August 12, 2020

A statistical look at quarterbacks around the league

Peter McCabe/CFL.ca

TORONTO — The All-Decade Team presented by LeoVegas voting has been underway, as fans and media alike have voted on the best running backs, linebackers, receivers, defensive backs, linemen and special teamers.

And now it’s time to take a look at arguably the most important position on the field: the quarterback.

Next week, on Aug. 18, the nominees for the quarterback will be released to vote on the best of the best.

MORE ON THE ALL-DECADE TEAM
» Vote Now: Special teams
» Full list of nominees at each position
» Voting schedule and breakdown
» ADT Analysis: Voters have hefty task
» ADT Analysis: Looking past the familiar key to voting

 

Until the list of the best to suit up behind centre over the last decade is revealed, CFL.ca takes a look at some stats and milestones.

Mitchell 30K yards: After just turning 30 in March, Bo Levi Mitchell has 30,000 passing yards in his sights, requiring just 2,036 yards to reach the milestone. Mitchell currently ranks 19th on the all-time passing leaders list, and is the 2nd active leading passer behind Mike Reilly, who ranks 15th at 31,522.

Trevor Harris top-20: Trevor Harris could also cover significant ground on the all-time passing just, sitting at 22,182 yards. He needs 3,012 yards to pass Condredge Holloway and move into the top 20 on the all-time list.

70% completions: Harris also remains the CFL’s all-time leader in completion percentage (min. 500 attempts) at 70.6%, ahead of Cody Fajardo (70.4%), Ricky Ray (68.2%), and Dave Dickenson (67.5%). In history, 70% or better (min. 200 attempts) been accomplished 19 times. Harris holds the record with four seasons at 70% or better, followed by Ricky Ray with three seasons.

200 career TDs: Only 12 quarterbacks in CFL history have thrown 200 or more TDs in a career, but Bo Levi Mitchell and Mike Reilly could both reach the elusive milestone soon. Mitchell (169) needs 31 touchdown passes, while Reilly (167) is 33 touchdowns short.

Mitchell 99.8 QB rating: Bo Levi Mitchell is teetering on the edge of a career 100.0 quarterback rating. Dave Dickenson holds the CFL record of 110.2, the only quarterback in history to retire with a rating of 100 or better. Among qualified passers (min. 500 attempts), Cody Fajardo (104.3) and Trevor Harris (103.1) are currently on track.

Mitchell 100 career starts: With 97 career starts, Mitchell will likely make his 100th career start next season, joining 26 other quarterbacks to do so. He is much higher on the all-time wins list, ranking 17th with 77 in his carer. Mitchell’s career winning percentage of .804 is the highest in league history, followed by Doug Flutie (.750) and Dave Dickenson (.717) among those eligible.