October 23, 2017

Rockstar QB Index: It pays to have Ray

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 — In his 15th season, Toronto Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray is making a strong case to win his first Most Outstanding Player honour.

The Argos’ 37-year-old pivot is putting an exclamation point on his prolific career, enjoying a campaign that’s seen him throw for more than 5,000 yards while leading the Boatmen to the top of the East Division following last year’s last-place finish.

Ray’s 423-yard effort on Saturday vs. the Bombers marked his fourth straight game of 300-plus yards and 12th of the season (tied for the league lead with Mike Reilly), while his 634 passing attempts are the second-most in a season in his career.


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» Landry’s 5 takeaways from Week 18
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Speaking of Reilly, the Esks’ passer continues to make waves during his team’s three-game winning streak. Reilly threw for 397 yards in a dramatic comeback win over the Lions, generating two late scores to force overtime and an eventual two points at BC Place.

The rise of Reilly and Ray means a tough fall for Stamps quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. Mitchell moves from the top spot for the first time in months, going all the way to third following a tough outing against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

There’s movement all over this week and we track it all in the QB Index powered by Rockstar:

MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 2

As Mike Reilly goes, so go the Edmonton Eskimos — and fortunately for them, Reilly is playing lights out right now. The Esks’ pivot had one of his best games of the season on the road in BC, completing 31 of 41 passes for 397 yards and two touchdowns (with no interceptions). Reilly gives the Esks a chance to win any day.

RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 3

Ricky Ray has crossed the 5,000-yard plateau for the fourth time in his career, but it doesn’t have to end there. While a career-high 5,663 remains within distant reach (he’s 458 yards short), what would it do for Ray’s legacy to win another Grey Cup and possibly his first MOP? Both could be possible, so stay tuned.

BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 1

It took loss No. 2 of the season for Bo Levi Mitchell to fall out of the top spot in the QB Index. Mitchell had never stopped winning despite lacking the dominant numbers we’re used to, but in Week 18 that changed as his Stamps fell 30-7 to the Riders. Mitchell has a month to figure things out before the Western Final.

Whether it’s the season or the drop in ranking, it’s been a tough fall for Bo Levi Mitchell (The Canadian Press)

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

A week ago Matt Nichols had to play through an injured finger on his throwing hand; now he’s getting used to life without his top receiver Darvin Adams. The Bombers’ pivot was efficient vs. Toronto (25-of-33, 268 yards, 1 TD) but the Winnipeg offence has struggled to produce the last two weeks.

TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5

The Bombers didn’t do Trevor Harris and the REDBLACKS any favours over the weekend, allowing the Argos to reclaim top spot in the East. Harris can only do so much to help his team win a third straight division title, but a win over the Tiger-Cats on Friday night would be a start.

JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6

While the numbers may not speak well to Jeremiah Masoli‘s season so far, onlookers will tell you that the throwin’ Samoan has definitely injected a spark in the Ticats’ season. Masoli has won five of his eight starts since taking over on Labour Day, including a one-sided effort vs. the Als on Sunday.

JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 8

Jonathon Jennings completed more passes and took fewer chances vs. the Eskimos this week, and it almost paid off until the Eskimos’ late scoring flurry led to a comeback overtime win. The 25-year-old still has two more games to play before hitting reset on a forgettable 2017 season.


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Trevor Harris is looking to lead Ottawa to its third straight East Division championship (The Canadian Press)


BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 9

Brandon Bridge has been more of a middle reliever than a backup pivot for the Riders, which at least means Chris Jones is confident in his young Canadian quarterback. While he wasn’t perfect, Bridge played a role in the Riders’ streak-busting upset over the Stamps at McMahon — potentially a defining win in their season.

KEVIN GLENN SSK
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 7

While Kevin Glenn has not been passed on the depth chart, the Riders’ veteran quarterback falls behind Brandon Bridge in the QB Index. Glenn got the early hook for the second time this season, exiting the team’s win over Calgary after completing just one of three passing attempts — although Chris Jones says Glenn’s job is not in jeopardy.

MATTHEW SHILTZ MTL
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED

In a one-sided loss, the Als bypassed Drew Willy for a chance to look at developmental quarterback Matthew Shiltz, who continued to show some upside Sunday vs. the Ticats. In that game, Shiltz completed 15 of 22 passes for 167 yards and one interception.

DARIAN DURANT MTL
THIS WEEK: 11 | LAST WEEK: 11

It was more of the same from Darian Durant, who was back under centre after missing two starts. The veteran completed eight of 14 passes for 92 yards, eventually making way for Matthew Shiltz. The 35-year-old should play with a chip on his shoulder as he returns to Riderville this week.