It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..

First headline…Roughriders destined to be contenders, Green and White reload for 2025 season with key veterans, game-proven talents. My reaction…Regina-based Post Media sports columnist Darrell Davis talks about “Great Expectations” for the Green and White after managing a 9-8-1 record last year and winning a home West Division semi-final game before coming up short in the West final at Winnipeg. Almost all of the main players from 2024 are back, with the exception of punter Adam Korsak and a few others. But, the Riders seem to have veteran depth at every position area. That is especially true at receiver, along the defensive line and in the defensive secondary! To me, the only thing standing in the way of Saskatchewan being a legitimate Grey Cup contender, besides some very good opponents, is their own execution of what they are trying to do!!

Next headline…2024 Grey Cup M-V-P fighting for backup job. Reaction…the fact that Nick Arbuckle is listed behind Chad Kelly and battling with Cameron Dukes for the second-string spot with the Toronto Argonauts shows off how deep the quarterback talent is these days in the C-F-L! Due to injuries, that have forced teams to utilize some previously unknown signal-callers for lengthy periods of time, each team appears to have at least two Q-Bs who could be a starter in the league! How quickly can new commissioner Stewart Johnston get a 10th team in the C-F-L so a deserving quarterback can be a full-time starter?!

Last headline…Meet the N-F-L’s most improved teams, New-look Raiders should win more than four games this coming season. My reaction…I’m not sure who Chicago, New England, Las Vegas, Arizona and Denver will possibly supplant to be in the playoffs – because last year’s crew of post-season competitors were very good! I do notice that I don’t see Cleveland, Tennessee, Jacksonville, the New York Jets, Carolina, New Orleans and the New York Giants among the potential most improved teams – likely with good reason! And, what about a rebound from the San Francisco 49ers?! Or is that locker room badly broken after last year’s 6-11 debacle!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!