Arthur Ward/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 — There are plenty of quarterback questions around the CFL after Week 14, but not one of them involves Trevor Harris.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS signal-caller extinguished any concerns involving his recent play over the weekend, leading his team to a defiant and unexpected 30-25 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Mosaic Stadium is always hostile territory for visiting opponents, but on Saturday the most deafening sound came from Harris, who silenced his critics with one of the best performances of his career, leading his team to a potential season-defining win.
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Elsewhere around the league, Travis Lulay suffered what’s reported to be a separated shoulder that could sideline him for the foreseeable future, while Ticats pivot Jeremiah Masoli failed to generate an offensive touchdown in a loss to the Stamps.
Finally, quarterback controversies continue to brew in Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg, where change could be in the cards for Week 15.
More in this week’s QB Index:
MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 1
A much-deserved week off for Eskimos pivot Mike Reilly after a tough Labour Day home-and-home. Through two thirds of the season, Reilly leads the CFL in yards (3,943), quarterback rating (106.8) and yards per attempt (9.4), and with 37 total touchdowns is on pace for 55 on the season. He’s in the driver’s seat for a second straight Most Outstanding Player honour.
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
They don’t ask how. Bo Levi Mitchell got the job done over the weekend, figuring out the CFL’s top-ranked pass defence — on the road, no less — to throw for 270 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a win over the Ticats. Despite losing his top three receivers to injury in Kamar Jorden, Eric Rogers and DaVaris Daniels, Mitchell is putting together the best season of his career.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3
With a chance to make a statement against the CFL’s top team, Jeremiah Masoli failed to generate an offensive touchdown in the Ticats’ loss to the Stampeders. This has been the theme for Masoli in his two seasons as a starter: flashes of brilliance mired in frustrating inconsistency. The Ticats’ 6-6 record and Masoli’s 16:13 TD to interception ratio leave him outside the league’s class of elite pivots.
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 5
Trevor Harris tuned out the recent criticism — and a boisterous hostile crowd on Saturday — leading the REDBLACKS to a much-needed road win over the red-hot Saskatchewan Roughriders. Harris was nearly perfect in the victory, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns with a 9.8 average per attempt, his second-highest of the season. It was a big performance at an important moment.
ZACH COLLAROS SSK
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 6
Zach Collaros struggled for the second week in a row, completing just 10 of 27 attempts for 162 yards. He was also intercepted twice and had a season-worst 6.0 average per attempt, while the offence as a whole converted only 12 first downs. It’s no secret that defence and special teams have carried the Riders, but quarterback play has to be better if they’re going to contend.
JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 11
Jonathon Jennings took a giant leap in this week’s ranking, subbing in for an injured Travis Lulay for the second week in a row and, in the process, leading his club to a second straight victory. Once destined for greatness, Jennings is a long way from what he used to be, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt in 2018. With Lulay out, though, it looks like he’ll get another chance to figure things out.
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 8
While the Bombers haven’t confirmed who will start in Week 15, one has to speculate that Matt Nichols will get the chance to right the ship when the team hosts the Alouettes on Friday night. Nichols has had a season to forget, throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11) while failing to hit 300 yards in a game, but he’s capable of better.
ANTONIO PIPKIN MTL
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 7
The clock may have struck midnight on Antonio Pipkin’s Cinderella story, with the sophomore throwing four interceptions — including two for touchdowns the other way — in a loss to the BC Lions. While Johnny Manziel is expected to start in Week 15, Pipkin still has a future with the Alouettes after leading the team to a 2-2 record in four starts.
CHRIS STREVELER WPG
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 9
After playing the second half of the Banjo Bowl, Chris Streveler remains in the QB1 mix for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The dual-threat pivot has 14 touchdowns — including five on the ground — and has made a legitimate push for the opportunity to start as Matt Nichols continues to struggle. Keep a close eye on the situation.
McLEOD BETHEL-THOMPSON TOR
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: 10
With the bye week, Head Coach Marc Trestman has had some extra time to consider his No. 1 quarterback for the Argos moving forward. McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s hold on the top job is tentative at best, though the CFL sophomore has shown potential throughout five starts, throwing eight touchdowns to just three interceptions with a 2-3 record.
INJURED RESERVE
TRAVIS LULAY BC
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: 4
Luck just hasn’t been on Travis Lulay’s side, with the Lions’ quarterback most recently injuring his non-throwing shoulder. Reports indicate it’s been separated, which would likely keep Lulay out at least a month if not longer. It’s a tough blow to the Lions’ playoff hopes.
RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: IR | LAST WEEK: IR
Despite being spotted without a neck brace last month, there’s still no timetable for Ricky Ray‘s return to football. For now McLeod Bethel-Thompson and James Franklin control the Argos’ fate.
