The Toronto Argonauts will host their biggest rival Friday with first place in the East on the line. It will be a crucial matchup that could dictate how the division will be won. With Toronto coming off a impressive performance against the Eskimos for their second win in a row, there’s nothing certain about this matchup.
The team is reeling from the bad news on Chad Kackert; the Grey Cup 100 MOP sustained a injury during Tuesday’s practice. The Argos revealed today that it is a pulled hamstring, putting him on the sidelines for 4-6 weeks according to head coach Scott Milanovich.
The Argos looked loose and confident in a windy Wednesday practice, and Milanovich focused on the importance of this game. “So many reasons this is a big game. It’s our rival, everyone knows what’s at stake with how the East will fall, so no extra motivation needed this week”.
Chad Kackert’s recent setback and the progress of the Argos’ running attack were another focus. “We’ve run it well the last two weeks. As I’ve said a number of times, it’s a function of a lot of things: the offensive line, the passing game opening up our running game, and our running backs are running hard and protecting the football. So it’s nice to be balanced.”
About the defence, coach Milanovich said, “If you don’t stop the run, then you’re going to have problems, because they can do whatever they want to. We need to stop the run first and foremost, and really need to be aware of our lanes to keep Zach Collaros contained.” It’s an old school mentality, but it’s a proven one. If you can keep your attack balanced and make the other team’s attack one-dimensional, your chances get better.
Middle linebacker Shea Emry also spoke about the defensive mindset for Friday’s tilt. “Hamilton has a very dynamic offense that moves around and gives us a lot of looks. So it will be up to us to stay on our assignments with containing Collaros. They are going to make plays. We just have to make sure we limit the big plays.”
The Argos will have their hands full with the blitzing style of defence that Hamilton brings. They also possess the number one run defense in the CFL. Running back Curtis Steele was upbeat about the Argos on the offensive side of the ball. “Our run game is in sync right now, the O-line are doing good up front, and our receivers are blocking well down field. It’s a statement that we can run the ball.”
On protecting the Argos star quarterback, Steele added, “It’s our number one priority. We have to keep Ricky (Ray) clean and plug up that blitzing style so Ricky and our receivers can take advantage of the man to man matchups. We have some good guys that can make big plays.”
That much is true. Chad Owens is averaging well over 100 yards receiving per game, and the elusive Owens in man-to-man defensive schemes could give him another great game.
So it’s an Eastern first place showdown in the Dome this Friday. The Argos are coming in fired up and the Ticats will be trying to take a 4-point lead on their rivals. These teams are far different from their Labour Day incarnations, and the game will undoubtedly be different too. For the Argos, if their drives stall like last week, it is great for them to have Swayze Waters to kick the field goals and keep the momentum on their side.
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