Jamie Nye: Riders 2017 season was a success

There is one word to use to describe the Roughriders season.

Success.

Yes, the ultimate goal of winning the Grey Cup is what Chris Jones and every team sign up for every year, but let’s be realistic about the expectations and where this team went in 2017.

They traded away a franchise quarterback and the constant changes from last year stabilized as Jones found the corps group of athletes he was looking for to build a team.

I believed the team could get to a 9-9 season and battle for at least the cross-over spot as Jones continued to put his stamp on the team.

That appeared to be the expectation of the fans as well. Rider Nation wanted the team to at least battle for a playoff spot.

What happened? The team had 10 wins, got in the playoffs and were seconds away from a Grey Cup appearance.

The team not only met expectations but exceeded them.

Next year, the expectations will be greater, but for now, let’s just write 2017 season off as a success and job well done by Jones.