CFL quarterbacks deliver historic passing weekend
The Toronto Argonauts, Montreal Alouettes, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Saskatchewan Roughriders were all part of a remarkable week of quarterback play as four CFL passers topped 400 yards in the same week for the first time since 1995.
In a league built on explosive passing offenses, Week 2 served as a reminder of just how entertaining CFL football can be when quarterbacks get hot.
Four passers reach rare milestone
Chad Kelly led the way for the Toronto Argonauts with 445 passing yards, while Davis Alexander threw for 441 yards for the Montreal Alouettes.
Not far behind were Zach Collaros of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who passed for 421 yards, and Trevor Harris of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who finished with 417 yards through the air.
Kelly and Alexander produced their big numbers in the same game as the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Toronto Argonauts 37-30. Harris guided the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 31-27 victory over the BC Lions, while Collaros piled up yardage despite the Winnipeg Blue Bombers falling 37-27 to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
A feat not seen since 1995
According to a CFL release, the last time four quarterbacks threw for at least 400 yards in the same week came during Week 6 of the 1995 season.
That week featured Kent Austin (Toronto Argonauts) with 459 yards, Matt Dunigan (Birmingham Barracudas) with 437, Danny McManus (BC Lions) with 409 and Doug Flutie (Calgary Stampeders) with 405.
What makes the accomplishment even more impressive is the context. The CFL was a 14-team league in 1995 during the era of U.S. expansion and played seven games that week. This year’s milestone occurred during a week with only three games on the schedule.
More than just the 400-yard club
The passing numbers could have been even bigger across the league.
Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Nathan Rourke passed for 330 yards and added a rushing touchdown for the BC Lions.
For one week at least, CFL quarterbacks reminded everyone why the Canadian game remains one of football’s most entertaining passing showcases.
