Mitchell sits as Maier gets start at QB for Stamps

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This article was published 24/08/2022 (1109 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Despite being healthy, Bo Levi Mitchell will be standing on the sidelines on Thursday night at IG Field.

The Calgary Stampeders have made the decision to sit their future Hall of Fame quarterback in favour of Jake Maier for their Week 12 matchup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Mitchell is 0-2 against the Bombers this season and was benched at halftime last week in Toronto after completing 9-of-16 passes for 149 yards and two interceptions. The 25-year-old Maier came on in relief and led the Stampeders to victory by connecting on 14-of-18 passes attempts for 156 yards and a pick. This will be Maier’s fourth career start and first this season.

Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson claims last week’s results didn’t play much of a role in the switch.

“I mean, listen, we haven’t been clicking quite as sharp as we need to be playing on offence… I’m kind of honestly just trying to find a best way to win a game in a place against a team that we haven’t had success,” Dickenson told reporters shortly after landing in Winnipeg.

“It’s just one move. Bo is ready to play and I know if his number is called, he’ll come in and play well as well. But I’m hoping I’m giving us the best chance to win.”

This is the first time Maier is starting with Mitchell healthy. All three of Maier’s starts last year were when Mitchell was out with a leg injury. Mitchell shared his opinion on the situation in a post on Instagram.

“I am obviously frustrated with the decision, any competitor would be. But I am a member of this team and I am not above coaching or criticism,” Mitchell wrote.

“I believe in Jake and believe he will play great, winning football. I’ll take the time to look at what I can do to make myself better which will ultimately make us a better team. I will be back on the field.”

Maier, obviously, expressed his excitement for the opportunity, but also took a moment to praise Mitchell.

“Bo is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. I think he’s a very misunderstood guy,” Maier said. “… The guy has been for me every step of the way, including the starts last year that I was a part of. He’s been a great leader, a great teammate and I can’t say enough about him.”

Maier made CFL history last year by becoming the first quarterback to throw for 300 yards or more in each of his first three starts. His second start came against the Bombers at IG Field in Week 4 where he completed a franchise record 17 consecutive passes in an 18-16 defeat. He also helped the Stamps rally back from a 12-point deficit in the final five minutes to steal a win against the Bombers at home in a meaningless Week 16 contest.

“I see a poised quarterback. He reminds me somewhat of (Nathan) Rourke. He gets the ball out quick, he knows where he wants to go with it, and then he lets his receivers do the work,” said Bombers defensive back Nick Taylor.

Dickenson said the offence won’t look much different as Mitchell and Maier have similar games. Unlike last season, Dickenson now knows what he has in Maier and it’s enough to trust him with the keys to the offence, at least this week.

“At that time, I wasn’t sure what we had. Even though he played well out here, it was one of those situations with the noise and playing a great opponent, that was a tough situation to be in,” Dickenson said.

“I think he’s more prepared but you know, he’s always been cool, calm, collected and confident. He has done well in every opportunity that he’s got so this is a huge challenge. A tough, tough opponent and a short week for us. I’m hoping he plays his game and makes the throws when he needs to and hopefully it’s enough to get the win.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31

Taylor Allen
Reporter

Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor.

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