The Canadian Football League’s Week 9 has provided another thrilling chapter, with standout performances taking center stage. From Zach Collaros‘s offensive brilliance to Royce Metchie’s defensive prowess, this week’s games brought moments to remember.
Zach Collaros – A Commanding Performance
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quarterback Zach Collaros left a significant mark in Week 9 with an impressive victory over BC Lions (WPG 50 – BC 14). Earning a PFF Player Grade of 92.9, he completed 19 of 27 passes (70.4%), matching season-highs in both passing yards (369) and touchdowns (three).
This marks his third consecutive game with over 300 passing yards and his fourth in 2023. With five passes over 30 yards, including a 71-yard connection with Dalton Schoen for a touchdown, Collaros’s efficiency rating of 134.4 spoke volumes about his control over the game.
Royce Metchie – A Defensive Wall
Toronto Argonauts’ defensive back Royce Metchie was an absolute revelation in the match against Calgary (CGY 20 – TOR 7), earning a PFF Grade of 86.6. Logging a season-high nine defensive tackles, Metchie’s performance included 88.0 and 80.4 Grades on 24 coverage snaps and 36 run defense snaps, respectively.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Offensive Line – Cohesive Excellence
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ offensive line also deserves a special mention, with a PFF unit grade of 84.2 in their triumph over BC Lions. The top performers were Jermarcus Hardrick (67.4), Stanley Bryant (66.5), and Geoff Gray (66.3).
All-Week 9 Honour Roll Team
Other top performers in Week 9 include:
- RB: AJ Ouellette, Toronto Argonauts | 77.5
- REC: Kenny Lawler, Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 90.4
- OL: Nick Callender, Montreal Alouettes | 76.9
- DL: Willie Jefferson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 85.6
- LB: Jovan Santos-Knox, Ottawa REDBLACKS | 85.2
- K/P: Cody Grace, Calgary Stampeders | 78.8
- ST: Gary Johnson Jr., Ottawa REDBLACKS | 91.6
Top Performances of 2023 – A Reflection
As we reflect on the top performances of 2023, the consistency of some names is remarkable. Chad Kelly and Kabion Ento have shown brilliance, along with Collaros, who has thrice crossed the 90.0 PFF grade this season.
Week 9 of the CFL has once again displayed the rich tapestry of talent within the league. With players like Collaros, Metchie, and the Winnipeg offensive line exhibiting top-class performances, fans are left eagerly awaiting the unfolding of the next week’s action. The data-driven insights provided by Pro Football Focus continue to add context and depth to the appreciation of these performances, making every game a rich analytical experience for followers of Canadian football.
