Josh Donnelly wasn’t on the sideline as Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris expressed his frustration with the offensive execution in a 30-16 loss to the B.C. Lions on Sunday.
But the Riders offensive assistant coach didn’t have to be right within earshot to know blowing off some steam was probably for the best.
“I don’t know if frustration is the right word as much as it’s competitive energy and passion for what we do and the team and the rest of the group,” Donnelly said on Monday’s edition of the SportsCage. “Everyone just wants the best for the group.
“I do think that you need that. Guys thrive and it pushes guys to get better. Though it could be uncomfortable maybe in the moment, ultimately because the guys around our group have the right intentions, I think it is good. It’s something we use as a positive as almost a fuel for continued growth for us to continue to get better.”
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Despite back-to-back losses and the Riders scoring just one touchdown in each of those last two games, Donnelly feels the offence isn’t sliding.
Quite the opposite, actually.
“In the heat of the moment when maybe there’s an incompletion or we don’t get the absolute result that we’re looking for, it’s hard to see,” Donnelly said. “But then you go back and you look at the film, and you compare week over week, there’s definitely incremental growth going on.
“We have a process and we’re sticking to that process. The guys believe in that process. We just have to keep fighting and scratching and clawing and find ways to get wins.”
From an offensive perspective, Harris is the catalyst for any growth.
CFL analyst Glen Suitor touted the veteran quarterback as a Most Outstanding Player candidate after the Riders beat the winless Ottawa Redblacks earlier this month amid a slew of injuries to the receiving corps. Since then, Harris has had two subpar games, including getting picked off twice in Vancouver – something that contributed to his annoyance on the sideline.
He’ll work with Donnelly and offensive coordinator Marc Mueller to right the ship.
On the surface, it might seem like an odd dynamic between Donnelly and Harris. Donnelly is 26 and in his second year with the Riders. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for the University of Regina Rams after quarterbacking them. Harris is 40 and one of the best QBs in CFL history, someone destined for the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
But Donnelly notes that Harris is more than comfortable taking direction from him despite the large gap in age and experience. It’s a two-way street, too.
“If he can get better or if somebody can coach him, he wants to be coached. He wants to get better,” Donnelly said. “I really appreciate that about him. I’m really grateful because I get to learn from him on a daily basis and see his process and see the way he attacks every week as a real professional.
“He brings things to this offence, whether it’s little details or little keys in quarterback play, that makes us better.”
That’s the plan for the Riders. There were signs of offensive evolution against B.C.
Donnelly praised pass-catching offensive lineman Daniel Johnson – “He was a total natural” – and rookie receiver Dylan Djete for making strides.
It wasn’t enough to beat the Lions as inopportune penalties and turnovers by Harris and others on offence were too much to overcome.
The displeasure was apparent as the Riders dropped consecutive games for the first time this season. Saskatchewan will now put that energy toward correcting its mistakes.
“We have to get better from it and learn from it,” Donnelly said.
Watch the full interview with Donnelly and Voice of the Roughriders Dave Thomas below.
