Music: {allcanada} GM HERVEY RIPS ESKIMOS TEAM AND SINGLES OUT OL ROTTIER

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

{allcanada} GM HERVEY RIPS ESKIMOS TEAM AND SINGLES OUT OL ROTTIER

Despite a near-comeback victory against the Calgary Stampeders in the Labour Day Classic, Ed Hervey is none too pleased with his Edmonton Eskimos.

Edmonton's general manager held court with the media on Tuesday, angrily calling out Simeon Rottier and saying the veteran lineman may have played his last game with the team this season.

"Simeon Rottier will not start on Friday," he said flatly. While offence wasn't an issue for the Eskimos down the stretch, Calgary's defence went through Edmonton's offensive line for seven sacks on Monday in a 37-34 loss.

"Our first priority is to protect our quarterback," Hervey continued. "We will make some changes on our O-line. There comes a point where we have to be honest with our team, players and the fans. It's obvious we need to protect our quarterback better."

Hervey was also frustrated with Edmonton's offensive play, particularly in short yardage situations and said changes will be made on that front beginning with offensive co-ordinator Doug Sams no longer calling the plays. "I will improve this team," he vowed. "I don't care who I have to go though to do it."

With a 1-8 record through the first half of the season, Hervey added that he felt the season wasn't lost and said there will be personnel moves coming. He stopped short, however, on changing up his head coach.

"Kavis will coach the rest of the season," said Hervey, adding that he had a candid conversation with Reed following the loss. "Then we will evaluate."