Adam Gagnon/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 — There’s little debate over who forms the elite class of quarterbacks in the Canadian Football League.
‘Is quarterback X elite?’ has become a common topic of conversation over the years, as many have entered and re-entered that discussion from Jeremiah Masoli and Trevor Harris to Matt Nichols.
In reality only two have stood the test of time: Bo Levi Mitchell and Mike Reilly. Both have reserved the right to be named ‘elite quarterbacks’ in the CFL, and at the moment, the Alberta counterparts are on an island of their own.
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While Harris, Masoli and Nichols continue to at least knock on the door, James Franklin‘s stint as Argos starter has been put on hold after just three games, opening the door for McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
Meanwhile, in Montreal, Johnny Manziel could be closing in on his first start in the three-down game.
Neither Manziel nor Bethel-Thompson will appear in this week’s rankings, but keep an eye on them in Week 8. More in this week’s QB Index:
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
A virtual coin flip separates Bo Levi Mitchell and Mike Reilly, who continue to distance themselves from the rest of the field. While Reilly’s offence has been more explosive this season, Mitchell has protected the football better and is winning more games. And it’s not like Mitchell hasn’t generated big plays himself, owning an average yards per attempt of 8.8 — the second-highest total in his career.
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
A five-touchdown game (four through the air, one on the ground) vs. Montreal has Mike Reilly pushing for the top spot in the ranking. Reilly’s average of 9.6 yards per attempt is almost unheard of, while the Eskimos’ quarterback has 18 combined touchdowns (13+5) through six games, putting him on pace for 54 on the season — well ahead of last year’s 42. He’s got a chance to win a second straight MOP.
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3
After a slow start and some soft grumblings, Matt Nichols has turned things around, helping the Bombers sweep a home-and-home against the Argos while outscoring them 78-34. One of the CFL’s most consistent quarterbacks, Nichols has something to prove as the race for second is on in the hotly-contested West.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 4
Touchdowns continue to elude Jeremiah Masoli, who threw for 352 yards but failed to score until late in the fourth quarter in a loss to the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Masoli has the ability to be an elite quarterback in the CFL, but will have to be more consistent before garnering such consideration.
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5
Trevor Harris was so-so against the Ticats, throwing for 228 yards while failing to find the end zone in a 21-15 win. It’s been an up-and-down season for Harris, but the REDBLACKS’ pivot tends to run hot and cold and should have better days ahead. Either way, he’s got Ottawa in the driver’s seat of the East.
TRAVIS LULAY BC
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6
A week off should only benefit Travis Lulay, who’s off to a nice start since returning from injury with 651 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in two games. The veteran quarterback should make the Lions a factor in the tight-knit West, but a true test arrives in Week 8 with a visit to Calgary.
JAMES FRANKLIN TOR
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 7
The Argos are going with McLeod Bethel-Thompson as their starter in Week 8, sending James Franklin to the bench after just four starts. While the move comes as a surprise, Franklin has struggled to a 1-3 record, throwing just one touchdown and six interceptions since taking over for the injured Ricky Ray.
BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 8
The Riders kept things conservative in Week 7, protecting Bridge with a plethora of runs and screen passes against a vaunted Calgary defence. We know there’s upside with the Canadian quarterback, but it hasn’t been unleashed as Zach Collaros works his way back from an early-season injury.
VERNON ADAMS JR MTL
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED
Vernon Adams Jr. showed why he’s considered the most athletic quarterback in the CFL, using his legs and his improvisational skills to generate some offence in a loss to the Eskimos. There’s still some potential there, but Adams’ time as the starter might be limited to just one game as Johnny Manziel’s first start approaches.
OUT: MTL QB Drew Willy, MTL QB Matthew Shiltz, MTL QB Jeff Mathews
INJURED RESERVE
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
Ricky Ray remains on the long-term injured list and shouldn’t be counted on for a return this season, although nothing has been made official by the Argos.
ZACH COLLAROS SSK
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
Zach Collaros came off the six-game injured list this week, but according to reports isn’t expected to start in Week 8 vs. Edmonton.
