Peter Power/CFL.ca
The CFL.ca Quarterback Index 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 — It’s been a long wait, but James Franklin‘s time has finally arrived.
Franklin has been named the Argos’ starter following a potential season-ending injury to Ricky Ray, opening the door for the 26-year-old to deliver on the massive expectations that have been laid on his shoulders.
RELATED
» Buy: Eskimos at Argos tickets
» Landry’s 5 takeaways from Week 3
» Argos name Franklin Week 4 starter
» By the Numbers: 2018 passing leaders
Fans and media have earmarked Franklin as the top quarterback prospect in the league, but the strong-armed pivot who used to star at Missouri has had to bide his time behind one of the best in the business in Mike Reilly.
Suddenly, he’ll be the centre of attention as he faces his former mentor and team in a home-and-home, starting Saturday night in Toronto.
While the elite quarterbacks continue to jockey for position — a group that Jeremiah Masoli appears to have joined for good after moving into the top-three — can Franklin make the most of his opportunity and become the next great CFL quarterback?
CFL.ca ranks the pivots going into Week 4.
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
Even when he’s not at his best — which Bo Levi Mitchell wasn’t on Thursday night vs. Ottawa — the Calgary Stampeders’ quarterback knows how to win football games. Mitchell’s 9.4 yards per attempt through three weeks are a career-high, while the Katy, Texas native has the Stampeders off to a perfect start in their pursuit of a third straight West Division title.
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
Despite a slow start and a two-score deficit throughout much of the first half, Mike Reilly eventually made it look easy in a one-sided win over the BC Lions. There are some concerns on the O-line, but the Esks have kept Reilly fairly clean so far this year, which will be the biggest factor if he wants to repeat as Most Outstanding Player.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 4
With 1,045 passing yards, Jeremiah Masoli is the CFL’s passing leader through three weeks of the season. The Ticats’ quarterback is a true dual threat, equally dangerous with his legs as his arm, and has his team in the driver’s seat in what could be a much more competitive East Division this year. After so much Johnny Manziel talk, it’s safe to say Masoli is for real.
JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 6
It’s been a tale of two quarterbacks throughout Jonathon Jennings‘ young career, and the first two games of 2018 revealed little more. The good news for the 25-year-old is he’s protected the football, throwing just one interception in two games, but on the other hand, he’s averaged just 8.0 yards per attempt and, over the weekend, faded quickly in what could have been a statement game against Mike Reilly and the Esks.
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 3
Trever Harris struggled with accuracy and failed to find the end zone at McMahon Stadium, completing just 13 of 29 passes in a loss to the undefeated Stamps. The REDBLACKS’ quarterback hasn’t played his best in big games, once again squandering an opportunity to make a big statement against what is currently the best team in the CFL. The talent is undeniable, but more consistency is needed.
JAMES FRANKLIN TOR
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 8
Was James Franklin’s status as the backup to Ricky Ray ever really in doubt? Either way, the highly-touted prospect didn’t show an ounce of negativity and now he’s getting his chance, being named the starter going into a home-and-home against his former team. Franklin has the ability, work ethic and personality to be a star in the CFL, now it’s just a matter of showing it on the field in a larger sample size.
CHRIS STREVELER WPG
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 7
After a red-hot start, Chris Streveler looked much more like a rookie in his third professional start, amassing just 146 passing yards while completing 57 per cent of his passes. These are the ups and downs you’d expect from a CFL newcomer straight out of college, who’s trying his best to keep the Bombers afloat in the absence of Matt Nichols. A home test against BC is next.
DREW WILLY MTL
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 10
Drew Willy‘s status is in the air for Week 4 after being injured and leaving the game during a win in Regina. The Als’ quarterback has drawn mixed reviews for his performance so far this year, but clearly gives the Alouettes their best chance to win. He’s also established some nice chemistry with Chris Williams, who’s making a strong bid for comeback player of the year in 2018.
BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 11
Despite an underwhelming first-half performance, including two interceptions, many feel Brandon Bridge was given too quick a hook in a surprising Week 3 loss to Montreal. What seemed like the best opportunity of Bridge’s career has turned sour quickly, as the Canadian quarterback is no lock to start vs. Hamilton Thursday night.
JEFF MATHEWS MTL
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED
If Drew Willy can’t go, Jeff Mathews is in line to make his first start in nearly a year — just a few weeks after signing with the Montreal Alouettes. The situation isn’t ideal for Montreal, or for Mathews, but if he starts, it’s a chance for the 26-year-old to jump-start his career. Mathews has the talent and upside to succeed in the three-down game but the light just hasn’t gone on quite yet.
DAVID WATFORD SSK
THIS WEEK: 11 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED
Already the third quarterback to take snaps for the Riders this season, David Watford’s introduction to Canadian football is coming fast and furious. Watford oozes athleticism — as evident in the fact that he was a receiver with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles — and might be able to get by on his talent alone while he learns the intricacies of the Canadian game. Still, more seasoning behind Bridge would likely be ideal.
INJURED RESERVE
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
The Bombers have gotten by on the arm and legs of Chris Streveler, so far, but the sooner Matt Nichols returns the better. Despite a whisper here and there, there will be no quarterback controversy when the injured Nichols is ready to return.
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: 5
Reports surfaced last week that Ricky Ray is unlikely to play in 2018. That makes sense after the eerie scene at BMO when he was taken off the field on a stretcher. Thankfully Ray is expected to make a full recovery, but the 38-year-old will likely step back and consider his football future.
ZACH COLLAROS SSK
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: 9
The Riders’ marquee off-season addition is on the sideline after suffering an apparent head injury in a Week 2 loss to Ottawa. There are a lot of questions under centre in Saskatchewan, but priority No. 1 for the Riders’ pivot is his health.
