Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
The CFL.ca QB Index powered by Rockstar 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 — When the game’s on the line, can anyone strike fear in a defence like Mike Reilly?
The Esks’ field general is trending up this week thanks to another clutch performance, securing both a late-game victory and a spot for his team in the 2017 post-season.
Reilly took the field with three minutes left in the game and his team down 27-23, leading the Eskimos on a 12-play, 59-yard drive in just 2:15 to put his team ahead for good, 30-27 vs. the Argos.
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With his second straight win, Reilly catapults into second in place of Matt Nichols, who drops to fourth despite earning a win vs. BC.
Elsewhere, Ricky Ray holds his top-three spot following his third straight 300-yard game (and 11th of the season), while Trevor Harris makes a strong case to move up after his own late-game magic in Regina.
After a strong week for the quarterbacks, we track all movement in this week’s QB Index powered by Rockstar:
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
With a recent bye week and a berth in the Western Final, Bo Levi Mitchell should be well-rested and in good health when his team takes the field on Nov. 19. Mitchell’s 56-8-2 career record (including 13-1-1 this season) might be untouchable at this point, as he continues to lead the Stamps to victory.
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 4
There were two Mike Reilly moments from Saturday’s win over the Argos that pretty much define his career. The first was when he went airborne for a rushing touchdown; the second came when he led his team on a late last-minute scoring drive for the victory. Don’t count him out for Most Outstanding Player.
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3
After a third straight game of 300-plus yards, Ricky Ray needs just 218 yards to go over 5,000 for the fourth time in his career (and the first since 2008). The CFL’s fourth all-time leading passer is having one of the best seasons of his life at age 37.
With three straight 300-yard games, Ricky Ray is threatening to win the passing title (The Canadian Press)
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 2
Matt Nichols tested his injured finger in Saturday’s win over BC, throwing for 172 yards on 23-of-30 passing (no picks, no touchdowns). While he falls from second to fourth, that’s more indicative of those around him as the top-five is a jumble right now.
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5
While he’s struggled throughout October in the past, Trevor Harris has exorcised those demons with back-to-back winning performances — on the road, no less, against West Division opponents. A two-touchdown deficit with 5:40 left did nothing to faze Harris in a comeback win vs. the Riders.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6
While the Ticats were eliminated from post-season contention, Jeremiah Masoli showed poise in the face of a stiff Calgary Stampeders pass rush, completing 24 of his 41 passing attempts while putting his team on the brink of an upset victory. Masoli has changed the discussion, for the best, surrounding his future as a starting CFL quarterback.
KEVIN GLENN SSK
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 7
After struggling since suffering a finger injury a month ago, Kevin Glenn showed some really promising signs in the Riders’ Week 17 loss to Ottawa, throwing for 387 yards and two touchdowns (plus two interceptions) on 29-of-39 passing. The 38-year-old is the key to the team’s Grey Cup hopes.
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Bo Levi Mitchell looks to get the best of the Riders for the third time this season in Week 18 (Matt Smith/CFL.ca)
JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 8
Jonathon Jennings salvaged his stat line with a couple of late touchdown passes to Bryan Burnham, otherwise it wasn’t a fun day for the Lions’ strong-armed pivot in rainy/snowy Winnipeg. The Leos could already be eliminated by the time they take the field on Saturday.
BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 9
One week after an impressive win in relief vs. the Argos, Brandon Bridge wasn’t needed in Friday night’s loss to the REDBLACKS. We know the starting QB job is Kevin Glenn’s to lose, but Bridge has made a strong push and, at the very least, has emerged as a high-end backup.
DREW WILLY MTL
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: 10
The next few weeks will be important for Drew Willy, who looks to improve his stock as a CFL quarterback following back-to-back starts. Willy will be regarded as a quality backup at worst, but the potential to be a starter is still very much alive.
DARIAN DURANT MTL
THIS WEEK: 11 | LAST WEEK: 11
The bye week changes nothing for Darian Durant, whose status is up in the air heading into Week 18. With the Als out of playoff contention, there’s a chance the team soon turns to 24-year-old Matthew Shiltz.
