The Canadian Press
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 — Matt Nichols has set aside any talk of a quarterback controversy in Winnipeg.
After a slow start, the Bombers’ star pivot was back to his old self over the weekend, carving up the Argos’ defence en route to a 38-20 win over the Boatmen, a score that even flattered Toronto.
Nichols was accurate and decisive in just his third start of the season, completing 19 of 27 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns while averaging a season-high 9.1 yards per attempt. He also put to rest any idea that rookie quarterback Chris Streveler gives the Bombers a better chance to have success on offence.
RELATED
» Als acquire Manziel in 5-player blockbuster
» Landry: 5 takeaways from Week 6
» By the Numbers: 2018 passing leaders
While Nichols’ efforts springboard him into a top-three spot, Jeremiah Masoli drops in the ranking as a result. Masoli turned in his worst outing since being named the starter last December, ending his run of nine straight 300-yard games.
In Toronto, meanwhile, James Franklin struggled, failing to generate an offensive touchdown as the Argos managed just 165 yards of offence while falling to 1-4.
Can Masoli and Franklin redeem themselves? And will newly-acquired Johnny Manziel get into the game for the Als? Plenty of answers to come, but for now, CFL.ca ranks the pivots in the Week 7 Quarterback Index.
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
Despite nursing a knee injury, Bo Levi Mitchell made easy work of the Montreal Alouettes in Week 6, completing his first 12 passes of the game en route to a 25-8 win. Not only is Mitchell operating with high efficiency, he’s also attacking more vertically, helping him to a career-high mark of 9.0 yards per attempt through five games. At this rate he will be adding more hardware to his collection in November.
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
Mike Reilly comes off the bye week as the CFL’s leading passer in yards (1,648) and touchdowns (9), and will look to pick up where he left off in a Thursday night contest with the Alouettes. Leaning on the dynamic duo of Duke Williams and Derel Walker, Reilly continues to amass prolific numbers and could even threaten the 6,000-yard passing mark come the end of the season.
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 4
A professional quarterback requires a short memory, something Matt Nichols proved he has after forgetting about his three-interception performance in Week 5 vs. the Lions. Nichols bounced back with a near-perfect outing, shredding the Argos’ secondary and generating 420 yards of offence in a 38-20 win. He’s not in the same class as Mitchell or Reilly, but top-three isn’t bad.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 3
Jeremiah Masoli turned in his worst start since his promotion, throwing for 184 yards and an interception in a Week 6 loss to the Riders. At least now he can relax, with Johnny Manziel no longer looking over his shoulder after being traded to the Montreal Alouettes. Masoli has been steady if not exceptional since becoming a starter, so look for him to bounce back in a big game against Ottawa.
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 7
Since he won’t have to play the Stamps until late November, if at all, it should be smooth sailing for Trevor Harris from here on out. The REDBLACKS’ pivot had a big bounce back against the BC Lions, throwing for 363 yards and a touchdown on 30-of-44 passing. A duel for first in the East with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats awaits.
TRAVIS LULAY BC
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6
In two starts since returning from injury, Travis Lulay has thrown for 651 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The Lions are thrilled to have their veteran pivot back under centre, and he’ll only improve as he continues to shake off the rust. The arrow is pointing up in BC.
JAMES FRANKLIN TOR
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 5
After generating just 165 net yards of offence, James Franklin is facing adversity for the first time since becoming the Argos’ starting quarterback. Franklin was expected to be a spark for Marc Trestman’s team, but it’s important to remember that he’s coming off just his sixth career start. For the 27-year-old, the key will be how he bounces back on the road against a veteran Winnipeg defence.
BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 8
Brandon Bridge continues to separate himself from David Watford after throwing for 165 yards on 17-of-22 passing in a win over the Ticats. Sweeping the home-and-home series was impressive, but a bigger test awaits as the Riders get set for six straight games against the West. If Bridge can continue his recent success, Jones’ two-QB system will become a thing of the past.
MATTHEW SHILTZ MTL
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED
With Drew Willy sidelined early in Week 6, Matthew Shiltz made the most of his opportunity, throwing for 160 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Stampeders. Just finding the end zone is an accomplishment against that defence, especially considering some of the pressure Shiltz faced throughout the game. He could be in line to start in Week 7, though the team just acquired Johnny Manziel.
DREW WILLY MTL
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: IR
More bad luck for Drew Willy in 2018, who’s had to deal with two separate injuries behind a patchwork O-line that’s been affected by injuries and departures. Even if Willy (hand) gets to start in Week 7, the veteran QB’s time is running out as a starter in Montreal following the acquisition of Johnny Manziel.
OUT: SSK QB David Watford
INJURED RESERVE
JEFF MATHEWS MTL
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: 9
With Johnny Manziel added to the mix and Matthew Shiltz, Drew Willy and Vernon Adams Jr. also on the depth chart, it’s hard to say where injured pivot Jeff Mathews fits in for the Als. Some people still like his potential, but getting back on the field will be a challenge.
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
Ricky Ray remains on the long-term injured list and shouldn’t be counted on for a return this season, although nothing has been made official by the Argos.
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.
