Ricky Ray - debate on return/retirement

[AngeloV]

I think most posters have a case of the "recency" effect when it comes to the negative evaluations on Collaros.

Collaros in his time with the Argos, won I believe 4 of 5 on a crucial Argos Trip.

Having left the Argos, he led the Kitties to two Grey Cup appearances.

Safe to say, he would be a viable option if Franklin were to fly the coop. Buy low, sell high on Collaros...

His injuries have certainly reduced his potential worth, but I believe Zach would be more likely to sign a 2 year contract and sit behind Ray - more than Franklin would.

I'm with you on this.

[R.J]

And IMO a lot better.

Too bad he doesn't have Bridge's passport.

[argotom]

I have previously ad nauseam gone on record about the team keeping Zach and or Trevor.
Now, if Franklin is not signed, I think bringing back Zach seems like the obvious thing to do.
The kid did not lose being a first string QB in one season, on top of which we all know what Marc can do with QB's.
He was the odds on favourite for league MOP if it was not for a season injury.

[AngeloV]

I have previously ad nauseam gone on record about the team keeping Zach and or Trevor.
Now, if Franklin is not signed, I think bringing back Zach seems like the obvious thing to do.
The kid did not lose being a first string QB in one season, on top of which we all know what Marc can do with QB's.
He was the odds on favourite for league MOP if it was not for a season injury.

Yes, but at the time you were obviously wrong, as Ray has now won another championship, while the others are still looking. However, I think now would be a great time to bring Collaros back, and as I mentioned earlier, I think I would prefer him to Franklin, only for the reason that I am convinced Franklin is still looking to try the NFL. I believe ZC would sign here whether or not Ray is still in the picture.

[Rich]

Regardless of whether Ray stays or goes, we need to make a big QB signing in the off-season. If it's not Franklin or Collaros or Bridge -- and let's face it, bad timing could mean we lose out on all three -- then it's going to have to be another big signing.

[R.J]

Yes, but at the time you were obviously wrong, as Ray has now won another championship, while the others are still looking. However, I think now would be a great time to bring Collaros back, and as I mentioned earlier, I think I would prefer him to Franklin, only for the reason that I am convinced Franklin is still looking to try the NFL. I believe ZC would sign here whether or not Ray is still in the picture.

I wonder what Zach or even Harris could've done here had they been given the reins.

[AngeloV]

I wonder what Zach or even Harris could've done here had they been given the reins.

The one thing that you can't undervalue as far as Ray goes is his calming influence. I have never ever seen him lose it on a teammate or a coach. That goes a long way in having the players play harder for him. I think Zach showed a bad temper at times when things didn't go his way. I think coming back to Toronto and playing under Trestman or even behind Ray for another year will take him to that absolute next level.

[R.J]

The one thing that you can't undervalue as far as Ray goes is his calming influence. I have never ever seen him lose it on a teammate or a coach. That goes a long way in having the players play harder for him. I think Zach showed a bad temper at times when things didn't go his way. I think coming back to Toronto and playing under Trestman or even behind Ray for another year will take him to that absolute next level.

Austin's temperament may have influenced Zach, but who knows until he's coached by someone like Trestman.

Brandon Bridge signed a 1 year deal to stay with the Riders, so there goes that until next off season.

[Argo]

Brandon Bridge signed a 1 year deal to stay with the Riders, so there goes that until next off season.

Not a bad outcome for Brandon Bridge and the Riders. I expect to see progression and a good deal of exiting play by this gifted Canadian athlete. And some growing pains? Everyone has growing pains.

[AngeloV]

Austin's temperament may have influenced Zach, but who knows until he's coached by someone like Trestman.

Brandon Bridge signed a 1 year deal to stay with the Riders, so there goes that until next off season.

Did he even have his workout with the Giants?

[R.J]

Did he even have his workout with the Giants?

Not sure. Either way it's the Giants, I think Brett Jones is the only CFL player to sign long term with them.

[argos1873]

Did he even have his workout with the Giants?

According to a report on CFL.ca this morning, posted before he re-signed, he had a pending workout with the Giants. So I assume he didn't do it.

[Rich]

I think Zach showed a bad temper at times when things didn't go his way.

And I think question marks about his character still hang over his head. When you compare Collaros with Trevor Harris, Collaros has more talent but Harris seems to have much more heart and leadership ability, making him the better QB IMO. But you are right, it is also possible that Trestman could bring out the best in Collaros' character.

[AngeloV]

And I think question marks about his character still hang over his head. When you compare Collaros with Trevor Harris, Collaros has more talent but Harris seems to have much more heart and leadership ability, making him the better QB IMO. But you are right, it is also possible that Trestman could bring out the best in Collaros' character.

Not just Trestman. Ray too. Collaros never had an issue when he was with the Argos.

[Argo]

And I think question marks about his character still hang over his head. When you compare Collaros with Trevor Harris, Collaros has more talent but Harris seems to have much more heart and leadership ability, making him the better QB IMO. But you are right, it is also possible that Trestman could bring out the best in Collaros' character.

Harris also throws better.

[Neely2005]

I have previously ad nauseam gone on record about the team keeping Zach and or Trevor.
Now, if Franklin is not signed, I think bringing back Zach seems like the obvious thing to do.
The kid did not lose being a first string QB in one season, on top of which we all know what Marc can do with QB's.
He was the odds on favourite for league MOP if it was not for a season injury.

Yes I believe you also said that Ray couldn't stay healthy?

Allen and Burris both won MOP in their 40's. No reason that Ray couldn't do the same thing.

[Argo57]

Yes I believe you also said that Ray couldn't stay healthy?

Allen and Burris both won MOP in their 40's. No reason that Ray couldn't do the same thing.

No question the skill and leadership qualities are still there, big question is does he still have the desire to play or will he call it quits while on top.
My guess is he retires on top.

[AngeloV]

Yes I believe you also said that Ray couldn't stay healthy?

Allen and Burris both won MOP in their 40's. No reason that Ray couldn't do the same thing.

To be fair, Allen and Burris were also both more athletic than Ray. Ray hasn't shown any signs of diminishing skills, but from what I have seen over the years, the better the athlete, the longer the skills last. I can almost guarantee you will not see Ray play into his 40's.

[Harpastum]

Regardless of Ray's age related limitations - I believe we will see him return for the paycheck & no other reason.
No doubt we owe the Grey Cup to his leadership & the chance to repeat this feat would be important to him - but retirement is not something he will consider.
Instead of going out while on top - he will choose another year of earning the big money while he is still able...
And I can't say I'll blame him once he does.

[R.J]

Yes I believe you also said that Ray couldn't stay healthy?

Allen and Burris both won MOP in their 40's. No reason that Ray couldn't do the same thing.

If Ray returns in 2018, let's see if he stays healthy again. 2 out of 6 "healthy" seasons is nothing to crow about.