Reporters weren't able to ask Sunseri about the move on Wednesday nor could anyone ask Doege about his first CFL star. Quarterbacks are allowed to be free of interviews once a week. Since Darian Durant's injury, that day has been the team's third day of practice.
Another reason for the move could be a difference in styles between Sunseri and Doege. Sunseri is more of a standard drop-back passer while Doege is capable of improvising a little more and is a better runner.
"(Doege) may run better but Tino has a stronger ball," said Chamblin. "When you look at those, each one of those have their strength. It's just how they master their strength when they're in the game."
Chamblin also noted that Doege showed a stronger command of the huddle this week.
These abilities aren't lost on Doege's teammates either.
"He's definitely mobile, he can run," said receiver Chris Getzlaf. "I think he's making his reads. He takes command of the offence, he's loud and clear."
While Doege will start the game, it's another question as to if he will finish it.
News and Notes
Change is also being made along the offensive line as Levy Adock will start at left tackle ahead of Xavier Fulton.
Sam Hurl is getting another chance with the defence. He was taking reps again at linebacker on Wednesday and will play there more on Friday. Defensive back Mark LeGree also appears poised to return to the line-up.
Spencer Moore, who returned to practice on Monday, did not practice on Wednesday.
Punter Josh Bartel was also again limited in practice on Wednesday with Chris Milo handling most of the punting duties.
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