Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — No position in professional sports faces as much scrutiny as the quarterback.
The signal-caller is always under close watch in football, but five pivots in particular will be in the spotlight when their teams take the field in Week 15.
In BC, Jonathon Jennings is back behind centre following injury to Travis Lulay. Jennings was once viewed as the rising star of the CFL, before struggling in 2017 and being benched in favour of Lulay earlier this year. This could be Jennings’ opportunity to rediscover his former self and prove he still has a bright future in the three-down game.
For Matt Nichols, Friday night’s contest against the Montreal Alouettes could be the biggest of his career. Nichols has struggled this season, failing to hit the 300-yard mark while the Bombers have lost four games in a row. Patience in Winnipeg is wearing thin.
Toronto and Montreal also have quarterback questions, although their pivots are less established. Johnny Manziel is getting his second chance in Montreal in place of Antonio Pipkin, while McLeod Bethel-Thompson hopes to get the Argos out of a prolonged slump with James Franklin in the background.
Finally, the Riders have QB concerns of their own, with fans in Regina questioning whether Zach Collaros can lead the team late into November.
Which pivot is under the most pressure? More in The Weekly Say.
Which quarterback has the shortest leash going into Week 15?
Jonathon Jennings is back at the helm for the Lions following Travis Lulay’s injury (The Canadian Press)
Marshall Ferguson: Nichols. It’s a home game, the Jets are good, the Bombers haven’t been. The team needs to create some buzz and Nichols performing poorly won’t do it, especially if Manziel plays well.
James Cybulski: Nichols. This is a Grey Cup contender in a free fall right now.
Jim Morris: I’m saying Bethel-Thompson. Manziel deserves a long look. Nichols and Collaros are both veterans who have proven they can get the job done in the past. If the Lions pull Jennings they are waving the white flag.
Davis Sanchez: Bethel-Thompson.
Jeff Krever: I think it’s between Bethel-Thompson and Nichols. Chris Jones isn’t benching Collaros for Brandon Bridge, and Manziel and Jennings both need playing time. If the Argos’ QB situation is truly an open competition, as Marc Trestman has stated numerous times, then James Franklin deserves another chance.
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Would you rather have Ottawa’s or Edmonton’s group of receivers?
Brad Sinopoli leads a dynamic Ottawa receiving corps, but is it the best in the league? (Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca)
Ferguson: Ottawa’s. If Derel Walker were healthy and in the fold I might answer differently, but I believe Ellingson, Sinopoli and Spencer to be the most dynamic trio in the CFL.
Morris: I think right now I would go with Ottawa’s. I like the depth and the yards they gain after the catch.
Sanchez: Edmonton’s.
Cybulski: Edmonton’s. Far too often, Ottawa’s playmakers have gone MIA this season.
Krever: I’ll go with Edmonton’s. That group is a little bit deeper. If not for an injury early in the year, we might have seen Bryant Mitchell putting up the type of numbers Duke is. He’s THAT good. And Vidal Hazelton and Kenny Stafford are proven vets that have established great chemistry with Mike Reilly.
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Against his former team, Duron Carter will _____.
Duron Carter‘s first start is expected to come against his former team this weekend (Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca)
Ferguson: Talk lots, do little. Still working his way into the offence and Chris Jones will not allow him to go off.
Morris: Talk a lot. It’s what Duron Carter does.
Sanchez: Will have playful smack talk unlike usual to opponents… he knows how fast and physical the Sask D is and sees how his current offence has struggled. Why talk?
Cybulski: Have an impact because he’s too talented and motivated not to.
Krever: Rise to the occasion. It’s what Duron has done throughout his career. Only difference is he won’t be able to tweet about it. Think back to Carter playing DB against Bo Levi Mitchell, the pick-six. The Argos’ season is on the line. Everyone’s watching. This is Carter’s game.
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