Injuries are sad but normal occurrences in the Canadian Football League (CFL). The starting quarterback is battered, has missed games, and occasionally has a long period of recovery. It is why a solid backup quarterback is so important, as it could save you in the playoffs or send your season down the drain.
So which CFL team has the best insurance policy under center? Let’s break down the backup QB situations across the league and see who stands out, so that you can always make the winning moves when playing at AzurSlot casino! Try it, and you’ll never feel burnt out again.
Why Backup QBs Matter
Football is a physical sport, and even the rules of the CFL (wider field, faster game) encourage injuries to occur more often. The second QB can make or break a team during an intense and winding season.
Recent Examples of Backup Success
- The injury of Zach Collaros in 2019 compelled Winnipeg to resort to Chris Streveler, who eventually took them to the Grey Cup.
- The loss of Nathan Rourke in 2022 left the BC Lions in a panic, but longtime quarterback Antonio Pipkin helped them remain competitive.
- The upset of Trevor Harris in 2023 was a test of the depth of Montreal, and Cody Fajardo capably filled the role.
Strong backup is a necessity.
Ranking the CFL’s Backup QBs
Now, let’s examine each team’s No. 2 QB and assess their reliability.
1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Dru Brown
Why He’s Strong: Brown has looked confident in limited play, has a great arm, and makes good decisions, but in 2023, when Zach Collaros went out briefly, Brown stepped in and kept the offense on track. Potential Concerns: Limited starting experience means we haven’t seen him carry a full game yet.
2. BC Lions: Vernon Adams Jr.
Why He’s Strong: A former starter with Montreal, Adams has elite mobility and playmaking ability. If Rourke were to miss time, Adams could keep the Lions in contention. Potential Concerns: His gunslinger mentality can lead to turnovers.
3. Toronto Argonauts: Cameron Dukes
Why He’s Strong: Dukes impressed in the preseason and has a high football IQ. Behind Chad Kelly, he offers stability. Potential Concerns: Still very inexperienced at the pro level.
4. Montreal Alouettes: Caleb Evans
Why He’s Strong: Evans has starting experience and mobility, making him a solid emergency option. Potential Concerns: Accuracy issues could hurt in high-pressure moments.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Taylor Powell
Why He’s Strong: Powell looked sharp in limited reps in 2023, showing good pocket presence. Potential Concerns: Needs more game reps to prove himself.
6. Calgary Stampeders: Jake Maier
Why He’s Strong: Maier has starting experience and knows the system well. Potential Concerns: Inconsistent play in past starts raises questions.
7. Saskatchewan Roughriders: Shea Patterson
Why He’s Strong: A former NCAA standout, Patterson has raw talent. Potential Concerns: Still adjusting to the CFL game.
8. Edmonton Elks: Jarret Doege
Why He’s Strong: Doege has a strong arm and potential. Potential Concerns: Zero CFL experience—big unknown.
9. Ottawa Redblacks: Tyrrell Pigrome
Why He’s Strong: Mobile and dynamic. Potential Concerns: Accuracy and decision-making need work.
Who Has the Best Backup QB?
Among the available alternatives, Dru Brown in Winnipeg comes to mind as the most dependable backup. He has remained calm, he has a good understanding of the offense, and he is good under pressure. Vernon Adams Jr. of BC is a very close second based on his experience, but his turnover potential slightly undermines his position a bit behind Brown.
In the meantime, other teams such as Edmonton and Ottawa have bigger question marks at backup QB, and this could turn against them in the event of injury.
