With 2011 a memory not best brought up for the followers of the Rider nation, Durant provided the perfect opener for 2012, an outstanding offensive display that combined both his arm and his feet as he passed and rushed his way to leading the Riders to an impressive 43 to 16 victory over the Tiger Cats.
Durant who struggled along with his team mates last season, found his mark early in game number one of the new CFL season, a performance that should serve to reassure the Riders fan base that this year is destined to be very different than last.
Despite losing one of his top targets in Andy Fantuz (who has joined the Tiger Cats this year) Durant found other hands to haul in his on target passes, when his receiving corps were covered (not a frequent thing in game number one) Durant took flight, making plays out of possible set backs, exhibiting the kind of leadership the Riders will need for 2012.
It may only be one game, but clearly, Durant isn't going lose too much sleep on what happened last season, 2012 is a new year and if he can continue on with his domination of the first game, then there may be cause for celebration in Saskatchewan this football season.
Durant's efforts found him announced as the CFL's Offensive Player of the Week, judging by his work on Friday, it may very well be just the first of a few spots on the Gibson's roll call this year.
His strong start to the year was noted by a variety of observers, some of their thoughts can be found below.
Globe and Mail-- Durant, Dressler spoil debut of Burris, Fantuz with Ticats
National Post-- Roughriders' Darian Durant wastes no time silencing critics
National Post-- Ticats have no defence against Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Durant wins CFL's offensive player of the week award
Toronto Sun-- Saskatchewan rides over Ticats
CBC Sports-- Roughriders beat up on Hamilton in CFL season opener
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