Dave Campbell
ESKS.com
Rewind to a year ago and questions abounded about the Edmonton Eskimo performance in 2011. About half the roster looked different, with eight new starters on defense along with about six on offense. All the Esks did was tie the Calgary Stampeders and the eventual Grey Cup champion BC Lions for the best overall record in the West Division with an 11-7 record.
Even though there was major disappointment within the Eskimo Locker Room, there was also major optimism about what was to come in the 2012 season. But that optimism took a major hit when General Manager Eric Tillman traded away franchise quarterback Ricky Ray to the Toronto Argonauts for a 2012 first round pick, kicker Grant Shaw, and quarterback Steven Jyles in mid-December.
Ever since that day, debate has raged in Edmonton about whether Tillman is still a football genius or if he suffered a moment of insanity. The 2012 season is upon us and the Green and Gold will have an early litmus test on Saturday as yes, Ricky Ray and the Toronto Argonauts visit Commonwealth Stadium.
Head Coach Kavis Reed didn’t waste any time last Sunday naming Jyles as his starter for the season opener despite the fact that backup Kerry Joseph looked better in the final pre-season game last week against the Lions. Joseph went six of eight for 133 yards while Jyles had a difficult first quarter, connecting on four of seven attempts for 53 yards. Granted, the Eskimos didn’t have Adarius Bowman in the lineup and Fred Stamps didn’t see the ball for the one series he was on the field. Jyles also wasn’t operating with the full playbook at his disposal. Reed says his receivers missed assignments but that he’s not taking much stock into pre-season results. He feels Jyles gives his team the best chance to win.
Jyles career numbers as a starter are not stellar, with just five wins and 14 losses, although he looked strong in training camp throwing just four interceptions in about 450 attempts. He now has the full complement of receivers which Reed described as comforting like “drinking hot chocolate on a cold night.”
Ray had the ability to put his team on his shoulders and win football games and Jyles just doesn’t have that in his arsenal at this point in his career. He’ll be required to be a game-manager, not Superman, and definitely not Ricky Ray. He has the luxury of working with an outstanding receiving corps which features All-Stars Fred Stamps and Adarius Bowman. Greg Carr, Cary Koch, and Nate Coehoorn will serve as more than adequate compliments.
In the backfield, last year’s 1,000 yard rusher Jerome Messam is still with the Miami Dolphins. The run game will look different not only in personnel but also in style. Hugh Charles brings a slashing type running style compared to Messam’s downhill style. The coaching staff feels Charles can be a difference maker being given his first legitimate chance to be a CFL starter.
The offensive line was a source of frustration in 2011 thanks to injuries and poor play. Consistency was a rare as a lunar eclipse. The big acquisition in the off-season was Simeon Rottier, the starting left guard. Greg Wojt, the team’s top lineman in 2011, will be looked upon to solidify the right side.
With an offense looking in need of some time to gel, the defense might be under a lot of pressure to hold the fort. Perhaps the defense can help to steal some games early on with the front seven being the strength of the club. A closer look will reveal that the front four should be a legitimate nightmare for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. This columnist feels Marcus Howard will be the CFL sack leader. Julius Williams, Rashad Jeanty and 2012 second round draft pick Justin Capicciotti all provide great depth. The linebacking group will miss Rod Davis, but Damaso Munoz, J.C. Sherritt, and T.J. Hill are all returning. In the secondary lie the biggest questions. The Eskimos lead the league in interceptions in 2011; they also led the league in touchdowns allowed through the air. With Joe Burnett as the only change at the wide corner, this group will surely be asked to play more physical on opposing receivers.
The special teams units is led by the cover team who swarmed opposing returners last season, and not much has changed from then to now. The team will need to find a return game and the responsibility is expected to fall on Joe Burnett and Yamon Figurs. In the kicking game, Burke Dales has been selected as the punter. But who will handle the place kicking duties? Here’s the issue: Derek Schiavone is starting the season on the injured list and has shown accuracy while struggling with distance. On the other hand, Grant Shaw has the big leg but lacks accuracy. Import kicker Swayze Waters is capable of all three kicking duties but getting him on the active roster may be difficult because of his import
status.
Overall, the Eskimos are a very strong club in most areas. The biggest question mark is at quarterback. Jyles looks ready to take his game to the next level – he’s showing leadership skills and he can make all the throws. He has a stronger arm than Ray and has noticeably better agility and athleticism. Is Jyles ready to be a starter? Does he have the football IQ to make the smart football decisions on the field in high-pressure situations?
Jyles is no Superman. These mere mortals will need to look more like Batman and Robin. Everybody will have to chip for 2012 to be a success.
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