Jaxon Ford singlehandedly earned the CFL’s top special-teams grade in Week 6.
With his right hand protected by a bulky playing cast, the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back emerged from Saturday’s 24-10 loss to the Calgary Stampeders with a score of 84.6 — as determined by Pro Football Focus.
“I didn’t even know that,” Ford said after Tuesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. “I just come in, day in and day out, and do my job to the best of my ability.
“I’m happy with the performance. I thought I played well. But obviously we didn’t get the W, so there’s lots to work on from everyone.”
Ford worked through a bone contusion on a knuckle during the Roughriders’ past four games. He was on the one-game injured list for the season opener.
“It’s not easy to execute your job when you’re playing with a club,” Head Coach Corey Mace said. “But with what he brings to this team, we saw the value in having him out there. He has been playing pretty well even with (the cast).
“You only expect that when the thing comes off, he’s going to be an even better version of himself. With his will and his desire to get out there — even with one hand, if you look at it like that — we champion those kinds of things.”
The 24-year-old grandson of 1966/1989 Grey Cup champion and Roughriders legend Alan Ford didn’t even blink when presented with the option of wearing a cast in the line of duty.
“I want to be out here with all these guys,” he said. “I don’t want to miss any games.”
He won’t miss the conspicuous cast, either.
It was removed for last week’s practices but worn one more time during the Calgary game.
“I called it the Q-tip,” Ford said with a laugh. “In all seriousness, it was a grind to play with that thing, but I’m glad I have it off and there will be an improvement in play.”
That is quite the statement, considering how well he played with a bulked-up hand on Saturday.
“There was lots of bubble wrap and lots of foam,” Ford said. “You wrap it up and just grind.
“With all that padding and the cast, too, it was well-protected.”
Even so, Ford maintains he could have made an interception had the opportunity materialized.
“I knew if the time came, I would be able to make the play,” the former Campbell Tartans and University of Regina Rams standout said leading up to Saturday’s road game against the B.C. Lions.
“But now, without the cast, it’s going to be unreal. I’m going to be flying around. It’s going to be great. It’ll be a lot better for me.”
Just one more question: What becomes of the Q-tip?
“It’s going right in the garbage,” Ford stated. “I don’t want to ever see that thing again.”
FOOTBALL FOOTNOTES: Ford was among three Roughriders to be recognized on the Week 6 Honour Roll. Trevor Harris was PFF’s highest-rated quarterback (87.9). Joe Robustelli led all receivers at 86.1 after catching 11 passes for 191 yards, including his first CFL touchdown. Harris went 36-for-44 for 425 yards while establishing a Roughriders record for completions in one half (27).
