The Canadian Press
TORONTO — A couple of weeks ago, we revealed a list of 13 candidates we felt were in the running for Most Outstanding Player.
The field has since been reduced, with a number of candidates eliminated following Wednesday’s announcement of team award winners. Names like Andrew Harris, Brandon Zylstra, S.J. Green and Trevor Harris, who may have been viewed as legitimate MOP contenders, lost out to their teammates and are no longer in the running for the league’s top individual honour.
While much has been made clear, this year’s MOP remains mostly shrouded in mystery — because with one week to go in the regular season, there doesn’t appear to be any clear-cut candidate to win the award.
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Mike Reilly is likely to top the passing yards list for the second consecutive season (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
What we do know is there’s a strong chance there won’t be a repeat winner this year. Solomon Elimimian is the only eligible player who’s won MOP before, but playing for a non-playoff team likely makes him a longshot.
Meanwhile, a couple of veterans who have never won in Mike Reilly and Ricky Ray are also in the running.
Finally, is Alex Singleton a legitimate threat to become the second defensive-only player ever to win the award?
As the season winds down, we zero in on the top six contenders for Most Outstanding Player.
MIKE REILLY | QB, EDM
Photo: Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
Week 19: 18-of-27, 284 yards, 3 TD vs. CGY
Best Game: 27-of-37, 350 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT (July 20 vs. HAM)
Key Statistics (Overall): 5,536 yards (1st), 30 TD (T-1st), 9 rushing TD (1st), 86.3 QUAR (1st)
It was only a month ago that Mike Reilly might have been fading from the MOP conversation. How quickly things have changed, with the 32-year-old now leading the CFL in yards, touchdowns and QUAR. Reilly’s season is almost a mirror image of his 2016 campaign, if not just a little bit better.
ALEX SINGLETON | LB, CGY
Photo: The Canadian Press
Week 19: 6 tackles vs. EDM
Best Game: 13 tackles, 1 sack (Sept. 4 vs. EDM)
Key Statistics (Overall): 121 tackles (2nd), 1 INT, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble
While the Stamps’ impressive defence has been a collective effort, middle linebacker Alex Singleton is at the heart of their success. While he doesn’t lead the league in tackles or sacks, the former sixth overall pick has a penchant for being around the football at all times, making him a nightmare for opposing offences.
DURON CARTER | REC, SSK
Photo: Arthur Ward/CFL.ca
Week 19: 1 catch, 6 yards vs. MTL
Best Game: 11 catches, 231 yards (Oct. 13 vs. OTT)
Key Statistics (Overall): 8 TD (T-3rd), 1,043 yards (10th), 1 defensive TD (INT)
It’s not that Duron Carter‘s stats are unimpressive, but to judge him by the numbers in the MOP race would be an oversight. A lot has gone into the Riders’ resurgence, which has already seen them double their five-win total of 2016, but Carter has no doubt played a role — from his highlight-reel grabs to his defensive efforts at corner.
MATT NICHOLS | QB, WPG
Photo: Jason Halstead/CFL.ca
Week 19: 3-of-7, 30 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT vs. BC
Best Game: 32-of-40, 390 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT vs. EDM
Key Statistics (Overall): 4,472 yards (5th), 28 TD (3rd), 85.7 QUAR (2nd)
A couple of late-season injuries to go with back-to-back losses have hindered Matt Nichols‘ chances of winning MOP. Still, Nichols has emerged as a true franchise quarterback for the Blue and Gold, putting the Bombers on the verge of hosting their first playoff game since 2011. He’s as valuable a player you’ll find on this side of the border.
RICKY RAY | QB, TOR
Photo: Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
Week 19: 32-of-43, 423 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT vs. WPG
Best Game: 32-of-41, 506 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT (June 25 vs. HAM)
Key Statistics (Overall): 5,205 passing yards (2nd), 12 300-yard games (T-1st), 25 TD (T-4th), 70.7% (2nd), 634 ATT (1st)
Who said durability is an issue with Ricky Ray? The 38-year-old is enjoying one of the most complete seasons of his career under new coach Marc Trestman, leading the CFL with 634 passing attempts while threatening the 5,500-yard mark for what would be the third time. It’s looking as though Ray will at least represent the East as a finalist for Most Outstanding Player.
GREG ELLINGSON | REC, OTT
Photo: Jimmy Jeong/CFL.ca
Week 19: 6 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD vs. HAM
Best Game: 7 catches, 149 yards, 2 TD (Oct. 7 vs. BC)
Key Statistics (Overall): 1,459 yards (2nd), 12 TD (1st), 15 catches of 30+ yards (1st)
With five touchdowns in his last four games, Greg Ellingson has come on strong since the return of Trevor Harris at quarterback for the REDBLACKS. Ellingson’s league-leading 12 touchdown receptions have triggered one of the CFL’s most explosive offences, putting him in the running to win the MOP as a receiver — something rarely done in a league dominated by the QBs.
