For the second time this season, Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly has been named a Shaw CFL Top Performer. Reilly is being awarded for his Week 8 performance in last Thursday’s 27-20 win over the Ottawa Redblacks.
Reilly threw for 384 yards and two touchdowns to help the Eskimos improve to 7-0 on the season. He also rushed for 51 yards on 11 carries.
The eight-year CFL veteran currently ranks third in the CFL with 2,329 passing yards and sits third in the league with 13 passing touchdowns. If you add in his four on the ground, then Reilly ranks first overall in the CFL with 17. Reilly is second in the league in 300 yards passing game with five.
Reilly continues to build his resume for this seasons Most Outstanding Player Award. He was named a top performer for the month of July, and a player of the week back in Week 5.
Reilly’s season is even more impressive when you consider the amount of injuries the Eskimos have gone through. The Eskimos have lost three receivers over the last month and in their win over the Redblacks the offensive line had five new starters from the previous game. Head coach Jason Maas says Reilly is able to elevate his game and others around him.
“It’s not as easy to see it when everyone is healthy and everyone is the same,” Maas said. “As soon as pieces start falling down and you still play at a high level that’s when you start recognizing how important that position is and how good he actually is. I think he’s done a tremendous job this year having pieces come in and out of the lineup but it hasn’t stopped us from being productive and kudos go to Mike for keeping those things together.”
It looks like Reilly and the Eskimos will get some healthy players back for Thursday’s game in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers. Receiver Duke Williams, and offensive lineman Justin Sorensen and Danny Groulx practiced today. Also defensive back Garry Peters took part and after missing practice yesterday linebacker Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga participated in today’s session.
Kick-off Thursday between the 7-0 Eskimos and the 5-2 Bombers from Investor’s Group Field in Winnipeg is at 6:30pm, 630 CHED will have live coverage starting with Countdown to Kick-off at 5pm.