Simeon Rottier rises from doghouse to penthouse, earning nod as Eskimos' top offensive lineman

Things can change quickly in the CFL, and Edmonton Eskimos' offensive lineman Simeon Rottier is a prime example of that. Last season, Rottier was part of a struggling offensive line that conceded 60 sacks (second-worst in the league), and he was specifically blasted by general manager Ed Hervey, so much so that the CFL Players' Association complained about Hervey's CBA-violating criticisms. This year, the Eskimos' line is much improved overall, allowing just 46 sacks through nine weeks (fourth-best in the league), and Rottier was selected as the team's most outstanding lineman Wednesday by Edmonton FRC voters and Eskimos' head coach Chris Jones. How did he go from a player the general manager specifically intervened to bench to the team's top lineman?

Some of this is certainly about improvement from Rottier. He's looked like a consistent performer this year, and his form and technique do appear to be at a higher level than we've seen in the past. However, this is his sixth year in the league, so it's not like he's a rookie just rounding into form. Other factors have helped; for one thing, he's been typically starting at left guard this year (he played more right guard last season), and he seems more comfortable on that side of the line.

Perhaps even more importantly, though, the Eskimos have had a more consistent lineup this season, and a more talented one. Chemistry is vital on the offensive line, and last year saw a revolving door of linemen and positions. For example, in less than a month near the end of last season, from an Oct. 12 game to a Nov. 2 one, the Eskimos changed two of their five OL starters completely and moved a third (Matt O'Donnell) from left guard to right tackle. Rottier was one of the few guys who wasn't always on the move (when he wasn't being benched by Hervey, that is). There have still been some moves this season, but the left side of the line (Rottier and LT Tony Washington) has been relatively consistent from Day One, and that's helped to elevate the play of both players.

However, the biggest factor in this rise may be that Rottier was never quite as bad as the GM's criticism made him out to be. While Rottier had some struggles in 2013, Hervey's comments that "It wouldn't bother me if he didn't play another down this year" were way above and beyond what was deserved, and singling Rottier out to that extent was particularly unfair given the overall struggles of Edmonton's offensive line. (That's also what got Hervey in trouble with the CFLPA.)

Hilariously, though, those comments appear to have backfired in favour of Hervey and the Eskimos. Hervey's claims that he couldn't trade or release Rottier because of "The ratio" were ludicrous at the time, and in fact, he tried to trade Rottier almost immediately after making those claims, but the public criticism killed his trade value and forced Edmonton to hang on to him. That's worked out very well indeed for the Eskimos.

Thus, while violating the CBA by publicly blasting a player, killing his trade value and then attempting to trade him anyways is hardly recommended in general, it appears to have blown up in Hervey's face in a positive way this time around. Rottier won't play another down this year following an season-ending injury against Saskatchewan, but this time, that probably is something that would, and should, bother Hervey. Rottier has gone from the doghouse to the penthouse, and his selection as the Eskimos' top lineman is well deserved. This time around, he'll be very much missed in their lineup.