September 18, 2017

Quarterback Index: Bridging the gap

THE CANADIAN PRESS

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 — While Week 13 wasn’t as unkind to the CFL’s starting quarterbacks (Travis Lulay, Trevor Harris and Kevin Glenn all suffered injuries the previous week), pass-throwers didn’t get away unscathed.

The backup to Trevor Harris, Drew Tate, exited Sunday’s contest in Montreal and could miss time after being spotted in a sling on the sideline. In the same game, Darian Durant failed to complete a pass on six attempts before the Als called on the backup Drew Willy.


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» By the Numbers: 2017 passing leaders

Drew Tate and Patrick Lavoie helped Ottawa to a road win over the Als in Week 13 (The Canadian Press)


Finally, in Saskatchewan, Kevin Glenn and his bruised hand were a no-go against the Ticats on Friday night. In the end, however, Canadian quarterback Brandon Bridge held his own in his first start as a Rider, leading the Green and White to an important road victory.

A quarterback controversy in Montreal? And is Rick Campbell ready to lean on Ryan Lindley in the nation’s capital?

Here are this week’s rankings:

BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1

Missing his two top targets, Bo Levi Mitchell protected the football and leaned on his defence on the way to an eighth straight victory. If this was Fantasy, the Katy, Texas product might be near the bottom of the rankings. It’s not, so stats aside, until Mitchell and his team lose some games, this is where he’ll reside.

MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2

Despite his team losing its fifth straight game, Mike Reilly showed more positive signs in Saturday’s trip to BMO Field, throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns vs. the Argos. In back to back games, the CFL’s new passing leader has thrown for a total of 784 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

KEVIN GLENN SSK
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3

After being questionable all week, Kevin Glenn couldn’t shake off a bruised throwing hand in time for Friday’s meeting with the Ticats. While Canadian QB Brandon Bridge got the job done in relief, the Riders hope their veteran will be back in time for a Week 13 clash with the Stamps.

MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 4

Matt Nichols is idle following the Bombers’ bye week. With his 22-7 TD-INT ration and his team in second in the West, some might make a case that the Bombers’ pivot is leading the MOP race and is worthy of a top-three spot in the ranking. It’s a legitimate debate and one that will continue to unfold.

RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5

After another solid if unspectacular outing vs. the Esks, Ricky Ray remains on the cusp of the CFL’s elite quarterbacks at age 37. His O-line hasn’t helped him this season, but if Ray can stay upright, we could be looking at career numbers from the Argonauts’ quarterback.


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Ricky Ray continued what’s been a strong season for the resurgent 37-year-old (The Canadian Press)


JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6

Jonathon Jennings threw three interceptions while failing to find much offence against the West Division-leading Stamps at McMahon. Newsflash: We’ve seen these results from many others before. Still, if Jennings can’t find some consistency, the Lions could be doomed to a fifth-place finish in the West.

BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 10

Brandon Bridge was trending across Canada after an impressive first half vs. the Ticats. His second half was a different story, as the Tabbies adjusted while Bridge and the Riders held on for dear life. Still, the result was a notable accomplishment as we await news on injured starter Kevin Glenn.

JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 7

Jeremiah Masoli continues to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the CFL. Unfortunately, like on Friday vs. the Riders, that doesn’t always translate to wins. Masoli’s late-game comeback efforts fell just short, when his pass from the one-yard-line on the game’s final play hit the turf.

DREW WILLY MTL
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: UNRANKED

Drew Willy makes his first appearance in the QB Index this season after stepping in for an ineffective Darian Durant. The backup completed 12 of 17 passing attempts vs. the REDBLACKS on Sunday but, like Durant, failed to muster much for the struggling Alouette offence.

DARIAN DURANT MTL
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: 9

A coaching change did little to help Darian Durant, whose grip on a starting position has loosened considerably over the past few weeks. Durant was pulled vs. Ottawa after throwing six straight incompletions, leaving his No. 1 job tentative at best going into Week 14.

RYAN LINDLEY OTT
THIS WEEK: 11 | LAST WEEK: UNRANKED

The REDBLACKS’ third-string pivot wasn’t asked to do much in Sunday’s road trip to Montreal, stepping in for the injured Drew Tate and completing seven of his 14 passing attempts with an interception. A much bigger test could be on the way if the former NFL starter gets the nod in Week 14 in Winnipeg.

INJURED RESERVE

Drew Tate’s first start as an Ottawa REDBLACK ended on the sideline with an injury (Peter McCabe/CFLca)

TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR

Trevor Harris was emerging as a legitimate MOP candidate before his shoulder injury in Week 12. We may find out soon just how valuable he is to the Ottawa REDBLACKS.

DREW TATE OTT
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: 8

Spotted on the sideline with his arm in a sling, Drew Tate’s status moving forward is in serious jeopardy. Unfortunate timing for a REDBLACKS team that also just lost starting quarterback Trevor Harris.