My how the mighty have fallen and the fallen have risen. Here’s my little rating package on CFL QB combinations -
- Ottawa R/Bs - who woulda thunk? Certainly not at season’s start. But now, Dru Brown is playing like the burgeoning superstar he is. Great combination of smarts, passing accuracy, above average escapability, quiet leadership. Dustin Crum is now a proven CFL soldier with more speed and power than Brown, just not the level of QB smarts. And don’t forget Jeremiah Masoli is still around. Great 3-man combo. Who woulda thunk?
- BC Lions - After Nathan Rourke’s group decided they’d had enough of being an NFL ping pong ball it seemed the Lions were set (at least for 2024) but suddenly Rourke is experiencing growing pains, VAJ is hobbled (more than we initially thought) and Jake Doe is John Doe (aka MIA). Still strong on paper but another loss and this group will be mid-pack, at best.
- Sask’n - Trevor Harris is back and angrier than ever. Shea Patterson has proven his worth. Team still losing as Corey Mace sorts out some things.
- Toronto - if Chad Kelly doesn’t recede to his former lecherous self this team is really solid at the pivot. The backup is proven (with a few warts) and Nick Arbuckle is there as a game manager - if required.
- Edmonton - The duo of Tre Ford & Bessy Thompson are superb on paper. MBT dug an early season hole but this is as much on Chris Jones’ quirky coaching methods than the semi dynamic duo. Ford, when healthy is a physical monster. THompson still has the big arm and despite being on the very of senior citizenship, he’s a grizzled and gnarled gamer.
- Winnipeg - despite losing Dru Brown, Peg fans were delirious when they picked up former Bomber hero Chris Streveler from the NFL dreg pile. But Strevs has gone from hero to hobo (O’Shea doesn’t have much confidence in fella. Combined with 3rd stringer being a veritable nobody the Bombers hopes continue with the rapidly ageing and steadily declining Z-Man Collaros. Collaros now fluctuates between spectacular (the odd occasion) and mundane (much of the time). Should have picked up Jake Doe on waivers - but Bombers are a salary cap wreckage this year.
- Calgary - Maier and Teddy Ballgame have lots of game, big arms, etc. But Maier carries a losing spirit despite his big arm and Teddy has never really been tested as a starter.
- Hamilton - this is dreg city. Milo & Scotty “Too Hotty” Mitchell put too much value in a broke down semi-hobo named Bo. Bo is a slightly younger version of Zach Collaros, a once adored superstar who’s fallen on hard times but still thinks he can get the job done. Powell is an up 'n comer but he’s been nullified by a serious head injury (NB: all head injuries are serious). Don’t even know who 3rd boy is in Steel-town.
You may have noticed I didn’t put Montreal’s group in the list. Thats up to you. A veteran starter who’s lost only 1 game and is poised for a Grey Cup appearance. Who knows? They are definitely somewhere between 1 and 4 but I’ll let you guys be the final deciders.