Update from Ticats practice: a mild defence of Bryant Moniz

So as head coach June Jones said they would, the Ticats officially announced the re-signing of quarterback Bryant Moniz before practice on Wednesday.

Social media reactions to Moniz’s return has been, uh, less than enthusiastic and based on his performance in the pre-season, that’s fair enough. He started the second game and three for 17 yards on three of seven passing and an interception in roughly a quarter of work.

Thos numbers are, shall we say, not good. But a quick peek at the depth chart from that game shows no starting receivers and an inexperienced offensive line… also, it’s one pre-season game so not the greatest sample size.

Given that Moniz was here during camp and knows the offensive system, he makes the most sense to bring in right now. Any team in the CFL that’s forced to use their third-string quarterback in a game is likely in trouble and at least Moniz will have a grasp of what’s going on.

The real downside to Moniz is his age: 29. That’s getting up there for a third-string quarterback in the CFL, given that you’d like that guy to be a player to be one you are developing. Moniz has played 38 games in the CFL with Calgary and Saskatchewan but he’s thrown just four passes. He has experience as short-yardage QB as well with 37 carries for 109 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

In other practice news:

• after practicing the first two days, receiver Terrence Toliver is sitting out today. He’s still on the field helping out but isn’t in pads. Chris Williams getting a lot of reps with the first unit.

• fellow newcomer Jamaal Westerman also playing more in his second practice with the club.

• still no Luke Tasker.

• Avery Jordan and Kay Okafor still splitting reps at left tackle.