THE CANADIAN PRESS
The CFL.ca Quarterback Index is a weekly power ranking of quarterbacks across the CFL. The ranking reflects recent performance, historical value, statistical indicators, team success and overall on-field play.
TORONTO — In case there was any doubt, Henry Burris showed us in Week 19 that he’s still one of the CFL’s best.
The 41-year-old out-dueled Matt Nichols over the weekend, helping the REDBLACKS earn a tough road win over Winnipeg and clinch first place in the East for the second straight season.
Burris has moved up to fourth on the quarterback index this week and could be in the discussion for more, keeping in mind that just last year he was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player while this year he’s helped Ottawa once again claim the Eastern crown.
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Zach Collaros is back on the board but couldn’t help his Ticats earn a Week 19 win (Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca)
The sophomore star Jonathon Jennings holds onto his No. 2 spot after showing his precision in a Lions win over the Riders during the last game at Mosaic Stadium, rounding out the top three along with Mike Reilly and Bo Levi Mitchell. Elsewhere, however, the last couple of weeks have seen plenty of change.
While Burris rises and Nichols falls, Collaros enters the equation in the sixth spot after making his return to action in a loss to Edmonton.
Durant, Ray, Harris and Masoli all drop as a result, while Vernon Adams Jr. hits the IR after leaving Montreal’s win with an injury.
The post-season is approaching quickly and at this time of year the quarterbacks can make all the difference. We take a look at who sits where heading into Week 20:
Bo Levi Mitchell CGY
This Week: 1 | Last Week: 1
He’s currently the best quarterback in the CFL, but a second Grey Cup at age 26 to go with a 43-7-1 regular season record in his career would put Bo Levi Mitchell’s name in the same discussion as some of the greatest pivots of all-time. With not one, not two but three weeks off between between starts, Mitchell will be well-rested heading into the Nov. 20 Western Final.
Jonathon Jennings BC
This Week: 2 | Last Week: 2
The Lions’ second-year quarterback made one mistake vs. the Riders, but outside of that Jonathon Jennings was just about perfect in helping the Lions spoil the party in the farewell to Mosaic Stadium. Jennings needs just 81 passing yards to eclipse the 5,000 yards mark, an impressive feat for a 24-year-old who still has room to grow.
Mike Reilly EDM
This Week: 3 | Last Week: 3
Mike Reilly won’t throw for 6,000 yards this season as once projected, while he’s only compiled 500 passing yards over his last two starts — meager, by his standards. Still, he did enough to guide Edmonton to a win over the Ticats over the weekend and is as good a bet as anyone to lead a team into the playoffs.
Henry Burris OTT
This Week: 4 | Last Week: 5
Still lots left in the tank for Smilin’ Hank. Henry Burris has thrown for 300 or more yards in five straight starts for the surging REDBLACKS, who appear to be back in their groove at just the right time. Burris threw for 338 yards on 23-of-33 passing in a division-clinching road win over the Bombers in Week 19.
Matt Nichols WPG
This Week: 5 | Last Week: 4
Matt Nichols had his worst game of the season over the weekend, throwing three interceptions in a loss at home to the Ottawa REDBLACKS. While Nichols and his team’s resurgence tell one of 2016’s biggest stories, five of the Bomber pivot’s eight interceptions this year have come in the last two games. Cause for concern?
Matt Nichols had his first rough outing of the season in Week 19 (The Canadian Press)
Zach Collaros HAM
This Week: 6 | Last Week: IR
Back from a stint on the IR, Zach Collaros checks in at No. 6 following his return to action in Week 19. The Ticats’ hopes of a deep playoff run hinge very much on what Collaros can do in the coming weeks as he works with an injury-riddled cast of receivers.
Darian Durant SSK
This Week: 7 | Last Week: 6
While his Riders failed to score a touchdown in the final game at Mosaic, the biggest questions surround Darian Durant’s contract status — not his play on the field. Durant faced a constant stream of pass rushers against the Lions and was praised by Chris Jones after the game despite the loss.
Ricky Ray TOR
This Week: 8 | Last Week: 7
No word yet on who will start the Argos’ final game of the season, but if its Ricky Ray, will Saturday mark the last game of his career? Ray has shown he can still play but speculation continues to swirl about the veteran’s future, both with the Argos and in the league.
Trevor Harris OTT
This Week: 9 | Last Week: 8
Trevor Harris is an injury away from being the man leading the huddle for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, but for now there’s little doubt that role belongs to Burris. Burris is playing at an MOP level again in the nation’s capital while Harris will continue to provide support, learn from one of the best and wait patiently for his turn.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
This Week: 10 | Last Week: 9
The Ticats’ backup showed well in his second stint of the season but Hamilton’s 2016 campaign will live or die on the right throwing shoulder of Zach Collaros. Jeremiah Masoli remains a valued asset for the Ticats and shouldn’t be ruled out as a starter down the road — if not in Hamilton then elsewhere.
Rakeem Cato MTL
This Week: 11 | Last Week: 11
Rakeem Cato flashed his potential once again over the weekend, showing exactly why he should be part of the Alouettes’ future plans. Cato threw for 113 yards and a touchdown on 7-of-11 passing on top of a 73-yard run, helping Montreal become just the second team this year to hand Calgary a loss.
» RELATED: Adams Jr. injured in win over Stamps
Vernon Adams throws a pass in a Week 19 win over Calgary (The Canadian Press)
Injured Reserve
Quarterbacks not currently active won’t be ranked in the QB Index but will be added when healthy.
VERNON ADAMS JR MTL
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: 10
Vernon Adams Jr. looked calm and comfortable in his second pro start before leaving the game with an injury.
DREW WILLY TOR
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
No update yet on Drew Willy’s status for Week 20 as the Argos come off a bye week.
