Trevor Hagan/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 — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a changed team with their usual starting quarterback Matt Nichols under centre.
What was already obvious seemed even more so on Saturday evening, when the Bombers put together an impressive all-around effort in a 41-19 dismantling of the BC Lions.
With Chris Streveler seeing some packages that moved the offence and utilized his athletic ability, Nichols showed just why he’s 22-9 as a starter the last two seasons, helping the Bombers’ offence rack up 357 yards and four touchdowns without turning the ball over or being sacked a single time.
And suddenly, with respect to Streveler — the rookie who kept the ship afloat during the team’s 1-2 start — the return of Nichols could put Winnipeg in the running to chase Calgary among the West Division’s elite.
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While Nichols’ return highlights a flurry of movement in the QB Index, Week 4 also saw James Franklin win his first start as a Toronto Argonaut and Jeremiah Masoli cross the 300-yard plateau for a record-tying ninth straight game.
Meanwhile, for the Lions, Jonathon Jennings has failed to strengthen his grip on the No. 1 job, while the Riders continued to deploy a rare two-quarterback system in a win over the Ticats.
CFL.ca ranks the pivots going into Week 5.
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
The top-ranked pivot in Bo Levi Mitchell gets ready for potentially his toughest challenge yet in a visit to the nation’s capital Thursday night. New REDBLACKS defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe caused some headaches for Mitchell in Week 3, but overall the Stamps’ strong-armed slinger has enjoyed a hot start, compiling a career-best 9.4 yards per attempt, six touchdowns and only two interceptions.
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
Mike Reilly had no issue navigating the waters of BMO Field in Week 4, that is until his offence reached the red zone. The reigning MOP reclaimed the 2018 passing yards lead with 370 against the Argos, but found the end zone just once while generating 17 points in a loss to the Argos — the fewest points the Eskimos have scored in a Mike Reilly start since Oct. 10, 2015. Look for plenty more scoring in a Week 5 rematch.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3
Jeremiah Masoli tied a CFL record for consecutive 300-yard games, throwing for 333 passing yards in a loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. While the Ticats’ offence has been the best in the CFL under Masoli, averaging 447.5 yards per game, his fourth-quarter struggles have been the difference between starting 2-2 vs. a possible 4-0. The Ticats have been outscored 42-13 in the fourth quarter in 2018.
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: IR
It’s not like Matt Nichols lit up the scoreboard like the Bombers’ 41-19 win over BC might suggest, but the veteran was strong in his return, completing 16 of 29 attempts for 162 yards and a touchdown. The biggest test will be in the playoffs, but the Bombers are a clear contender in the highly-competitive West with their starting quarterback at the helm. Oh, and the threat of Chris Streveler off the bench only helps.
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5
After a forgettable Week 3, Trevor Harris bounced back against the Montreal Alouettes, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-18 road win. You can be sure the second-year starter will be fully locked in for this week’s rematch with Calgary, as Harris has a chance to prove he belongs among the league’s elite signal-callers. Although to completely do that, he’ll have to show more consistency on a week to week basis.
JAMES FRANKLIN TOR
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6
Now that he has officially graduated from highly-regarded prospect to CFL starting quarterback, we’ll soon find out how high James Franklin can fly. The Argos’ quarterback put all his impressive tools on display vs. Edmonton, eventually leading a late game-winning touchdown drive with longtime mentor Mike Reilly watching from the sideline. Franklin has the talent and is in the right situation to become one of the best.
JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 4
In the span of a year, Jonathon Jennings has gone from bright young star to confounding mystery. While the upside is obvious, the Lions have to be wondering about Jennings’ future as a CFL starting quarterback after another tough outing against Winnipeg, a 41-19 loss in which Jennings threw two interceptions and generated only 105 passing yards. A quarterback change could be on the near horizon.
JEFF MATHEWS MTL
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 10
Just a few weeks ago, before signing with the Alouettes, Jeff Mathews seemed like a mere afterthought. Now the 26-year-old is making the most of his opportunity, stepping in for an injured Drew Willy and bidding his case to continue starting in Montreal. While the Als lost to the REDBLACKS in Week 4, Mathews moved the offence, throwing for 280 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He’s got the talent to stick.
BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 9
Brandon Bridge was better in Week 4, completing 11 of 13 passes for 101 yards and helping the Riders earn a late-game victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Still, if the Canadian quarterback wants to see the field more, he’ll have to earn it in the eyes of Chris Jones. For now he’s locked into an odd two-quarterback system with newcomer David Watford.
DAVID WATFORD SSK
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: 11
Despite attempting just six passes in Week 4, David Watford continues to have a role in Chris Jones’ offence. The former Philadelphia Eagles receiver did make an impact with his legs, rushing for 50 yards on seven carries in a win over the Ticats. Jones has certainly raised some eyebrows this season (and throughout his entire career as a head coach), but he won’t let that affect him — especially if the team can find ways to win.
OFF THE LIST: Chris Streveler, WPG
INJURED RESERVE
DREW WILLY MTL
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: 8
With the bye week coming, there’s a chance Drew Willy misses only the one game after exiting Week 3’s win over Saskatchewan. However, Jeff Mathews’ play against Ottawa could cause some pause for Head Coach Mike Sherman. Either way the Als will be in tough when they visit Calgary in Week 6.
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
Two weeks after a devastating injury, Ricky Ray was spotted around the Argos’ practice facility as the team prepared for its Week 4 match. While many have speculated Ray’s season is over, nothing has been made official either way. In Ray’s absence, the Argos’ offence belongs to James Franklin.
ZACH COLLAROS SSK
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
The Riders’ marquee off-season addition remains sidelined 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.
