October 6, 2015: Ottawa RedBlacks vs. Toronto Argonauts

[ArgoRavi]

Different names with opinions here, means they are all bad.
I think Bradbury though has the record for the most flags in a game?

Foxcroft has always been bad IMO. I had hope for Bradbury but I think that he has taken a step back this year. Vallesi is another one who struggles. The best head refs in the league are Andre Proulx, by far, followed by Kim Murphy.

[ArgoRavi]

Are we starting this again, very volatile for both sides of the issue?

Honestly, at this point, I think that this forum is probably near unanimous that Harris has to be signed first and foremost. Barker even said before the season opener this year that if Harris performs at a high level, that they would have to look at him as the starting QB moving forward. Here are the passing stats in the CFL as of today: http://cfl.ca/statistics/league/stat.../2015/type/reg

I know that he has thrown a few more INTs than we would have liked to see recently but his TD:INT ratio is still pretty solid. Throwing 5 TD passes in a game will usually overcome 2 INTs anyway. In any event, his numbers scream "starting QB". Hopefully Ray can get some action before the season ends and re-signs with the Argos next year as well but I think that it is pretty clear at this point who the starting QB of this team is.

[Ron]

Pretty delusional to think that Ray will sign with the Argos if Harris is given a starters job.

[argofandave]

I attended the game in Ottawa and was looking forward to watching my recording of the game but unfortunately, the power went off in my house and the recording didn't work. Is this game available online to watch? Thanks.

[AngeloV]

I attended the game in Ottawa and was looking forward to watching my recording of the game but unfortunately, the power went off in my house and the recording didn't work. Is this game available online to watch? Thanks.

Youtube has every CFL game now in their entirety sans commercials. Go to Youtube and search CFL 2015 (you might also want to add the teams to your search).

[argofan81]

Pretty delusional to think that Ray will sign with the Argos if Harris is given a starters job.

I don't think any team should be signing any quarterback to a "starters" job. You earn the right to start. Has Harris earned the right this season, yes. BUT, a lot can happen over the off-season. Any quarterbacks signed should be signed with the expectation that they have the potential to 'win' the starting job based on performance (including training in the offseason and camp in pre-season). To be clear, I don't think that either Harris or Ray should be signed as starters next season. It is up to both of them to prove who earns that title.

[ArgoRavi]

There has been some talk about close games in this thread. I would define a close game as one that isn't decided until the final three minutes. By that definition, the Argos are 7-2 in close games while Hamilton is 2-5. The Argos have had three game-tying or -winning drives in the final three minutes (at Saskatchewan, at B.C., at Ottawa) while the Tabbies are still looking for their first one.

[AngeloV]

There has been some talk about close games in this thread. I would define a close game as one that isn't decided until the final three minutes. By that definition, the Argos are 7-2 in close games while Hamilton is 2-5. The Argos have had three game-tying or -winning drives in the final three minutes (at Saskatchewan, at B.C., at Ottawa) while the Tabbies are still looking for their first one.

I would say any game that is within 1 score in the 4th quarter should be considetred a close game. Argos game at Edmonton doesn't look close when looking at the final score, but they were witin 2 points at the start of the 4th. That is not a blow out in any way.

[Ron]

I don't think any team should be signing any quarterback to a "starters" job. You earn the right to start. Has Harris earned the right this season, yes. BUT, a lot can happen over the off-season. Any quarterbacks signed should be signed with the expectation that they have the potential to 'win' the starting job based on performance (including training in the offseason and camp in pre-season). To be clear, I don't think that either Harris or Ray should be signed as starters next season. It is up to both of them to prove who earns that title.

Let me rephrase.

It's delusional to think that ray will sign in TO if Harris signs in TO. Ray still has options to walk right into a starters job with other teams.

[AngeloV]

Let me rephrase.

It's delusional to think that ray will sign in TO if Harris signs in TO. Ray still has options to walk right into a starters job with other teams.

Probably right, but stranger things have happened. Delusional may be a little strong. Let's go with unlikely.

[argofandave]

Youtube has every CFL game now in their entirety sans commercials. Go to Youtube and search CFL 2015 (you might also want to add the teams to your search).

Thanks AV. I don't think it has been posted yet so I'll try again later.

[paulwoods13]

I think delusional is too strong as well. Ray's options are not as plentiful as one might think, IMO.

Is Ottawa going to dump Burris after he leads them to the playoffs and passes for 5,000 yards? Maybe, but I doubt it. And age/heath don't seem to be factors with him.

Winnipeg has a lot invested in Willy and a decent backup in Nichols.

Sask would have to either release Durant or have him retire before taking on another big salary.

B.C. still has Lulay as well as Jennings. If Lulay's career is threatened, the Lions could be interested in Ray, but that's an if not a for-sure.

Hamilton, Edmonton and Calgary are set at QB.

That leaves Montreal, which is a bit of a gong show with Popp and Wettenhall. Would Ricky chase that? Yeah, he might. Or he might take a pay cut but still a healthy pay cheque with incentives, to stay in an offence expressly designed for him and with a fabulous group of young receivers.

[Argo57]

Let me rephrase.

It's delusional to think that ray will sign in TO if Harris signs in TO. Ray still has options to walk right into a starters job with other teams.

Any options open to Ray will strictly depend on his asking price IMO.

[ArgoGabe22]

Ray has always seemed to be a loyal guy who was very displeased after being TRADED to the Argos. I can picture Ray taking a discount to stay in Toronto be a backup/potential starter if needed. Ray may just accept the fact that there are younger guys out there. Like Paul, I don't see many teams throwing money at Ray to be a starter.

[argotom]

And there is the real possibility that Ricky may not return to play again for anyone?

[Argo57]

And there is the real possibility that Ricky may not return to play again for anyone?

Sure, anything is possible, perhaps even coaching.

[Rich]

Probably right, but stranger things have happened. Delusional may be a little strong. Let's go with unlikely.

Wow, you used to be so certain Argos "should" be able to keep both QBs next year. What happened? Reality check?

[1971GreyCup]

I think new ownership may want the marque of Ricky Ray, HOF QB when selling tickets off season. It may all come down to the success of the 2015 season. Make it to the Grey Cup and the teams sells tickets on Harris and the future. Lose in the first round like two years ago and marketing sells the past and Ricky Ray.

In an effort to sell to non-hardcore fans tickets, they may want him resigned. From football operations point of view, that probably doesn't make sense. Marketing vs. operations. Downside of a small, salary cap system.

[AngeloV]

Wow, you used to be so certain Argos "should" be able to keep both QBs next year. What happened? Reality check?

I still think they can. You need to have a capable back up in football these days. I still believe Ray would have been just as good this season as Harris has been, if he were healthy.

Bottom line, I wanted to see more of Harris before I annointed him the guy. I always liked him, but he has really won me over, and not so much with his overall play, but the way he keeps coming back. He is tough. I like tough QB's.

[1argoholic]

Sources tell me that Ray stays put.