When head coach John Hufnagel announced his decision on Tuesday to start Drew Tate at quarterback when the Calgary Stampeders host the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Sunday's Western Semi-Final, two old sayings came to mind that sum up the schools of thought in such a dilemma.
The first adage that any pro athlete will tell you is, 'You should never lose your starting job due to injury.' Translation: Start Drew Tate.
The second saying that many pro coaches will tell you is, 'You gotta dance with the one that brung ya.' Translation: Start Kevin Glenn.
Which one should rule the day in this instance? Who would you start at quarterback for the Stampeders - Drew Tate or Kevin Glenn?
If we backtrack to the end of last season, Drew Tate impressed enough down the stretch that those in the Stampeders organization decided to hand the reins to him and deal fan favourite and veteran Henry Burris to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Certainly, not a decision that was taken lightly.
So Tate comes into this season as the starter with Kevin Glenn, acquired from the Tiger-Cats in the deal, serving as the veteran backup.
But a dislocated shoulder suffered in Week 2 and the subsequent surgery to repair the damage put Tate on the sidelines for a long stretch.
Up steps Glenn, who led the Stampeders to a 9-5 record in Tate's absence, throwing for 4,220 yards and 25 touchdowns and leading the Stampeders to a second-place finish in the West.
It appeared Tate was out for the rest of the regular season but he returned to play in parts of the final two games, giving Hufnagel two viable options for the playoffs.
While Tate is closer to a rookie than a veteran when it comes to playoffs, he was the de facto starter in Week 1 and the reason Burris was traded away. If he didn't start, would it damage his confidence down the road?
Glenn has been there, done that in the CFL but is he best used as a weapon off the bench or a veteran presence for Tate on the sidelines?
Hufnagel has decided to go with Tate to start Sunday's game, subscribing to the first saying of giving the starter his job back when he's healthy. But how many Stampeders fans would feel more comfortable bringing Glenn to the dance?
Who would you start at quarterback for the Stampeders - Drew Tate or Kevin Glenn? As always, it's Your! Call.
