Containing Riders QB a tall order

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This article was published 30/08/2023 (782 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There are few players in the CFL that Willie Jefferson sees eye-to-eye with — at least in the literal sense.

At 6-7, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers towering defensive end knows exactly the challenge his lengthy stature presents for opposing teams. Given that, it should come as no surprise when asked what he’s learned about Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Jake Dolegala, Jefferson went with that he knows best.

“He’s tall, man,” Jefferson said following Wednesday’s practice, noting Dolegala’s 6-7, 242-pound frame. “With that kind of height, he’s able to see over the offensive line and is able to see the linebackers and some of the movement from the secondary. And then actually having the chance to see what the defensive line is doing. Most guys have to look through the O-line to see what’s going on.”

Jefferson wasn’t alone in his assessment. Dolegala’s height came up each time a member of the Bombers defence was asked to evaluate the young pivot they’ll be facing in the annual Labour Day Classic game against the Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium Sunday.

As Bombers linebacker Adam Bighill put it, Dolegala is just “abnormally tall.” In fact, a quick look at active rosters across the CFL and there are only four players who are taller than 6-7, the tallest being Toronto Argonauts defensive lineman Shawn Oakman, who stands 6-foot-9.

As far as QBs go, Dolegala has the other eight CFL starters by a few inches, with the next tallest pivot being Ottawa’s Dustin Crum (6-3) and the shortest being B.C.’s Vernon Adams Jr. (5-11). Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros, who stands 6-1, has said in the past opposing teams will try to use his height against him, pushing the O-line back into him to disrupt his eyes from seeing and throwing down-field.

“I’m sure there’s got to be something to his sightlines, being that tall,” Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said. “But he certainly offers a lot more than just his height. He can move when he’s asked to or when he chooses to. He’s got a long stride that covers a lot of ground and has a strong arm. He can deliver the ball well.”

Perhaps Dolegala’s height becoming the consensus answer among the Bombers defence was the result of knowing little else about the 26-year-old. The two sides will get better acquainted later this week when Dolegala makes his third CFL start and second this season, having signed with the Roughriders in February 2022.

His first start came just a couple weeks ago, owing to injuries to quarterbacks Trevor Harris (knee), the club’s No. 1, and No. 2 Mason Fine (ankle). Dolegala made the most of the opportunity, leading the Roughriders to an improbable 34-29 victory over the B.C. Lions in Week 11.

Dolegala’s performance – 18-for-29 passing for 239 yards and three touchdowns, along with four runs for 27 yards – certainly turned some heads and has given the Saskatchewan some much-needed confidence heading into the weekend. At 5-5, they find themselves with a firm hold on third place in the West Division, behind the Bombers (9-2) and Lions (7-4) and ahead of the Calgary Stampeders (3-8) and Edmonton Elks (2-9).

“He looked calm and looked like he knew how to execute their game plan,” Bighill said of Dolegala’s game against B.C. “They also did a great job running the ball when they had to, controlling the clock. In the games they’ve been successful, they’ve ran the ball well, which is quarterback friendly. We’ll see what they want to come out and do on Sunday.”

The Bombers defence, while certainly focused on Dolegala and the unique skillset he possesses, isn’t worrying much about what opposing offences are doing these days. They say they’re focused on their own game plan and will adjust if needed depending on what the other side is doing.

Whatever it is, it’s working extremely well.

Winnipeg’s defence hasn’t given up a touchdown in the last two games, with their most recent score against coming late in the third quarter of a Week 10 win over Edmonton. They also currently lead the CFL in offensive points against, averaging 16.5 points per game.

“We’re not going to change what we do to cater to (Dolegala) or anyone else in the league,” Jefferson said. “We know we got a good defence, with good defensive players and a great defensive scheme. We just have to go out there and execute.”

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jeffkhamilton