Jason Halstead/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 — The first week of the 105th Grey Cup Playoffs saw Kevin Glenn and Mike Reilly put forth big performances in winning efforts for their respective clubs. Now, after a first-week bye, it’s Ricky Ray and Bo Levi Mitchell‘s turn.
The pool has been narrowed down to four remaining teams, with only two more wins required to win a Grey Cup Championship — and five pivots in the fold. Who are the best quarterbacks left in the post-season?
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The Esks, Stamps, Argos and Riders each have a veteran quarterback who has carried his team to the brink of a championship. Reilly, Mitchell and Ray have all been victorious in the post-season in the past, while Glenn is on a mission to further prove he’s much more than just an insurance policy or a CFL journeyman.
The playoffs add a new emphasis on things like turnovers, defence and the ability to run the football. Yet at the end of the day, in the quarterback-driven league that is the CFL, the team with the best signal-caller should end up winning the Grey Cup.
In the latest QB Index powered by Rockstar, we rank the playoff pivots heading into the division finals:
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
It’s no coincidence that Mike Reilly’s best stretch of the season coincides with a six-game winning streak for the Eskimos. Reilly’s fourth straight game without a pick helped the Eskies go on the road and defeat the Bombers at Investors Group Field for the first time this year, setting up what will be a fourth and decisive duel with Calgary.
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
An extra week of rest (the second bye in three weeks for the Argos) won’t hurt the 38-year-old pivot, who’s enjoyed a late-career renaissance in his first year under Marc Trestman. Over his last five games, Ricky Ray has averaged close to 360 yards per game while posting a 73.5 per cent completion rating. Ray and Reilly are on an island right now as the CFL’s best quarterbacks.
Whether it’s his last season or not, Ricky Ray could cement his legacy in the Grey Cup Playoffs (David Chidley/CFL.ca)
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3
Bo Levi Mitchell is another quarterback who could stand to benefit from a first-round playoff bye. The Katy, Texas native has struggled of late, throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions during his team’s three-game losing streak. Let that sink in for a second: a three-game losing streak, for the CFL’s winningest quarterback and a team that just doesn’t lose.
KEVIN GLENN SSK
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 7
While Kevin Glenn has had trouble getting out of the first quarter of games lately, there’s something about playing against Ottawa for the Riders’ wily vet. Along with his wealth of experience, Glenn brings a calm and coolness to the Rider huddle, with the 38-year-old hitting his stride at exactly the right time for the Green and White.
BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 6
Brandon Bridge has gotten some substantial playing time with the Riders, yet the in the Eastern Semi-Final he couldn’t get off the bench. Either way, it’s becoming apparent that Bridge has graduated from ballyhooed quarterback prospect to likely future starter. He’s exceeded expectations in his career, at least to this point, and should still be a significant factor in his team’s Grey Cup hopes.
