We’ll get the business part of this post out of the way up front: Join me at 2:30 p.m. for a pre-game live chat. If you’re looking for a topic to start with in the chat, how about the one below?
For all of the Edmonton Eskimos’ misfortunes this season (summed up succinctly here), watching Mike Reilly take strides forward at quarterback has been a fun thing to watch (apologies for the tiny tables; formatting issue with WP).
Screen grabs via Esks.com
Reilly’s numbers have drastically improved over the last four games. He’s had three consecutive games throwing over 300 yards and his QB rating has soared from his early season totals (save for the Week 2 win in Guelph against Hamilton where he was at 111.2). And as you know, while those previous four games have all been close losses — a combined 12 points — the Eskimos’ offence has clearly turned a corner and is putting up enough points to give the team a chance to win.
For all of Reilly’s progress, there is still something that alarms Eskimos fans and the team itself and that’s the punishment that their starting quarterback is taking in games. Reilly has held nothing back this season when he thinks his offence needs him to step up and make a play. There are times that Reilly has put himself at risk, seeking a down or looking for a score. There are other times where his protection has failed him and he’s been absolutely crushed by defenders. Regardless of who has been responsible for putting the QB in danger this season, Reilly has hopped up from every hit so far and continued trying to dig the Eskimos out of the deep hole they’re in at the moment.
During Sunday’s walkthrough practice in Calgary, Stampeders defensive lineman Charleston Hughes called Reilly the toughest quarterback in the league. Here’s Reilly on Hughes’ comments and on the hits he’s taken this year.
Eskimos coach Kavis Reed spoke on Sunday about Reilly’s progress and his concerns over the beating that Reilly has taken this year.
When Reilly and the Eskimos offence gets onto the field at McMahon Stadium this afternoon, the hope will be for improvements in both areas. Reilly needs to pick his spots better (go for broke with the end zone in sight) and he needs better protection from his teammates, through to the moments after the ball leaves his hands, lest we see more of this:
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