Berg vs. Ferg: Creating the ultimate QB/WR duo

Berg vs. Ferg returns for another season on CFL.ca as columnists Pat Steinberg and Marshall Ferguson debate over some of the league’s most contentious storylines. This week’s question: what’s the ultimate QB/WR duo?

TORONTO — The quarterback-receiver duo is one of the most sacred connections in football, and when it works, there’s really nothing quite like it.

Jeremiah Masoli and Brandon Banks. Mike Reilly and Derel Walker. Trevor Harris and Greg Ellingson. It’s not hard to think of some of the most feared and lethal pairings across the league because they’re so exciting to watch, and when you look at the league leaders, their numbers are always near the top.

There are plenty of factors that go into a successful QB-WR relationship, from experience and reps to style of play. Seldom is this type of chemistry established overnight, but when it’s finally achieved, the results can be special.

On the other hand, video games and fantasy football have allowed us to dream up and create unique pairings that could never exist otherwise. To wonder: what type of numbers would wide receiver X put up if he were catching passes from quarterback Y?

If you could pick any current receiver to pair up with any quarterback, who would you choose?

Pat Steinberg and Marshall Ferguson debate in the latest Berg vs. Ferg.

FERG (9-8): BO LEVI MITCHELL AND ‘THE BUDS’

Marshall Ferguson, CFL.ca
@TSN_Marsh

This was one of the most difficult topics we have approached in Berg vs. Ferg history. So many talented quarterbacks and dynamic receivers made judging the possible chemistry of pairings and playing matchmaker between passer and catcher brutal.

When it comes to quarterbacks, you have to go with one of Mitchell, Reilly or Masoli based on their play this season, but who would be most effective working with each?

After a lot of thought, I decided to completely skirt the rules of the question and give my quarterback of choice – Bo Levi Mitchell – two receivers in a package deal.

Imagine for a second the numbers that could be put up with Bo Levi Mitchell’s accuracy and timing if he had ‘The Buds’ from Ottawa.

Greg Ellingson and Brad Sinopoli would post numbers in that Calgary offence that could challenge even the most legendary in CFL history. Sinopoli has that special knack for working underneath routes which works perfectly into Mitchell’s game with his quick release and ability to recognize pressure. Meanwhile, Ellingson is one of the CFL’s best deep threats and would benefit from Mitchell’s ability to anticipate on deep corner/post routes.

If there is any doubt Ellingson’s stats would take a jump, take a look at the number of pass targets and completions beyond thirty yards depth for the REDBLACKS and Stampeders currently.

Ottawa is 18/76 on the deep ball while Bo Levi and the Stampeders are 35/103. It’s a match made in fantasy heaven.

BERG (8-9): WHAT WOULD CARTER LOOK LIKE WITH AN ELITE QB?

Pat Steinberg, CFL.ca
@Fan960Steinberg

I’ve always wondered what Duron Carter would look like with an elite quarterback throwing to him. While I know his first few weeks in Toronto haven’t been ones to write home about, Carter is still one of the most gifted receivers in the CFL. The possibilities seem endless if you think about him teaming up with a prolific passer like Mike Reilly.

When thinking about this week’s debate, Carter was the first player that came to mind. He’s fast, strong, and explosive all packaged together and is capable of coming down with any ball thrown in his direction. The biggest issue throughout Carter’s career, though, has been the lack of an undisputed number one throwing him the ball. In fantasyland, Reilly seems like the ideal fit.

Reilly is on pace to lead the league in passing attempts for the second time in three years; he finished second to Ricky Ray in 2017. Averaging more than 35 throws per game, you can be sure as a receiver Reilly is going to look your way multiple times in a game, especially if you’re a good one. That falls right in line with Carter’s strengths.

Duron is the type of player who thrives on targets and being involved. More so than most other receivers in this league, Carter is significantly more effective when seeing the ball come his way than not. While Reilly can spread the ball, he also has a proven track record of choosing a favourite receiver or two. You can bet Carter would fall into that category if the two were ever on the same team.

You can make the argument Reilly would be an ideal fantasy fit for any top end receiver in the league. That’s what happens when you’re one of the top two quarterbacks in the game. For Carter, though, the opportunity to play with a high-end pivot has never really been on the table. When I close my eyes, Carter and Reilly seem like a match made in football heaven

DON’T SIT ON THE FENCE!

While both sides are pretty convincing, someone’s got to take it. Whose argument convinced you the most?

You can vote for this week’s winner both on CFL.ca and Twitter. Meanwhile, continue the conversation by tweeting @Fan960Steinberg and @TSN_Marsh.

The winner will be revealed in the following week’s Berg vs. Ferg.

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