Changing of a QB tho in football is a very big thing, the only position in my opinion that makes a significant difference other than weak O-lineman. Especially when you are swapping out a proven QB with a recent track record of 22-9 with a rookie straight out of college who's first exposure to 3 down football was the 3 weeks prior to the game...so yeah in this instance that change does change a lot.
As for the Riders...in essence your roster is basically at the QB position a collection of back-ups..and the "starter" has shown nothing this year, or the last couple years and him being in the game you probably do worse against Montreal, or at best the same, so that comparison isn't really a good one...You guys do not have a starter worthy of being a starter, and looks like this year you are staying that way unless you swing a deal for "potential" at that position, but will have to give up a lot to get that, and would be robbing Peter to pay Paul and still no better off. That all can be attributed to piss poor management and a stubborn egomaniac who thinks he is just plain better than anyone else, and until he is gone, or smartens up, I see that franchise continuing to spin it's tires..I have seen and played with similar Management and coaches and tho outward appearances may seem rosey and fine, I can guarantee you it is not.....and then you still have to address 0-line issues and general depth all across the board.
A defense (a great defense) will generally will pull out 2-3 wins a year for a team with a average to below average offense and to me it seems it has pulled out 2 already, and as much as many out West might not want to admit it, your offense is a step or 2 below the below average point, and a lot of it is due to the coaching there, and it's not changing anytime soon...so based on the fact the sun will shine on a dogs butt every once in a while...the dogs butt (Sask Offense) will most likely have a day..or 2...and the defense probably will steal one more for a 5 win season...likely the least amount in the league next to Montreal, tho I see potential there and more depth to sustain injuries and guys who aren't cutting it