Scheper’s coaching ability put to the test early and often this season.

O-Line Coach Mike Scheper  during Esks Training Camp

Two seasons after the debauchery that was the Eskimos offensive line play, new O-Line boss Mike Scheper is already knee deep in it. But he knew that when he took the job didn’t he?

And after one game, it may not be getting better anytime soon.

He knew Three year vet Matt O’Donnell packed his bags for the NFL.

.

He knew All Canadian Guard Simeon Rottier would be out until at least mid-August with a knee injury.

What he didn’t know or prepared for was starting the season minus seven year vet, Greg Wojt was put on the 1 game injured list after a single pre-season start.

He knew he’d have to work with Eskimo first overall draft pick Dany Grouix. If he’s as big and nasty as the scouts say, it shouldn’t be a problem.

What he didn’t know was that he’d be coaching not one rookie O-Lineman but two. David Beard made the team but has limited experience as an offensive lineman.

Two rookies. Two injuries. One departure. Welcome to Edmonton.

The O-line play against the Argos was shotty at best.

With the Eskimos first offensive series starting at their own 5 yard line, the starters were immediately shuffled in favour of beef.

Number one Eskimo pick Dany Grouix, who wasn’t penciled in as a starter got the call on the right side to replace Andrew Jones. Grouix has 3 inches and 15 pounds on Jones so it seemed like the right thing to do. Jones moves to right tackle which means starter and sophomore D’Anthony Batiste gets to play cheerleader for a series.

Before the first offensive snap of the season happens, the highly touted first round pick and CFL rookie Grouix lets the pressure get to him. 

False start (procedure), Edmonton #50.

Half the distance to the goal.

Replay first down.

Reset.

The very next play results in a safety. You’d think the Argos were playing goal-line defense the way they barged through.

This time it wasn’t Giroux’s fault. He did his job on the right side.

It was the left side that failed.

Krausnick at left guard and Washington at left tackle.

That set the tone for the Offensive line for the rest of the game.

Let the line shuffle continue.

Jones was back on the right side manning the guard position. Batiste reclaimed his spot at tackle. Grouix came out.

Despite the safety, Washington recovered nicely after a poor start but Krausnick…

Oh Krausnick... 

If and when his football career comes to an end, I know where to find him. He’ll be at the Fairmont MacDonald hotel as a doorman because he got beat on the inside repeatedly. And on more than one occasion Krausnick was beaten by guess who…? Cleyton Laing.

Krasunick was simply outmatched on the inside and couldn’t handle Laing’s speed up the field.

Adjustments were made at halftime with Grouix taking Krausnicks spot at Left Guard but the combination of inexperience, line continuity and the Argo defensive lineman speed proved to be too much.

O-Line coach Mike Scheper knows more now than he did when he took the job in March.

He knows there’s work to be done.

He knows this line will get better.

He knows they have to because his job depends on it.