Rockstar QB Index: Vernon Adams Jr. climbs to new heights

| B.C. Lions | 09/10/2019

The Rockstar QB Index is a weekly power ranking of quarterbacks across the CFL. The ranking reflects recent performance, historical value, statistical indicators, team success and overall on-field evaluation.

TORONTO — As playoffs become a likelihood for the Montreal Alouettes, the emergence of 26-year-old quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. should not be overlooked.

Adams has become one of the league’s biggest stories this season, winning six of eight starts while totaling 20 touchdowns on the ground and through the air.

The result is a football team on track for its best finish since 2012, when Anthony Calvillo led the Als to an 11-7 record and an East Division title.

RELATED
» Steinberg’s MMQB: Bombers, Stamps in control
» Bio: Vernon Adams Jr. by the numbers
» By the Numbers: View 2019 passing leaders

Elsewhere, the Stampeders continue to impress with Bo Levi Mitchell back in their lineup, completing a home-and-home sweep of the Eskimos who lost Trevor Harris to injury.

In Winnipeg, the Bombers avenged their Labour Day loss with a blowout win over the Riders, led by a strong performance from Chris Streveler in his third start of 2019.

And in the nation’s capital, Jonathon Jennings and McLeod Bethel-Thompson combined for 738 passing yards as the Argos took down the REDBLACKS.

CFL.ca ranks the pivots after 13 weeks of the season.

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

Bo Levi Mitchell showed some rust in his second game back from injury, throwing three interceptions while averaging just 6.4 yards per attempt in a win over Edmonton. But Mitchell has plenty of time to heat up, and his return may just put the Stamps in the driver’s seat in the West.

VERNON ADAMS JR. MTL
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 3

At first glance the numbers seem ordinary, but Vernon Adams Jr. has been effective both as a passer and rusher in his first full-time role as a starter, averaging 8.9 yards per throw while totaling 10 touchdowns on the ground. Good luck to opposing defensive coordinators in the second half of the season.

TREVOR HARRIS
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 2

The numbers are nice, the 6-6 record not so much as the slumping Eskimos continue to fall in the standings. An injury vs. Calgary is the latest obstacle for Trevor Harris, who’s had an MOP-calibre season other than his inability to finish off drives with touchdowns. The Eskimos’ success is likely tied to Harris’ health.

CODY FAJARDO SSK
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 4

One week after his biggest triumph, Cody Fajardo took a step back in a blowout loss to the Bombers. Tough result, but it happens. The 27-year-old is still having a memorable season, taking over the Riders’ No. 1 quarterback job while combining for 17 touchdowns and averaging 8.8 yards per attempt.

MIKE REILLY BC
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 5

Mike Reilly was fine against the Als, completing 20 of 29 passes for 230 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. The best part? He was only sacked twice. It’s been a tough season for Reilly and the Lions, but not all is lost if they can figure out their protection issues in the coming months.

DANE EVANS HAM
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 6

A breakout could be on the way for Dane Evans, who completed 19 straight passes in a Labour Day win over the Argos before the bye week. The 25-year-old has a strong arm and has flashed potential in his brief time as a starter, but another step needs to be taken if the Ticats are going to win a Grey Cup.

MCLEOD BETHEL-THOMPSON TOR
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: 7

After a slow start that included two interceptions, McLeod Bethel-Thompson had a big second half in Ottawa, going over 400 yards for the second time this season in a 46-17 victory. In his last five starts, Bethel-Thompson has thrown for 1,755 yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions while averaging 8.6 yards per attempt.

CHRIS STREVELER WPG
THIS WEEK: 8 | LAST WEEK: 8

Chris Streveler has alleviated some of the concern since Matt Nichols got hurt, winning two of three starts while rushing for 230 yards and four touchdowns. Averaging just 145 passing yards per game, his methods may be a little unorthodox — all that matters, though, is that he continues winning.

JONATHON JENNINGS OTT
THIS WEEK: 9 | LAST WEEK: 9

Back in a starting role, Jonathon Jennings has completed 72 per cent of his passes while averaging 7.9 yards per attempt his last two games to go with two touchdowns and one interception. He may never recover his 2016 form, but there’s no reason Jennings can’t be serviceable as a starter in the CFL.

LOGAN KILGORE EDM
THIS WEEK: 10 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED

It was surprising to see Logan Kilgore emerge as the Eskimos’ primary backup after a year out of football, but Kilgore fits Maas’ offence well, which showed when he stepped in to relieve Trevor Harris on Saturday. The 29-year-old could open some eyes if Harris misses time due to injury.

INJURED: ZACH COLLAROS TOR, MATT NICHOLS WPG, JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM

OFF THE LIST: DOMINIQUE DAVIS, OTT

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