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 play.
TORONTO — For now it’s status quo, but there could soon be some movement in the CFL.ca Quarterback Index.
What happens next might just revolve around 24-year-old Jonathon Jennings and the man right behind him in Matt Nichols.
Jennings remains in the third spot on the index despite his Lions dropping back to back matchups to Nichols and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But while Lions’ sophomore quarterback is one of the league’s most exciting young players, the pressure is on him to perform in the final few weeks of the season.
The Lions could finish anywhere from second to fourth in the West and need a strong finish from their quarterback, who ranks third in the CFL in passing yards but has thrown 13 interceptions — the most in the CFL.
RELATED:
» Report: Adams Jr. to make first career start
» Ricky Ray likely to start vs. Stampeders
» MMQB: Questions in the Stampede City
» Playoff Scenarios: The East is in the balance
Vernon Adams Jr. could make his first career start this week (Montreal Alouettes)
While Jennings can either fade or take the next step, Nichols continues to press. He’s led the Bombers to wins in nine of their last 11 games and boasts a quarterback rating of 99.3, with 15 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
Behind him, meanwhile, Darian Durant and Henry Burris continue to prove their veteran worth after leading the Riders and REDBLACKS to respective victories, while Jeremiah Masoli did enough to hold serve as he gets set for a second straight start.
Also this week: watch for the return of Ricky Ray and the debut start of Vernon Adams Jr.
We look at who belongs where heading into Week 18:
Bo Levi Mitchell CGY
This Week: 1 | Last Week: 1
The Stampeders weren’t particularly sharp in a 22-8 win over the Als, but Bo Levi Mitchell still completed 72.2 per cent of his passes, going 26-of-36 for 256 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell’s 42-7-1 career record puts him among the best of all-time.
Mike Reilly EDM
This Week: 2 | Last Week: 2
The Eskimos are peaking at the right time and it starts with Mike Reilly, who continues to put up gaudy numbers. He’ll be well-rested following the Esks’ Week 17 bye, while 6,000 passing yards remains well within reach.
Jonathon Jennings BC
This Week: 3 | Last Week: 3
Jonathon Jennings continues to electrify but also shows the growing pains of a second-year pivot, throwing five interceptions over the span of back to back losses to the Bombers. He continues to teeter on the category of elite but will need to protect the ball better to get there.
Matt Nichols WPG
This Week: 4 | Last Week: 4
Despite throwing two interceptions, Matt Nichols did enough in Week 17 to lead the Bombers to a win over the Lions. We’ll give him a pass on this one as he’s still thrown only five picks this season, while he still contributed nicely with 301 passing yards against a tough defence.
Darian Durant SSK
This Week: 5 | Last Week: 5
Darian Durant didn’t need to do a whole lot on the way to his team’s 29-11 win over the Riders, but he did throw a pair of touchdown passes while completing 15 of 22 attempts. He’s back to his normal self after missing a large chunk of the last two years.
Henry Burris OTT
This Week: 6 | Last Week: 6
Hampered early in the year by an injury to the pinky finger on his throwing hand, Henry Burris looks like the quarterback who won Most Outstanding Player in 2015. It turns out he was the spark the REDBLACKS needed as he has them on the verge of their second straight East Division Championship.
Trevor Harris OTT
This Week: 7 | Last Week: 7
Trevor Harris can’t be thrilled to be on the bench right now, but there’s no shame in sitting behind a future Hall of Famer in Burris. Still considered Ottawa’s quarterback of the future, Harris has had a strong season and will be ready to go if called upon.
Jeremiah Masoli HAM
This Week: 8 | Last Week: 8
Still trying to find an identity as a CFL quarterback, Jeremiah Masoli has reached a critical time in his young career. He’s 3-4 as a starter this year and could get Hamilton back in the race to win the East, something that would surely open plenty of eyes across the country.
Rakeem Cato MTL
This Week: 9 | Last Week: 9
After one big step forward against Toronto two weeks ago, Rakeem Cato has since taken two steps back in losses to Edmonton and Calgary. The Esks and Stamps are among the league’s best and Cato and the Als’ offence didn’t pass the test. Cato will have to show more in the coming weeks to help his future.
Drew Willy TOR
This Week: 10 | Last Week: 10
It’s hard to gauge how much Drew Willy is to blame for the Argos’ recent struggles. The Boatmen haven’t been good enough in a number of aspects but we’ll get more of an answer next week when Ricky Ray likely returns to start.
» RELATED: Masoli named Ticats’ starter for Week 18
Collaros stands on the sidelines during the Ticats’ Week 15 loss to Calgary (CFL.ca)
Injured Reserve
Quarterbacks not currently active won’t be ranked in the QB Index but will be added when healthy.
ZACH COLLAROS HAM
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
Zach Collaros will miss a second straight start, meaning the Ticats’ hopes of winning the East rest on the throwing shoulder of Jeremiah Masoli.
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
The return of Ricky Ray comes at exactly the right time for the Argos, as Drew Willy hits the shelf and the team needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive.
