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Jun 24, 2015

QB injuries lead to CFL Power Rankings changes

That was some first week of the CFL season. The Calgary Stampeders hang onto their preseason No. 1 ranking, but major quarterback injuries caused a rather dramatic shake-up in the rankings right out of the gate.

Mike Reilly

That was some first week of the CFL season. The Calgary Stampeders hang onto their preseason No. 1 ranking, but major quarterback injuries caused a rather dramatic shake-up in the rankings right out of the gate.

First, the good news. The Toronto Argonauts vaulted from seven to three after a sensational performance from second-string quarterback Trevor Harris.]

Otherwise, Edmonton (down from two to four), Saskatchewan (falling from four to seven) and Montreal (from eight to the basement) are left to pick up the pieces after injuries to their starting quarterbacks. 

  

Calgary Stampeders

This Week: 1 | Last Week:1 | Record: 1-0

TEAM STATS

  • PF
    24
  • PA
    23
  • DIFF
    +1
  • YDS/GP
    343.0
  • YDSA/GP
    318.0

A little close for comfort against Hamilton, but kicked two field goals in the final three minutes, to one by the TiCats, to come from behind for the win. Two ways to look at QB Bo Levi Mitchell throwing three picks -- one is that it's troubling to see the CFL's best player (according to TSN's Top 50 Players) throw three interceptions in the opening game' the other is to think that it's a testament to the Stampeders' resolve that they won anyway.

Key Injuries: DT Corey Mace (foot).

B.C. Lions

This Week: 2 | Last Week: 3 | Record: 0-0

2014 TEAM STATS

  • PF
    380
  • PA
    365
  • DIFF
    +15

The best thing that the Lions did during their bye week is that they kept their quarterback healthy. Considering that's a big concern for Travis Lulay coming into the season, the long-term injuries suffered by passers around the league should have sent shivers down his spine.

Key Injuries:  WR Lavelle Hawkins (arm).

Toronto Argonauts

This Week: 3 | Last Week: 7 | Record: 1-0

TEAM STATS

  • PF
    26
  • PA
    11
  • DIFF
    +15
  • YDS/GP
    484.0
  • YDSA/GP
    259.0

Word of advice to teams turning to backup quarterback in the wake of Week One injuries: just get your second-stringer to complete nearly 90% of his passes, for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions and everything should be just fine. Okay, it's an unreasonable ask, but that's what Trevor Harris delivered for the Argonauts in Week One.

Key Injuries: QB Ricky Ray (shoulder), DB Travis Hawkins (quad), LB Thomas Miles (wrist), RB Curtis Steele (knee), TE Zander Robinson (knee).

Edmonton Eskimos

This Week: 4 | Last Week: 2 | Record: 0-1

TEAM STATS

  • PF
    11
  • PA
    26
  • DIFF
    -15
  • YDS/GP
    259.0
  • YDSA/GP
    484.0

As painful as it was to see QB Mike Reilly stagger off the field with a knee injury, the challenge is for the Eskimos to somehow overcome the loss so that what was a promising season doesn't go completely off the rails. A lot of that responsibility falls to Matt Nichols, who completed 62.3% of his passes last year, though managed four touchdowns and five interceptions, a ratio that will need to improve.

Key Injuries: RB John White (Achilles), G Simeon Rottier (knee), WR Shamawd Chambers (knee), QB Mike Reilly (knee).

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

This Week: 5 | Last Week:6 | Record: 1-0

TEAM STATS

  • PF
    30
  • PA
    26
  • DIFF
    +4
  • YDS/GP
    470.0
  • YDSA/GP
    497.0

Drew Willy led the Bombers back from a 23-15 deficit to win 30-26 at Saskatchewan, and while Willy's accurate passing game was sharp, he also got help from RB Paris Cotton, who gained 167 yards on 17 touches. The Bombers could stand to tighten up a defence that allowed nearly 500 yards but, all in all, not a bad start to the season.

Key Injuries:  DB Mo Leggett (undisclosed).

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

This Week: 6 | Last Week: 5 | Record: 0-1

TEAM STATS

  • PF
    23
  • PA
    24
  • DIFF
    -1
  • YDS/GP
    318.0
  • YDSA/GP
    343.0

It was ultimately a loss in Calgaryto start the year, but Hamilton was virtually equal to the league's top team in a road game. Given an injury-depleted lineup, it was actually an encouraging performance. That said, it would be nice to get a little more out of the running game as the season moves forward.

Key Injuries: RB C.J. Gable (hand), WR Luke Tasker (knee), DT Brian Bulcke (knee), DT Linden Gaydosh (Achilles), RB Mossis Madu (shoulder), DE Eric Norwood (lower body).

Saskatchewan Roughriders

This Week: 7 | Last Week: 5 | Record: 0-1

TEAM STATS

  • PF
    26
  • PA
    30
  • DIFF
    -4
  • YDS/GP
    497.0
  • YDSA/GP
    470.0

The Riders had no trouble moving the ball up-and-down the field against the Bombers -- running for 212 yards on 17 carries! -- but losing starting QB Darian Durant is a stomach-punch to start the season. If it's any consolation, the Riders are fortunate enough to have veteran Kevin Glenn ready to step in. Glenn's 36, but passed for 3,918 yards while playing for B.C. last season.

Key Injuries:  SB Weston Dressler (undisclosed), DB Tyron Brackenridge (lower body), QB Darian Durant (Achilles).

Ottawa RedBlacks

This Week: 8 | Last Week: 9 | Record: 1-0

TEAM STATS

  • PF
    20
  • PA
    16
  • DIFF
    +4
  • YDS/GP
    377.0
  • YDSA/GP
    197.0

Not sure what to make of the RedBlacks winning in Week One. Are they legitimately improved, or was the victory (and tilted yardage totals) a product of knocking out Montreal's top two quarterbacks? For now, Ottawa escapes the basement, even if it may be a temporary reprieve. That's why these get updated every week.

Key Injuries: LB Malik Jackson (undisclosed), WR Marcus Henry (undisclosed).

Montreal Alouettes

This Week: 9 | Last Week: 8 | Record: 0-1

TEAM STATS

  • PF
    16
  • PA
    20
  • DIFF
    -4
  • YDS/GP
    197.0
  • YDSA/GP
    377.0

Maybe Canadian Brandon Bridge will be just the right fit and make a seamless transition to playing quarterback in the CFL, but it's a rather sudden transition in the wake of injuries to Jonathan Crompton and Dan LeFevour. 

Key Injuries: WR Eric Deslauriers (finger), DB Andrew Lue (hamstring), DE Aaron Lavarias (arm), WR James Rodgers (undisclosed), QB Dan LeFevour (shoulder), QB Jonathan Crompton (shoulder).

Scott Cullen can be reached at scott.cullen@bellmedia.ca