David Chidley/CFL.ca
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 — Despite being saddled with the loss, Jeremiah Masoli made a strong statement for the Ticats in Week 15.
The fifth-year pro is heading in the right direction after being handed the reins on Labour Day, guiding the previously-winless Ticats to a 3-2 record and an outside shot at the playoffs.
When Corey Chamblin and the Argos threw everything but the kitchen sink at Masoli on Saturday, the 29-year-old was decisive and accurate, throwing for 288 yards and a pair of touchdowns with a season-high 9.0 average on attempts.
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In other news, Ricky Ray continues to defy his age, leading the Argos back from 14 points down to eventually win in overtime.
Meanwhile, Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly has dropped a spot for the second consecutive week, falling out of the top-three for the first time this season after his team’s sixth straight loss.
Without further delay, we rank the pivots heading into Week 16:
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
The Stampeders are running away with games and that’s hindering Bo Levi Mitchell‘s stats a little bit. The Katy, Texas native was virtually perfect in a 59-11 win over Montreal, completing 14 of 19 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns — and a season-high 13.9-yard average per attempt.
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
Matt Nichols out-dueled Mike Reilly for the second time this season, completing 75 per cent of his passes while adding two more touchdowns in a 28-19 win over Edmonton. Over his team’s 8-1 stretch, Nichols has thrown 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
No quarterback has been hotter than Bombers pivot Matt Nichols over the last two months (Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca)
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 4
The legend of Ricky Ray grew just a little bit more in Week 15, after the veteran pivot led his team back from a 14-point deficit — including a third-and-17 conversion on the game’s tying drive — to defeat the Ticats. Not only is the 37-year-old calm in the clutch, he’s also on pace for 5,334 passing yards, 27 TD and 10 INT.
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 3
Despite being the CFL’s leading passer, Mike Reilly drops in the index for the second straight week following the Eskimos’ sixth straight loss. Not long ago the leading candidate for Most Outstanding Player, Reilly’s season is fading just like his team’s — although there’s still time to turn it around.
KEVIN GLENN SSK
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5
Kevin Glenn is in danger of falling further if he struggles in Toronto this week. The Rider pivot hasn’t been himself since injuring his throwing hand in Week 12, generating very little total offence (513 yards, an average of 256.5 yards per game) over the last two games. Is a QB controversy on the way?
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 7
Unfazed by the constant pressure from the Argos’ defensive front, ranked as the second-best in the league, Jeremiah Masoli likely deserved a better fate than his team’s 43-35 loss in Week 15. In his five starts this season, Masoli has proven he can win as a starting CFL quarterback.
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Although Kevin Glenn struggled, his team pulled out the win in the nation’s capital (The Canadian Press)
JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 6
With his team on a bye, paired with a solid performance by Masoli, Jonathon Jennings drops a spot in this week’s rankings. The 25-year-old has twice as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns (6) this season, something that’ll have to change quickly if the Lions are going to claw their way to a post-season berth.
BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 8
For the first time in a month, Brandon Bridge wasn’t needed during his team’s 18-17 win over the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Still, as long as Kevin Glenn continues to struggle following the hand injury suffered in the Banjo Bowl, Bridge’s name will remain relevant.
DREW WILLY MTL
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 10
If you can look past the 59-11 loss, Drew Willy put in a nice effort in his first start as a Montreal Alouette, making quick decisions and strong, accurate throws against the Stampeders’ talented secondary. For the most part, Willy avoided sacks and turnovers while averaging 7.2 yards per attempt in a losing cause.
DARIAN DURANT MTL
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: 9
Despite dressing, Darian Durant didn’t handle any snaps in his team’s one-sided loss to Calgary. One has to wonder whether he’ll be passed by Drew Willy on the depth chart — just like in this week’s ranking — going into a Thanksgiving clash with the Eskimos on Monday in Montreal.
RYAN LINDLEY OTT
THIS WEEK: 11 | LAST WEEK: 11
The former NFL starter enjoyed a bounce back performance in Week 15 (relativity is key here), throwing for 164 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 17-31 passing. Hardly a masterpiece, but enough to guide the REDBLACKS to a 17-0 lead that would eventually slip away and become a loss.
INJURED RESERVE
The REDBLACKS hope to have injured quarterback Trevor Harris back in Week 16 (The Canadian Press)
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
Trevor Harris was emerging as a legitimate MOP candidate before his shoulder injury in Week 12. While the REDBLACKS could use his help, there’s no sense rushing him — he’ll be needed at full health once the playoffs roll around.
DREW TATE OTT
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
Drew Tate dressed but wasn’t fit to start for a second straight week, keeping him on the bench for the REDBLACKS’ loss to Saskatchewan. All arrows point to him starting in Week 16 — if Trevor Harris isn’t back yet.
