Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
Last year we presented the QB Scorecard, which ranked performances by quarterbacks around the league based on what they did each week. Like athletes, we’re looking to get better and with that we’re introducing the Quarterback Index.
We’ll pull back and take an expanded view – not strictly based on weekly outings. We’ll start with rating quarterbacks based on who you would want to have most in order for the 2016 season and pivots with the opportunity to start and play combined.
Quarterbacks can get hot and rise or go cold and fall down the rankings throughout the year.
1) Mike Reilly
Edmonton Eskimos
After leading the Eskimos to the 2015 Grey Cup title and earning game MVP honours in the process, Reilly opens the season in the No. 1 spot. 383 yards in Week 1 show that Edmonton’s franchise pivot already has a strong grasp of Jason Maas’ up-tempo offence.
2) Bo Levi Mitchell
Calgary Stampeders
Bo knows what it takes to win in the wild West. Proven, consistent and durable are calling cards for the Stamps’ gunslinger.
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3) Henry Burris
Ottawa REDBLACKS
Yes, Hank suffered a pinky injury that’s landed him on the one-game injured list, but the 41-year-old is coming off the best season of his career.
4) Darian Durant
Saskatchewan Roughriders
When healthy, “Doubles”, as he’s known around the league, can be just as good as any other signal caller in the CFL.
5) Kevin Glenn
Montreal Alouettes
Steady veteran presence at the quarterback position. Glenn doesn’t have a Grey Cup, but that shouldn’t taint what he’s accomplished, and continues to, in his career.
6) Trevor Harris
Ottawa REDBLACKS
The reigning CFL passing touchdown king is always ready to go. Harris came off the bench to throw for 292 yards and three touchdowns to propel Ottawa to a win over Edmonton. He’ll start in Week 2.
7) Ricky Ray
Toronto Argonauts
Injuries have Ray down the list. No. 15 led Toronto to a Grey Cup in 2012, but he’s missed around 40 per cent of possible starts since arriving in T.O.
8) Jonathon Jennings
BC Lions
Small sample size, but upside appears high for Jennings. The sophomore QB needs to continue to prove himself.
9) Drew Willy
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
When on the field in 2015 it was clear Winnipeg was a different team. Now with more talent around him he needs to take the Bombers back to the playoffs.
10) Jeremiah Masoli
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Everyone knows Masoli won’t be the starter when Zach Collaros is healthy. That said the 27-year-old has made two strong starts in a row completing 57 of 79 attempts (72 percent) for 667 yards and five touchdowns threw the air with 54 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
11) Travis Lulay
BC Lions
There are teams who might like to have the 2011 CFL MOP and Grey Cup MVP starting for them, even though he’s a backup in B.C. If Lulay gets back into action he would rise up the list.
Injured Reserve
Zach Collaros
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
If Collaros wasn’t hurt he be among the top three quarterbacks in the league. Once he recovers from an ACL injury expect Hamilton’s franchise man to produce at a high level.
CFL Starters
Justin Dunk is picking his best lineup based on Week 1’s results. With the game on the line, who’s making his starting depth chart this week?
Offence:
QB – Jeremiah Masoli
RB – Andrew Harris, Tyrell Sutton
REC – Chris Williams, Derel Walker, Brad Sinopoli, Chad Owens
OL – Montreal Alouettes
Defence:
DL – Hamilton Tiger-Cats
LB – Simoni Lawrence, Adam Bighill, Chip Cox
HB – Billy Parker, Ryan Phillips
CB – Chris Randle, Geoff Tisdale
S – Macho Harris
