Jul
QB controversy in Hamilton?
Courtesy Hamilton Spectator:
Kevin Glenn says Quinton Porter is the starting quarterback of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. But head coach Marcel Bellefeuille doesn’t seem so sure.
The question is up for debate — again — after Glenn took over for Porter in the second half of Saturday’s 25-13 win over Winnipeg.
“We’re going to go back and watch the film and make a decision. It isn’t going to be one of those things where we hide in the dark all week. Both guys can play in any game. Both guys prepare as if they’re starting every week,” Bellefeuille said.
Porter was projected as the starter in the off-season after enjoying five strong starts at the end of last year — though Bellefeuille said there would be open competition in training camp. But he neglected to name a first stringer until game time of the season-opening loss to Toronto on Canada Day.
He says he won’t wait to name a No. 1 pivot this time around.
“We’ll make decision on our starter by Day One of practice (today). It won’t be a secret. We can play both guys any week, any opportunity. That’s why we signed Kevin, because he can pitch in,” Bellefeuille said.
Porter was pulled after moving the football in the first half, but only putting six points on the scoreboard.
“Quinton threw the ball very well. We were getting the yardage, but we weren’t scoring. I wanted Quinton to see a little bit from the sidelines, he hasn’t had that opportunity yet this year,” Bellefeuille said.
What he saw was the risk-reward game of Kevin Glenn, who threw two TDs, but also two interceptions, one of which was returned for a score and a second that could have been.
“Kevin made some good throws in this game — the one to Dave Stala on the goal line — and some throws that weren’t great decisions, that Quinton is going to learn from,” Bellefeuille said.
For his part, Glenn says he considers Porter to be back behind centre against Montreal on Thursday.
“Quinton’s the starter. I’m here to do whatever I have to do to help the team win. And if that means coming off the bench in the second half like I did (on Saturday), then that’s what it is,” Glenn said.
Long term, however, Bellefeuille said the goal is to develop Porter into an elite CFL quarterback.
“He’s still the future of this football club.”
