Matt Nichols to start Friday...

[esks123]

Matt Nichols to start Friday according to Dave Cambell. Jyles and Joseph won't play, but Masoli and summers could see some time too.
https://twitter.com/dave_ched/status/212965937593323520

[nafnikufesin]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

If Joseph isn't playing Friday, that means he already is already guaranteed to be wasting a roster spot this season. Knew it was going to happen, but still held out hope that someone in this organization would have some sense. **sigh**

[Esks4ever]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

If Joseph isn't playing Friday, that means he already is already guaranteed to be wasting a roster spot this season. Knew it was going to happen, but still held out hope that someone in this organization would have some sense. **sigh**

it pisses me off as well. Some prolly see it as it being 1. Jyles 2. Joesph and a battle for third. I dont like Joesph getting a roster spot because he's a vet with a great work ethic and outlook. I could stomach him as third stringer, but I'd rather see Jyles - Nichols - Masoli though it does look like the Esks have their mind made up with it being Jyles - Joesph - Nichols... I'd expect Nichols to get a half perhaps and a quarter each for Summers and Masoil. I hope Masoli shows something good to warrent him getting more time...

[Macavity]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

I have to say that this once again makes me happy to have the QB situation we do. Buck is not playing in Montreal, and Brink and Elliot are fighting hard for #2.

[beware]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

If Joseph isn't playing Friday, that means he already is already guaranteed to be wasting a roster spot this season. Knew it was going to happen, but still held out hope that someone in this organization would have some sense. **sigh**

He has value on goal line situtions. i was watching some film on him from Ottawa,Sask and Toronto. He can run the red zone with best of them. He's just not the pocket passer your wanting... Our QB's are not as weak as most out there would like to think..We do have some good talent here but all i hear is there not Ray so there junk.

[cmbuk]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

Matt Nichols to start Friday according to Dave Cambell. Jyles and Joseph won't play, but Masoli and summers could see some time too.
https://twitter.com/dave_ched/status/212965937593323520

Excited to see the young guys in g&g

[turftoe27]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

He has value on goal line situtions. i was watching some film on him from Ottawa,Sask and Toronto. He can run the red zone with best of them. He's just not the pocket passer your wanting... Our QB's are not as weak as most out there would like to think..We do have some good talent here but all i hear is there not Ray so there junk.

I would totally agree if he were not turning 40 in Oct. I'd have to think his best scrambling days are behind him. Still, you have to believe Kavis and the rest of the staff are aware of his abilities and weaknesses and realize that they have to put the right QB on the field in certain situations. The pressure to replace RR has to be having our off. coaches burning the midnight oil. We won't be catching other teams by surprise , like we did to start last year.

[glenvb]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

He has value on goal line situtions. i was watching some film on him from Ottawa,Sask and Toronto. He can run the red zone with best of them.

Didn't see it last year here in Edmonton. He looked hesitant and past his "best before" date.

Wonder if there's a possibility that his not playing might mean a quick transition into QB coach... (wishful thinking)

[danlaurin]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

Matt Nichols to start Friday according to Dave Cambell. Jyles and Joseph won't play, but Masoli and summers could see some time too.
https://twitter.com/dave_ched/status/212965937593323520

If Nichols is to be #2 as we think we ant to see what he can do when bullets are flying for real. Masoli will I am sure take a quarter as will Summers but I would bet Nichols will get the first half.

[nafnikufesin]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

He has value on goal line situtions. i was watching some film on him from Ottawa,Sask and Toronto. He can run the red zone with best of them. He's just not the pocket passer your wanting... Our QB's are not as weak as most out there would like to think..We do have some good talent here but all i hear is there not Ray so there junk.

I thought he was a waste of a roster spot when Ray was still in our line-up, and now if we're looking to move into the future, it's even more valid. What you say about how he performed in Ottawa, Sask and Toronto is fine, but how he performed in Edmonton last year is more relevant, and that wasn't nearly as impressive.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

I thought he was a waste of a roster spot when Ray was still in our line-up, and now if we're looking to move into the future, it's even more valid. What you say about how he performed in Ottawa, Sask and Toronto is fine, but how he performed in Edmonton last year is more relevant, and that wasn't nearly as impressive.

What do you want out of that wasted roster spot? A guy that can hold a clipboard better?

Salary cap effects aside - and I think we can all agree that we shouldn't have any concerns that way this year - as long as we don't cut a guy that we'd otherwise keep to give Joseph that roster spot, I don't see the big deal. If he were a distraction or prevented us from signing other guys we wanted, I'd see how it could be problematic, but if all it means is that Masoli gets his development year (or two) in civvies instead of a ball cap, then I don't see it as a big deal.

[Inquiring Mind]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

They should be giving the kids a look. Joseph doesn't need reps, other than short yardage he shouldn't see the field unless everyone else is hurt or proved themselves totally incompetent. The starting spot is Jyles unless someone steals it, and that wouldn't be a bad thing... throw the kids in there let them sink or swim.

[nafnikufesin]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

If Jyles falters or gets injured, I'd rather give time to Nichols or Masoli. It's not like KJ will bail out Jyles; if we're depending on that, God help us. KJ can be a "positive dressing room influence" in civvies just as well, without any danger of getting scooped off the PR. Of course, Masoli will probably develop the same strange illness that kep Nichols permanently nine-gamed last year. In the end, even if we're going to PR or "injure" Masoli, I'd have just as soon given Ward longer in an Esk uniform (or Summers, maybe) as the #3 spot, and quit wasting everybody's time with KJ. If you want to groom him as a coach, fine, but don't waste a roster spot on him.

[Oiler]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

What do you want out of that wasted roster spot? A guy that can hold a clipboard better?

Salary cap effects aside - and I think we can all agree that we shouldn't have any concerns that way this year - as long as we don't cut a guy that we'd otherwise keep to give Joseph that roster spot, I don't see the big deal. If he were a distraction or prevented us from signing other guys we wanted, I'd see how it could be problematic, but if all it means is that Masoli gets his development year (or two) in civvies instead of a ball cap, then I don't see it as a big deal.

Injuries do happen and I don't think I want Joseph to be the starting QB if Jyles is injured. I'd rather take my chances with Nicholls and Masoli. Too bad Ward who had one year of experience didn't make the grade.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Re: Matt Nichols to start Friday...

If Jyles falters or gets injured, I'd rather give time to Nichols or Masoli. It's not like KJ will bail out Jyles; if we're depending on that, God help us. KJ can be a "positive dressing room influence" in civvies just as well, without any danger of getting scooped off the PR. Of course, Masoli will probably develop the same strange illness that kep Nichols permanently nine-gamed last year. In the end, even if we're going to PR or "injure" Masoli, I'd have just as soon given Ward longer in an Esk uniform (or Summers, maybe) as the #3 spot, and quit wasting everybody's time with KJ. If you want to groom him as a coach, fine, but don't waste a roster spot on him.

I agree that we don't want KJ starting if Jyles were to go down, but imo, that's a separate discussion to who gets the third string roster spot.

Perhaps he could have the same impact on his teammates in civvies or as a coach, but I'm not sure. Maybe AJ can comment on the different dynamic of going from player to coach and whether, as a coach (or even as a player not dressing) you can be one of the guys and have guys relate to you the same way. Strictly guesswork on my part, but I suspect there are some lines, blurred or clear, and part of the coach's job is to figure out how to work his strengths in.

Tons of leadership lost through transition and if we can effectively get some from the number 3 QB spot, it's worth looking at. Doesn't have to necessarily be an all year situation either.