Quarterback Index: The MOP's still got it

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 — Bo Levi Mitchell continued to prove why he was 2016’s MOP in Week 3, helping his team to their second victory of the 2017 season.

After making adjustments in the second half, Mitchell looked more like himself, stringing together completion after completion on the Stamps’ way to scoring 20 points in the final two quarters.

Meanwhile, over the first three games of the season, Ricky Ray has shown everyone that he’s still got it.

He first notched a career-high in passing yards in a single game (506) and then became the sixth quarterback in CFL history to his 300 passing touchdowns. Not bad for the 37 year old.

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

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

Mitchell needed a 15 minute break to get back to his MOP form in last week’s contest against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, finishing with 332 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He completed 64.7 per cent of his passes and continued to lead the huddle on the way to the Stamps’ second win of the season.

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

Despite spending Week 3 on the bye, Reilly remains in the conversation of the top pivots in the league. Last season’s passing leader has the potential to do that again this season with Adarius Bowman, Brandon Zylstra and Chris Getzlaf all at his disposal.

Ricky Ray hit 300 passing touchdowns in his career last week in his team’s win over the Ottawa REDBLACKS (The Canadian Press)

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

Ray moved into the top-third in the league after his impressive Week 3 outing. Not only does the 37-year-old sit at the top of the CFL in passing yards, he became the sixth pivot to hit 300 passing touchdowns, hitting that mark against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. After his third stellar performance in a row, it doesn’t seem like Ray will be stopping any time soon.

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

Harris has taken the wheel of the REDBLACKS offence and not looked back despite not having any wins on the season to show for it. Last week, Harris threw for 370 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in his team’s loss and sits second in the league in passing yards behind Ray. With a tie in Week 1, followed by two close outings, don’t expect Ottawa and Harris to stay winless for long.

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

Jennings orchestrated a second-half surge for the Lions in their win last week. The youngster tossed for 288 yards and a touchdown and no interceptions while completing 71.8 per cent of his passes. Expect Jennings to sparkle this week against a struggling secondary in Hamilton.

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

Nichols didn’t see his best day last week in the Bombers’ loss to the Calgary Stampeders as the pivot tossed just one touchdown, 267 yards and two interceptions – one of which turned out to be costly late in the contest.

One of Matt Nichols’ favourite targets, Weston Dressler, can be a dangerous combination when they connect (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

KEVIN GLENN SSK
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 9

Glenn has settled in as the leader of the Riders offence nicely so far in 2017 – he sits third in the league in passing yards (1055) and tied for first with Harris in touchdowns (seven). Last week, Glenn aired it out against the Ticats, throwing for 380 yards and two major scores while also rushing in two touchdowns on the ground.

ZACH COLLAROS HAM
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 7

With just two games under his belt, Collaros may be feeling the effects of missing his top receiver Terrence Toliver. The Ticats’ pivot also never seemed comfortable in the pocket last week against the Riders, tossing just 189 yards and one touchdown – his first of the season. The struggles are seemingly out of character for Collaros and it’s only a matter of time before things start to click.

DARIAN DURANT MTL
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 8

Durant is still trying to find his footing in Montreal with his offence that has yet to start to gel together. He has just 644 yards, two interceptions and three touchdowns on the season. The pieces are all there for the Durant – Ernest Jackson and Nik Lewis catching passes while Tyrell Sutton carries the ball – so expect the veteran to return to his true form soon.

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