The Brink’s job

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This article was published 07/10/2010 (5817 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The optics surrounding Steven Jyles and his future with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers do not look promising.

More on that in a moment, though.

First — and in a related story — news that rookie quarterback Alex Brink will get the start when the Bombers welcome the B.C. Lions to Canad Inns Stadium Thanksgiving Monday was met with both excitement and surprise from the former Washington State standout.

“It’s a good feeling to be the guy to have this opportunity — and that’s what it is — it’s an incredible opportunity,” the 25-year-old Brink said after word broke that he would be preparing like the starter at practice this week. “I’ve waited for it; I feel ready. My teammates and coaches trust me, and that’s the most important thing.”

Handing the reins to Brink comes on the heels of another disappointing loss, a 16-14 heartbreaker to the Lions last Saturday. Jyles was the starting quarterback again, and once again, the 28-year-old out of Louisiana turned in his usual solid effort, 21-of-37 for 258 yards, one TD, one interception.

But numbers haven’t been the problem with Jyles. Though one of the more efficient QBs in the CFL he’s 2-6 as a starter, with all of those losses contributing to Winnipeg’s dismal 1-8 record over the last nine games.

And that’s why the move to Brink comes now, days before another ‘must-win’ game with the Bombers’ playoff hopes still dangling by a thread. The team is gambling Brink’s skill set — a big, mobile passer with a strong, accurate arm — will outweigh the fact that he’s short on pro experience, and hopefully provide the right formula for a win.

That’s the sales pitch, anyway.

“We have to find ways to score more points…that’s why we made the change,” head coach Paul LaPolice offered, unwilling to address any scenario of white-flag waving or notion of desperation the QB switch could signal from Bomberland.

As for Jyles and his future in Winnipeg, well, that’s the million-dollar question. LaPolice brought the career backup over with him from Saskatchewan in the off-season and had planned on using the lanky pivot as his No. 1 guy before Buck Pierce entered the equation. That allegiance has cooled as the losses have mounted, however, putting his status with the team in a tenuous position at best.

Turning to Brink suggests the club feels Jyles has hit his ceiling, and is exploring other options heading into the 2011 season.

“We brought Steven here because we believe in him and we do believe in him, but what’s happened right now is that we haven’t won a lot of football games,” LaPolice explained, adding that Jyles is still in the equation.

“We need to institute change. Doesn’t mean he isn’t our answer long-term — those decisions aren’t made now. Those decisions are made down the road. We’re worried about trying to beat B.C. this week.”

Jyles, watching his window to be a CFL starter slowly close, tried to put on a brave face Wednesday.

“When I first heard it, yes, it did (catch me by surprise),” he said. “It’s a part of the business and that’s the decision (LaPolice) went with.”

LaPolice shrugged off whispers that GM Joe Mack had significant influence in the decision to insert Brink into the starting lineup. It’s no secret Mack is high on Brink, having acquired the rights to the 6-foot-3, 216-pound pivot from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on draft day, but LaPolice said the decision fell to his coaching staff after watching every snap from every game this season following the B.C. loss.

“I feel that if we (would have) won one or two more games with him as the starter, we don’t make this change,” the coach said.

Brink’s preparation for the spotlight won’t just come from an extended week’s worth of practice heading into the Thanksgiving game. Last week, he took most of the first-team offensive snaps as Jyles battled a virus.

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca

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