CFL on CBC analyst Sean Millington believes Ricky Ray will thrive under the tutelage of new offensive co-ordinator Jacques Chapdelaine. (Canadian Press)
2007 CFL Preview
Edmonton Eskimos
New offensive co-ordinator could mean big things in the City of Champions
Last Updated Tues., June 26, 2007
Tony Care, CBC Sports
2006 RECORD: 7-11, last in the West. Failed to qualify for the CFL playoffs
KEY NUMBERS:
Passing Yds Per Game: 287.9 (2nd)
Total Yds Per Game: 362.6 (3rd)
Rushing Yds Per Game: 102.5 (4th)
Touchdowns: 37 (4th)
ARRIVALS: WR T.J. Acree, OL Kevin Lefsrud, WR Kamau Peterson, DB Jason Goss, DB Omarr Morgan, DB Stanford Samuels, DE Ron Warner
DEPARTURES: SB Derrell (Mookie) Mitchell, WR Ed Hervey, LB Jean-Philippe Abraham, DB Donald Brady, DL Steve Charbonneau, DB Keyuo Craver, DB Malcolm Frank, DB Steven Marsh, LB Singor Mobley, DT Randy Spencer, LB Quincy Stewart, DB Roosevelt Williams, DB Kelly Wiltshire
STRENGTHS:
Quarterback – Few things went right in 2006 for the Edmonton Eskimos, who missed the playoffs for the first time in 34 years. However, Ricky Ray was one of the few bright spots for 2005 Grey Cup champions. Though his production slipped, Ray still managed to lead the league with 5,000 yards through the air. He also sported a completion percentage (65.7) that ranked third, behind only B.C. pivots Dave Dickenson and Buck Pierce.
Wide Receivers – Jason Tucker will keep giving Ray plenty of firepower down field. Even with the loss of Ed Hervey to retirement, Tucker remains a top deep threat for the Eskimos. He finished third in the CFL with 1,321 receiving yards and scored 12 touchdowns, three fewer than B.C.'s Geroy Simon. The loss of Mitchell, who added 70 receptions for 896 yards, will hurt as the Eskimos don't have a proven threat down the middle of the field.
WEAKNESSES:
Secondary – Winnipeg's Milt Stegall exposed this unit early in 2006 with a stunning 100-yard TD reception in the dying seconds of the game. Stegall's heroics foreshadowed things to come for a secondary that allowed 271.6 yards a game, the second worst in the league. The additions of Jason Goss, Omarr Morgan and Stanford Samuels help, but the Eskimos still have questions they'll need to address in coverage.
Defensive Playmakers – Edmonton's main problem on defence last season was the inability to create turnovers for Ray and the rest of the offence. The Eskimos had the second fewest inceptions (10) in the CFL as the departed Keyuo Craver led the team with a paltry three picks. The Eskimos also have to dramatically improve their giveaway-take-away ratio if they hope to make the playoffs this season. Last year, Edmonton was a minus 12; only Hamilton had a lower ratio.
KEY PLAYER:
Jason Tucker – His production may have declined since his breakthrough season in 2004, but Tucker is still the main cog in the Eskimos' passing attack. The fifth-year veteran gives Ray a consistent deep threat down the field and defences need to adjust the game plan for him on a weekly basis. Tucker's ability to score in an instant also allows Ray to work underneath. Edmonton will now need to find a replacement for Mitchell, who was key in the slot for first downs.
OUTLOOK:
"The addition of [offensive co-ordinator] Jacques Chapdelaine was a great start for the Eskimos," says CFL on CBC analyst Sean Millington. "Ricky Ray obviously is a great talent and still managed to lead all the quarterbacks despite a pretty ordinary offence. Chapdelaine is known for running anything but an ordinary offence. We've seen the cornucopia of riches that the B.C. Lions have enjoyed while he was there. I think he's going to bring that to Edmonton."
