July 4, 2016

Dunk’s Quarterback Index: Durant trending up after Week 2

CFL.ca

Returns to form, a supposed backup shreds another defence and a couple lackluster performances headline what we saw from quarterbacks around the league in Week 2.

Find out what showings produced moves on the Quarterback Index.

1) Mike Reilly
Edmonton Eskimos
(Last Week: 1)

The bye week gave Reilly and the Eskimos lots of time to recover from any training camp fatigue and extra time to prepare for the return of Chris Jones to Edmonton.

2) Bo Levi Mitchell
Calgary Stampeders
(Last Week: 2)

That’s more like the No. 19 we’re used to seeing. Calgary’s franchise pivot guided the offence to 36 points in three quarters against Winnipeg, throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns.

3) Darian Durant
Saskatchewan Roughriders
(Last Week: 4)

More than a year after suffering a torn Achilles, Durant took the field in a regular season game and looked sharp, especially when you consider that he’s in a new offence too. The 33-year-old threw the ball with authority and moved around well when needed.

RELATED
» Landry: 5 takeaways from Week 2
» Steinberg’s MMQB: Controversy on the horizon?
» Nye: Riders much improved, but still have a ways to go

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Trevor Harris and Ernest Jackson celebrate a touchdown in a win over Montreal (The Canadian Press)

4) Trevor Harris
Ottawa REDBLACKS
(Last Week: 6)

Just like everyone thought: after two weeks in the 2016 season Harris leads the CFL in passing yards and touchdown throws. Remember, he was supposed to be on the sidelines watching Henry Burris run the offence.

5) Kevin Glenn
Montreal Alouettes
(Last Week: 5)

Montreal lost S.J. Green in the second quarter and Duron Carter in the third, which took the two best receivers out of the equation against Ottawa. Green’s done for the season with a shredded knee and Carter could miss some time if a suspension is handed down. Those happenings are big blows to Glenn and the Als passing attack.

6) Ricky Ray
Toronto Argonauts
(Last Week: 7)

It seems as though Ray is easing into the season. He only completed 13 passes in Riderville as part of Toronto’s victory. Vintage Ray has yet to appear.

7) Jonathon Jennings
BC Lions
(Last Week: 8)

In windy conditions at Tim Hortons Field, Jennings stayed calm, made some plays and never forced a throw. That led to an impressive road win in a hostile environment and against a stingy Ticat defence.

8) Drew Willy
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
(Last Week: 9)

When the game has been on the line in two starts to begin the campaign there has been little sign of Willy. Conversely when the outcome has been all but decided he’s racked up some yards – that cannot continue to happen. It’s time for Willy to prove to us that he’s capable of being a legitimate starter.

9) Jeremiah Masoli
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
(Last Week: 10)

Hamilton’s current No. 1 signal caller was erratic and made a costly mistake on the Ticats’ initial drive in the third quarter that allowed BC to take control of the game.

10) Travis Lulay
BC Lions
(Last Week: 11)

Lulay’s acceptance of a mentor roll – while also competing – with Jonathon Jennings has been integral to BC’s 2-0 start. They’re constantly communicating on the sidelines and it’s clearly benefited the entire Lions team.

Injured Reserve

Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

An injured pinky finger on his throwing hand has Henry Burris on the shelf (The Canadian Press)

Zach Collaros
Hamilton Tiger-Cats

While out before practice on Wednesday morning Collaros looked comfortable dropping back, moving around and throwing – good sign for Hamilton.

Henry Burris
Ottawa REDBLACKS

Hank’s pinky finger lands him on the six-game injured list, tough break for the veteran QB who has been durable throughout his long career.

CFL Starters

Justin Dunk is picking his best lineup based on Week 2’s results. With the game on the line, who’s making his starting depth chart this week?

Starters_Template_2016_W2

Offence: 

QB – Trevor Harris
RB – Jerome Messam
REC – Chris Williams (2), Nik Lewis, Naaman Roosevelt, Marquay McDaniel, Shawn Gore
OL -Calgary Stampeders

Defence:

DL – BC Lions
LB – David Hinds, Solomon Elimimian, Corey Greenwood
HB – Brandon Smith, Ryan Phillips (2)
CB – Fred Bennett, Abdul Kanneh
S – Mike Edem