Stats Reports: The numbers that defined last season and what they mean for 2020

0 – starting quarterbacks that stayed healthy for the entire season

Quarterback injuries were a massive feature of the 2019 season – all of the league’s starting quarterbacks missed a game from injury, which created some incredible storylines including the breakouts of several secondaries (more on that later). But quarterback injuries are never a good thing, and teams need to take better steps to avoid them in 2019. Better QB protection and safety should be the thing that defines 2020 rather than another string of injuries.

13 – receivers that passed the 1,000 yard mark

2019 was a big receiving year, with 8 of out 9 teams having a 1,000+ receiver (Winnipeg is the exception). These numbers were a big step up from those of 2018, where only 8 receivers hit the 1,000 mark, a is a great sign for the league. These stats indicate more passing plays, and big ones for that matter, which are a sign of QBs taking bigger risks and making bigger plays, which will help to drive the league forward both for teams and spectators.

18 – number of kickoff/punt return touchdowns

Another thing that characterised 2019 was special teams touchdowns, especially those on return plays. Especially in the early end of the season, it was hard for a week to go by without a spectacular return touchdown. These are incredible plays to watch, and indicate excellent sportsmanship, both in the returner and the blockers. More return touchdowns in 2020 would likely mean higher-scoring games, which would play havoc with standings as special teams took control of the league. With many of the CFL’s most talented returners sticking around, we might see a repeat of the Return Madness of 2019.

4 – breakout secondary QBs that are likely to become starters in 2020

Dane Evans, Vernon Adams Jr, Nick Arbuckle, Codey Fajardo. All 4 of these QBs were secondaries at the start of 2019, but injuries thrust them into the starting role. And boy, did they perform, with all four of their teams making the playoffs and Dane Evans leading the Ticats all the way to the Grey Cup. All four of them will now likely be rewarded with a 2020 starting role, with Arbuckle even moving to Ottawa to boost the Redblacks. The Secondary Storylines are bound to continue into 2020 – now that they’ve become big names in the league, Evans, Adams Jr., Arbuckle and Fajardo are quarterbacks to watch next year.

BONUS STAT: 58 – number of times a BC quarterback got sacked

Not much to say except – wow, Lions. BC definitely needs to tighten up its O-line, and maybe they’ll be able to score if Mike Reilly has the time to make a playe before getting tackled.