June 26, 2017

Quarterback Index: Plenty left in the tank for Ricky Ray

David Chidley/CFL.ca

The CFL.ca Quarterback Index is a weekly power ranking of quarterbacks across the CFL. The ranking reflects recent performance, historical value, statistical indicators, team success and overall on-field evaluation.

TORONTO — Rumours of Ricky Ray’s demise, it appears, were greatly exaggerated.

It was just this past off-season when we wondered whether Ray’s career might be winding down as the 37-year-old needed some time to decide on his future. But on Sunday, back for a 16th CFL season, Ray threw for a career-high 506 yards on 32-of-41 passing (78 per cent) and a touchdown.

The Argos’ win over the Ticats surprised many but few could have predicted the type of immediate success demonstrated by Ricky Ray. And now, in his first season under Marc Trestman, the veteran quarterback immediately regains relevance among the Canadian Football League’s top quarterbacks.

With a week of CFL action in the books, we pick up where we left off with the first Quarterback Index of 2017:

BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: —

Bo Levi Mitchell played at his usual MOP level in Calgary’s season-opener, throwing for 376 yards and two touchdowns in a duel with Trevor Harris and the REDBLACKS. It feels like Mitchell is just getting warmed up heading into the Week 2 rematch.

MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: —

The subtraction of Derel Walker could lead to a more balanced offence for the Eskimos this season. D’haquille Williams, Adarius Bowman, Brandon Zylstra and Vidal Hazelton should catch plenty of balls this season as Reilly chases his first Most Outstanding Player.

RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: —

The Argos have faced their share of criticism for hanging on to Ray while letting Trevor Harris and Zach Collaros walk. That tune may change if Ray can build on an eye-popping 506-yard performance in a Week 1 win over the Ticats.

 

TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: —

A notorious fast starter, Harris played the part in a season-opening 31-31 tie against the Stamps. His only blemish was an unlucky break in overtime — a deflection that wound up in the sitting lap of Jamar Wall — that may have cost his team a win.

JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: —

Contained throughout most of the night, Jennings rolled out to his left and threw a 62-yard bomb across his body to Nick Moore, setting up what should have been a go-ahead touchdown in the game’s final moments. The Lions lost but Jennings’ athleticism is special.

MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: —

After drawing the Week 1 bye, Nichols’ first action of 2017 will be in a hornets nest as the Bombers become the first visitor to new Mosaic Stadium. On the heels of a breakout season, big things are expected from the second-year Bomber.

RELATED:
» MMQB: How’s that for a start?
» Als sign QB Drew Willy
» Landry’s 5 takeaways from Week 1

Matt Nichols and the Bombers open their season at the new Mosaic Stadium in Week 2 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

ZACH COLLAROS HAM
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: —

It’s hard to evaluate Collaros based on just Sunday’s season-opening loss. The Ticats’ pivot had little time to operate while an injury to Terrence Toliver may have also disrupted Hamilton’s passing attack. It’s back to the drawing board until Week 3 as the Ticats go on a bye.

DARIAN DURANT MTL
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: —

Only one stat mattered for Durant against his former team in Week 1 and that was the ‘W’. Durant will need time to settle into his new surroundings but has the Alouettes off to a good start thanks to a season-opening victory over Saskatchewan.

KEVIN GLENN SSK
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: —

Dropped passes, penalties, turnovers and a last-play missed field goal prevented Glenn from notching a victory against his former club. Still, the 38-year-old was sharp vs. Montreal and could be in for a nice resurgence in 2017.