Power Rankings - Week 2

[voodoochylde]

Linky

Week 2 in the CFL featured four blowouts with a combined score of 175-55 and an average margin of victory of 30 points and those results were enough to create substantial movement in our rankings. After going 0-3 against the West Division in the opening slate of games, East teams earned a measure of respectability – and some juice in the rankings – by taking two of the four matchups.

Let’s see where everybody landed…

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (19) reacts from the sidelines during the second half of CFL football game action against the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario on Saturday June 23, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

1. Calgary Stampeders (Previous ranking: 2)

The Stamps walloped the Toronto Argonauts in their home opener and that, coupled with Edmonton’s loss to Hamilton at Commonwealth, was enough to make Calgary the consensus No. 1 selection. But they face Ottawa at home this week and likely need a win to stay on top.

 

Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (8) makes the throw against the Edmonton Eskimos during first half CFL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday June 22, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.

2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Previous ranking: 😎

The Ticats are the biggest movers in this week’s poll, jumping from the No. 8 slot all the way to No. 2. It wasn’t just the win over Edmonton; Hamilton likely earned some bonus points for playing Calgary tough the week before at McMahon.

Ottawa Redblacks’ Greg Ellingson (82) is hugged by fans after making a conversion during first half CFL action against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Ottawa on Thursday, June 21, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

3. Ottawa Redblacks (Previous ranking: 4)

The Redblacks throttled the Saskatchewan Roughriders in their season-opener and jumped one spot and will take on Calgary for a chance at the crown.

Eskimos fans jeer Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) as his team plays the Edmonton Eskimos during first half CFL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Friday June 22, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.

4. Edmonton Eskimos (Previous ranking: 1)

The Esks take a tumble after, to paraphrase Mike Reilly, getting their asses kicked by Hamilton. They’ve got the Lions at home this week, a prime opportunity to right the ship.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Streveler throws a pass during first half CFL football action against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Friday, June 22, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

5. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Previous ranking: 5)

The Strevelation was excellent against Montreal but there are no gains to be had by beating up on the Alouettes and Winnipeg’s position remains unchanged.

6. Saskatchewan Roughriders (Previous ranking: 3)

After a solid performance in the win over Toronto, the Riders looked awful against the Redblacks. And the quarterback questions are back.

B.C. Lions’ Joel Figueroa (61), Shaq Johnson (88), Emmanuel Arceneaux (84) and Bryan Burnham (16) celebrate Johnson’s touchdown against the Montreal Alouettes during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday June 16, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

7. B.C. Lions (Previous ranking: 7)

The Lions enjoyed a bye and their ranking remains unchanged. Tough test in Edmonton coming up.

Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Brian Tyms (18) and Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Brian Jones (16) sit dejected on the bench following their CFL football game loss to the Calgary Stampeders at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario on Saturday June 23, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

8. Toronto Argonauts (Previous ranking: 6)

Two straight losses to start the season have seen the Argos drop from No. 3 to No. 8 in a hurry,

Montreal Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman, right, looks on from the sideline during first half CFL football action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Montreal, Friday, June 22, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

9. Montreal Alouettes (Previous ranking: 9)

The Alouettes looked terrible again in the loss to Winnipeg and remain firmly planted in the basement.

[Bubba Zanetti]

Seems about right

[Adrenaline_x]

Yup.  Think if we win against Hamilton this week everyone will ya e to give this team a lot more respect.   Hamilton looked good this weekend.    Glad to see some eastern teams aren’t such a joke so far this season 

[17to85]

Who are we kidding, the Bombers will never get respect. 

[Wanna-B-Fanboy]

2 hours ago, voodoochylde said:

 

Aaaaand looks like BLM is channeling his inner Johnny Lawrence.

2 hours ago, 17to85 said:

Who are we kidding, the Bombers will never get respect. 

I am ok with this, oddly enough. Fly under the radar and just keep winning.

[do or die]

Just a matter of beating some sense, into them.....

[blueingreenland]

About what I expected too.

Someone could put the QB rankings up too. I think Shreveler's #7. (I am next to computer illiterate).

[Bubba Zanetti]

7 was definitely too low. Power rankings are (or should be) based on CURRENT performance. To have Streveler 7th and Ray 5th is a joke. Even having Jennings 6th after squeaking out a win over the horrid Alouettes is wrong based on Streveler's performance against the same team.

Edited June 26, 2018 by Bubba Zanetti

[TBURGESS]

BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 2

If Bo Levi Mitchell was looking to make a statement in Saturday’s Grey Cup rematch with the Argos, the message was delivered loud and clear. The pinpoint accuracy was impressive, but equally noteworthy is Mitchell’s 10.7 average yards per attempt throughout two games. With a healthy shoulder, No. 19 has reclaimed the top spot in the QB Index over Mike Reilly — for now.

MIKE REILLY EDM
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 1

After picking up where he left off a week ago, the reigning MOP encountered some problems against the Ticats over the weekend, completing just 20 of 30 passing attempts for 286 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Eskimos scored just 21 points against Hamilton, their lowest total since Sept. 30, 2017 vs. Winnipeg.

TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 3

Trevor Harris set aside any fears about his pre-season knee injury, carving up the Riders’ defence to the tune of 345 passing yards. Harris made it look easy against the same defence that gave Ricky Ray fits, with the feared pass rush tandem of Charleston Hughes and Willie Jefferson failing to record a sack.

JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 5

With Jeremiah Masoli leading the way, the Ticats have led after seven of eight quarters this season. Most recently it was a wire-to-wire win over the Eskimos, in which Masoli threw for 332 yards and rushed for 59 more to outduel Mike Reilly on the road. You can safely set all Johnny Manziel talk aside for now.

RICKY RAY TOR
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 4

It was an eerie moment at BMO Field when Ricky Ray, after suffering an apparent neck injury, had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. The Argos have since said that Ray has movement in all his extremities and is free of concussion-like symptoms, but when Ray returns to the field — if he does decide to continue playing — is in the air.

JONATHON JENNINGS BC
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6

Jonathon Jennings’ solid Week 1 performance looks less impressive after the Alouettes’ defence struggled in Week 2. Still, Jennings has a chance to continue distancing himself from a forgettable 2017 campaign, as he goes head to head with Mike Reilly and the Edmonton Eskimos in a key divisional battle.

CHRIS STREVELER WPG
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 9

Chris Streveler is the talk of the CFL after his performance in Week 2, in which he rushed for nearly 100 yards, scored four total touchdowns and completed 22 of 28 attempts in a win over the Montreal Alouettes. Paul LaPolice has made it look easy for the true rookie coming straight out of college and Streveler has taken advantage.

JAMES FRANKLIN TOR
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED

After a highly-publicized quarterback competition throughout training camp for the backup job, it appears James Franklin is the next man up in Toronto following an injury to Ricky Ray. The Argos are off in Week 3, but Franklin’s first start as an Argo could come against his former team on July 7.

ZACH COLLAROS SSK
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 7

After a highly efficient debut, Zach Collaros didn’t have the best night in Week 2 for the Riders, completing just four of 10 passes, throwing two interceptions and eventually leaving the game injured. Collaros’ status for Week 3 is up in the air and so could be the Riders’ quarterback situation.

DREW WILLY MTL
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: 8

Drew Willy shouldered much of the blame for Montreal’s 56-10 loss to Winnipeg, but the truth is the Als’ quarterback received very little support. The veteran was under siege most of the game while the team failed to establish much of a run game, making Willy an easy target for Winnipeg’s front seven. Willy’s hold on the No. 1 job may be tenuous at this point.

BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 11 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED

Brandon Bridge is on the board for the first time in 2018, and could start for the Riders this week following an injury to Zach Collaros. Bridge has often been on the brink of a starting job, but a strong performance vs. Montreal — should he get the opportunity — could open up the door for him to take the starting job on a permanent basis for the first time in his career.

 

Top 4 look right. I'd drop Ray below Streveler and Jennings.

 

[Bigblue204]

I honestly think BC and TO should be switched. But the rest is understandable. 

[Bigblue204]

3 minutes ago, TBURGESS said:

 

Top 4 look right. I'd drop Ray below Streveler and Jennings.

 

Agreed. Looks like ray gets his ranking off name and name only. His performance the past two weeks certainly don't come into play.

[BBlink]

I'm not sure Streveler is a QB that will consistently throw for 300 yards because he will legitimately run for 50-100 yards a game.  I'm not sure the league has seen someone that can run the ball with his speed and size at the QB position.  Shouldn't that at all change how he is ranked?  I guess we'll see as the year goes on.

[17to85]

1 minute ago, BBlink said:

I'm not sure the league has seen someone that can run the ball with his speed and size at the QB position.

Oh the league has seen it, just been a while and perhaps people have forgotten just what it looks like. 

[BBlink]

27 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

Oh the league has seen it, just been a while and perhaps people have forgotten just what it looks like. 

Example? Just curious.  I may have forgotten.

[Brandon]

How is Ricky Ray not dead last? 

[Super Duper Negatron]

50 minutes ago, BBlink said:

Example? Just curious.  I may have forgotten.

 

[BBlink]

29 minutes ago, Super Duper Negatron said:

 

For the record I said speed AND size.

Edit: He is listed as 6 foot. He always looked small to me. Streveler looks and runs people over like a linebacker.

Edited June 26, 2018 by BBlink

[Fatty Liver]

Streveler reminds me of a young Mike Reilly but smarter in that he doesn't just heave the ball down field in desperation like Reilly used to do while running for his life.  No QB can last long running like a bull, Reilly has figured this out in the last couple of years and now picks his spots much more wisely, hopefully LaPo will emphasis this to Streveler and force him to slide.

Edited June 26, 2018 by Throw Long Bannatyne

[Taynted_Fayth]

[BBlink]

I can kind of see Kerry Joseph as a good example.  Mike Reilly has great escapability but to me doesn't run like like Streveler.

[rebusrankin]

Ricky Ray is 4th despite throwing for 300 yards with 1 pick and no TDs in 2 games. Offense put up 20 points in almost two games with him. Rankings are clearly a joke.

[17to85]

4 hours ago, BBlink said:

Example? Just curious.  I may have forgotten.

Lots of guys were dual threats back in the day, problem is that the NFL realized these guys are good qbs too and started bring them in leaving the CFL to adapt. CFL has become way way more of a pocket passing league as a result but go back to the 90s and earlier and it was rare to not see the qbs that can run as well as pass. 

Even the guys that could be running more recently have been turned into pocket passers, the only thing unique about Streveler is that Lapo seems to be willing to let him be that dual threat guy where more coordinators these days just want them to pass first and only run to escape pressure and still wind up passing. 

[BBlink]

21 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

Lots of guys were dual threats back in the day, problem is that the NFL realized these guys are good qbs too and started bring them in leaving the CFL to adapt. CFL has become way way more of a pocket passing league as a result but go back to the 90s and earlier and it was rare to not see the qbs that can run as well as pass. 

Even the guys that could be running more recently have been turned into pocket passers, the only thing unique about Streveler is that Lapo seems to be willing to let him be that dual threat guy where more coordinators these days just want them to pass first and only run to escape pressure and still wind up passing. 

Fair enough.

I'm not arguing that there are QBs that can run and pass.  I'm just having a hard time thinking of a guy that could run as fast as he can (period) with his size and willingness to truck a DB.  Maybe I'm getting a little too excited and showing some bias...he just seems to be on another level running the ball from other QBs currently playing.

[17to85]

Ray can't run, Willy can't run, Harris can't run, Mitchell can't run, Collaros used to be able to run but he's damaged now and turtles when he feels pressure... Jennings can run but seems more interested in just trying to throw it as far downfield as possible, Reilly could and does run, but again, he mostly just runs to get himself time to find one of his play makers on a pass. 

It's that whole mentality in the CFL that has changed. Guys are discouraged from running rather than being unable to. 

[Fatty Liver]

19 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

Ray can't run, Willy can't run, Harris can't run, Mitchell can't run, Collaros used to be able to run but he's damaged now and turtles when he feels pressure... Jennings can run but seems more interested in just trying to throw it as far downfield as possible, Reilly could and does run, but again, he mostly just runs to get himself time to find one of his play makers on a pass. 

It's that whole mentality in the CFL that has changed. Guys are discouraged from running rather than being unable to. 

True, and I think the main reason is to preserve their health by protecting them in the pocket, without their #1 QB most teams are sunk.