Quarterback Index: A worthy adversary

CFL.ca Staff

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 evaluation.

TORONTO — Over three consecutive meetings, only two points have separated the Ottawa REDBLACKS and Calgary Stampeders while the two clubs are 1-1-1 over that span. Three down-to-the-wire finishes, including two overtimes and one tie, prove that despite their records in 2016, these teams stand on fairly even footing.

Meanwhile, in Trevor Harris, it appears that reigning MOP Bo Levi Mitchell has a worthy adversary. Harris has gone toe to toe with Mitchell over the last two games, completing 75 per cent of his passes for 725 yards, five touchdowns and a hard luck interception off a deflection.

Replacing Henry Burris and staring down the pressure of being the face of the franchise for the first time in his career, Harris is knocking on the door of the CFL quarterback penthouse.

More in this week’s CFL.ca Quarterback Index:

BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1

It’s almost as simple as flipping a switch for the reigning MOP. Mitchell wasn’t at his best against Ottawa but came through when needed, hitting Kamar Jorden on a deep ball and then again for the touchdown on a game-clinching drive. Mitchell’s 671 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions through two weeks might seem staggering but do not deviate from the norm.

MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2

Reilly exercised patience against an aggressive Noel Thorpe defence, taking what he was allowed and completing 75 per cent of his passes with no turnovers on the way to a second straight win. He’ll compete all season long with his Alberta rival in Mitchell for the title of best quarterback in the CFL.

Mike Reilly flees pressure from Gabriel Knapton during a Week 2 meeting with the Als (The Canadian Press)

TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 4

Week 2 saw an inspired performance for Harris, who, despite visible pain in his throwing hand, threw for 425 yards and two touchdowns in a back-and-forth loss to the Stampeders. Performances like that, with any consistency, will put Harris in the discussion with Reilly and Mitchell at the top of the pyramid.

RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 3

Welcome back to earth, Ricky. The CFL’s leading passer with 833 yards didn’t quite have his way with the Lions’ experienced secondary but still eclipsed the 300-yard mark for the second straight week in a losing cause. One of the most accurate passers the CFL has ever seen, the only question this season for Ray is his health. So far, so good.

JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5

After a slow start to his third CFL season, Jennings showed signs of a spark late in a 28-15 win over the Argos. The 24-year-old entered the season in everyone’s top-three but will have to work his way back after managing only one touchdown and 565 passing yards through two outings thus far.

MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6

The Bombers moved to 11-3 this weekend with Nichols as their starting quarterback, yet the former Edmonton Eskimo remains the sixth-ranked pivot on the list. But not only is Nichols winning, he’s also putting up the numbers to back it up, slinging for 331 yards and four touchdowns in a thrilling overtime win over Saskatchewan.

ZACH COLLAROS HAM
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 7

The early-season bye week was a welcome sight for Collaros and the Ticats after a forgettable Week 1. There was talk going into the year that Collaros could return to his 2015 self but now he’ll have to do it without Terrence Toliver, who could be out a while with a knee injury. It doesn’t feel like Collaros belongs here, ranked among the bottom third of CFL quarterbacks, but we’ll find out soon enough.

DARIAN DURANT MTL
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 8

Durant was pedestrian against the high-flying Eskimo defence in Week 2, managing only 166 passing yards on 14-of-24 passing with a touchdown and a pick. On the bright side, he hasn’t been sacked through two games this season, while his Alouettes kept it close from start to finish against a very tough opponent on the road.

KEVIN GLENN SSK
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 9

Quarterback hasn’t been the issue in two games for the Riders, who could just as easily be 2-0 as they are 0-2. Glenn has been spot on in two starts, throwing for 675 yards and five touchdowns. There’s very little separating him from the rest of the pack and if he can cut out some of the turnovers (three interceptions in two games) he’ll he on his way up soon — and the Riders will start winning football games.

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