Sanchez & Cybulski: Collaros could be a top-3 pivot

TORONTO — Ever since he was acquired by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, there’s been plenty of debate over the value of quarterback Zach Collaros.

Have the Riders finally found their franchise quarterback? Can Zach ever get back to his 2015 form? And where does Brandon Bridge come out in all this?

Davis Sanchez and James Cybulski talked at length about Collaros in The Waggle presented by SportClips last week, and for them, the trade between the Riders and Ticats may have been the deal of the off-season.

“The potential, the ceiling is incredibly high,” said Cybulski. “I don’t want to make it sound like it’s a hot take or anything like that, but if Zach Collaros is playing like Zach Collaros has shown he can play at his optimum peak like we’ve been suggesting, then it’s not out of the realm to say that he belongs in the discussion of Bo and Mike Reilly, because he was there three years ago.”

Episode 91: Early FA Outlook + Josh Freeman Exclusive

When at his best, is Zach Collaros a top 3 quarterback in the CFL? James and Davis discuss that and also take a look at the top free agents on the market this year. Later, they’re joined by former NFL starter and new Alouettes QB Josh Freeman.

Last year the veteran pivot was benched after failing to win a game in 2017, while Jeremiah Masoli, in his place, was able to compile a 6-4 record over the final 10 games of the season following the switch (it should also be noted that the Ticats changed coaches at the exact same time).

On the one hand, Collaros is a long way removed from that 2015 season when he threw for 3,376 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions and was a leading candidate for MOP leading up to his season-ending knee injury. On the other, a change of scenery and a fresh start with a coaching staff that believes in him could go a long way for the 29-year-old, who’s really just entering his football prime as a CFL quarterback.

Cybulski and Sanchez debated over where Collaros ranks among quarterbacks, agreeing that he could potentially land right behind Bo Levi Mitchell and Mike Reilly — and ahead of the likes of Ricky Ray, Trevor Harris and Matt Nichols.

“This is strictly hypothetical,” said Sanchez. “Zach has the mobility of a [Jonathon Jennings] or close to it. He’s a sharp mind like Trevor Harris. He’s an astute guy, he’s a play-caller and he’s got the toughness in him like Matt Nichols. I think he’s the best all-around out of those guys.

“If you’re talking about who was better last year, there’s no question that you have to take Matt Nichols and even Trevor’s numbers. But if your question is, if these guys are at their best, I would say Zach. What does that tell you about where he sits then? Because you’ve got Bo and Mike on top, where does Zach sit then?

“Take all the quarterbacks at their best. Are you telling me the Riders might have just gotten the third best quarterback in the league right now?”

Zach Collaros is looking to put the last couple of years behind him as he joins Chris Jones in Regina (David Chidley/CFL.ca)

Cybulski agreed.

“You could make a case that Zach Collaros, if he finds his form again, is the third-best quarterback in the Canadian Football League. And if you were to go back to when Zach was at his optimum, he’s an MOP winner if he doesn’t get hurt in 2015.

“Granted, it’s three years later, but it’s not like he’s an old man,” he added. “Collaros is now in a system where he’s got an opportunity to be the guy again. And he’s got weapons. You think about it, DC, Roosevelt, Chad Owens . . . To me, depending on what they do for a run game, boy oh boy.”

“Now, he’s got to prove that he can get there again. But this could be the move of the off-season at this point in time.”