{"id":193705,"date":"2025-10-06T19:38:06","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T19:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/193705\/"},"modified":"2025-10-06T19:38:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T19:38:06","slug":"5-pff-stats-that-stand-out-from-week-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/193705\/","title":{"rendered":"5 PFF Stats that stand out from Week 18"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two more teams have secured a playoff spot in Week 18, with the BC Lions and Montreal Alouettes punching their ticket to the big dance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Alouettes did it via watching the Argonauts and REDBLACKS lose their respective matchups, while the Lions took the field to secure their spot.<\/p>\n

It was once again a complete effort for BC, with both sides of the ball showing the team is ready to compete. Nathan Rourke<\/a> and the offence showcased their usual explosiveness, while rookie Jackson Findlay stepped up in the back end for the defence.<\/p>\n

Who else excelled in Week 18 according to Pro Football Focus? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n

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BO LEVI MITCHELL | QUARTERBACK | HAMILTON TIGER-CATS | 92.3 PASSING GRADE<\/p>\n

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Bo Levi Mitchell<\/a> did Bo Levi Mitchell<\/a> things in Week 18, leading all quarterbacks in passing grade and helping the Ticats move to double-digit wins.<\/p>\n

Mitchell\u2019s passing grade is a byproduct of throwing for 320 yards and four touchdowns, with only one interception. PFF credited the quarterback with four big-time throws (which is a high-difficulty, high-value pass according to PFF), tying Nathan Rourke<\/a> and Vernon Adams Jr. with the most in Week 18.<\/p>\n

The Tabbies\u2019 quarterback leads the league with 31 big-time throwns in 2025, while also ranking No. 1 in passing yards with 4,726.<\/p>\n

KEON HATCHER SR. | RECEIVER | BC LIONS | 6 FIRST DOWN CATCHES<\/p>\n

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Speaking of No. 1, Keon Hatcher Sr. ranks first in receiving yards (1,516), more than 200 ahead of second place Kenny Lawler<\/a> (1,287).<\/p>\n

Hatcher Sr.\u2019s performance in Week 18 was no different than usual, leading the league in receiving first downs (six), according to PFF, while also catching seven passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns.<\/p>\n

The receiver was instrumental in helping the Lions secure their place in the post-season with a 38-24 win over the Calgary Stampeders.<\/p>\n

AJ OUELLETTE | RUNNING BACK | SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS | 8 RUSHING FIRST DOWNS<\/p>\n

Ottawa flips the field and Bryce Carter is MOVING!#CFLGameDay<\/a>
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\u2014 CFL (@CFL) October 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Looking at the box score, one might think that running back AJ Ouellette<\/a> didn\u2019t have the best of games. That\u2019s because the runner finished with 18 runs for 53 yards and a catch for 20 more yards.<\/p>\n

A deep dive into the stats paints a different picture, though, with Ouellette leading the league with rushing first downs (eight), three more than second place Dedrick Mills<\/a> (five).<\/p>\n

That means the runner was essential in helping the Roughriders control the clock and keep the Ottawa REDBLACKS from completing a comeback effort (not to mention his touchdown-saving tackle after an interception). Saskatchewan\u2019s 20-13 win keeps them four points ahead of second place in the West Division with three weeks to go.<\/p>\n

JULIAN HOWSARE | DEFENSIVE LINEMAN | HAMILTON TIGER-CATS | 11 PRESSURES<\/p>\n

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Julian Howsare<\/a>\u2018s outing against the Argonauts on Saturday was one of the most memorable pass rushing performances of 2025.<\/p>\n

The defensive lineman gained a staggering 11 total pressures, according to PFF. That means Howsare not only sacked the quarterback four times, he also contributed two hits and five hurries, helping the Tabbies force four interceptions, while also recovering a fumble of his own.<\/p>\n

His performance now ties him with Montreal\u2019s Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund<\/a> for second in the CFL in sacks with 11.<\/p>\n

JACKSON FINDLAY | DEFENSIVE BACK | BC LIONS | 25 PER CENT COMPLETION ALLOWED<\/p>\n

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Rookie defensive back Jackson Findlay has made an impact recently for the BC Lions, catching an interception in each of his last two outings.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not only by turning the ball over that Findlay impacts games for the Leos. The rookie was targeted four times in coverage in Week 18 and allowed only one catch and 18 total yards.<\/p>\n

Opposing quarterbacks when targeting Findlay had a passer rating of 6.3, lowest among all defenders that were targeted in coverage more than once.<\/p>\n