David Chidley/CFL.ca
The Rockstar QB 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 — Sure, you could argue the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback duo strays from tradition. After a 35-14 win over Calgary in the playoffs, however, there’s no denying it can be successful.
Zach Collaros threw a ball 40 yards on a frozen rope to Darvin Adams, while Chris Streveler led the offence with 82 rushing yards as the Bombers left McMahon with a victory. It goes against Canadian football wisdom, yet Streveler and Collaros, together, appear to be greater than the sum of their parts.
With Collaros’ ability to diagnose a defence and then break it down with his arm, and Streveler’s unique skill-set in the ground game, the Bombers’ offence is unique and dangerous entering a Western Final matchup with the Riders.
RELATED
» MMQB: Experience matters in the playoffs
» O’Leary: Harris channeling inner Ricky Ray
» By the Numbers: View 2019 passing leaders
We’re down to the final four teams, and the quarterback index just doesn’t look the same without Bo Levi Mitchell and Mike Reilly. But there’s no shortage of elite talent, with Trevor Harris and Dane Evans leading the way.
While Harris is coming off another record-breaking playoff performance, Evans hopes to continue his success of the second half of the regular season. In Regina, meanwhile, the Riders are hoping to have a healthy Cody Fajardo when they host the Bombers on Sunday, after Fajardo injured his oblique.
In the final playoff edition of the Rockstar QB Index, CFL.ca ranks the quarterbacks that could have an impact on Sunday’s division finals.
TREVOR HARRIS EDM
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 5
There were no signs of rust or lingering effects of injury for Trevor Harris, who operated with surgical precision in Sunday’s semi-final, completing a record 92 per cent of his passes to defeat the Alouettes. There’s no denying what Harris is capable of when in rhythm, which the Ticats will try to disrupt on Sunday.
DANE EVANS HAM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 2
How has Dane Evans managed the extra time off? Because the Ticats’ pivot was on fire going into the bye week, averaging 372 yards per contest dating back to Labour Day. Sidelined since Oct. 26, Evans will need to pick up where he left off as he duels a red-hot Trevor Harris and blitzing Phillip Lolley led defence.
CODY FAJARDO SSK
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3
Two years after eliminating the Riders with a game-winning touchdown on short yardage, Cody Fajardo will make his first career playoff start wearing the green and white. Health is the primary concern for the 27-year-old, who missed the Riders’ regular season finale after injuring his back in practice.
ZACH COLLAROS WPG
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 6
If you’re wondering whether Zach Collaros still possesses elite talent as a CFL quarterback, just watch his 71-yard touchdown pass to Darvin Adams to put the Stamps on the ropes in the Western Semi. Just as our Monday Morning QB writes, experience matters, and Collaros has got plenty of it. Now he’s got a chance to eliminate his former team.
CHRIS STREVELER WPG
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 7
While Collaros has rightfully claimed the top job in Winnipeg, Chris Streveler continues to play an integral role in the Bombers’ offence, which spans beyond just short yardage. Streveler led the team in rushing yards, while the threat of his legs opened lanes for Nic Demski and Andrew Harris. It’s unorthodox, but it might just work.
ISAAC HARKER SSK
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 9
Isaac Harker will be ready to go in the event Cody Fajardo, who injured his oblique, is sidelined for the Western Final. It’s a lot to ask of a 24-year-old rookie right straight out of college, but Harker has shown poise, most recently completing 23 of 28 passes to help the Riders sew up their first West Division title since 2009.
