Following the 30-17 Argos win over the Riders late last Thursday night, Last Word On Sports CFL writers Thomas Gunther and Kelly Bale address several pressing questions that fans on both sides must be wondering and gave our overall impression of the game. With the weekend’s slate of games now over and done with, here are the key takeaways in CFL Talking Points Week 2: Toronto Argonauts versus Saskatchewan Roughriders.
CFL Talking Points Week 2: Argonauts versus Roughriders
1) Has Ricky Ray Returned to Form?
Thomas Gunther:A tentative yes. Ray made more of his vintage “placement” throws where only his receivers could get the ball, especially early on in the game. It won’t show up in the stat sheet, though, as Ray was plagued by a serious case of the drops by his wide-outs (and running backs). The Argos were also in the lead for the majority of the game, which kept the pressure off Ray. If he keeps improving, he will easily be back to 100% before Labour Day. That said, I want to see him in another shoot-out before I fully declare him back to being the Ricky Ray of old.
Kelly Bale: Was it the offensive line that played a big role here? Or was it more his individual play?
TG: I think it was Ray. The Riders defensive line was not as good as I had thought it would be (aside from AC Leonard) and they were certainly not on the level of the Hamilton Tiger-Catswere against the Argos a week ago. The Riders were dropping into coverage often and Ray still got the ball to his players, they just let him down way too often.
2) What Have Been the Argonauts’ Strength So Far?
TG: It may come as a surprise but I think that the Argo Special Teams unit has been fairly good these past two weeks, especially tonight.
Lirim Hajrullahu is a perfect 5-5 on the year and has nailed a 50 yard field goal in both contests while still remaining an effective punter. The coverage teams are getting under Hajrullahu’s kicks and mostly limiting big gains, though there have been hiccups here and there.
With an early lead to protect, the Argos opted to trust their special teams to win the field position game against the Riders. While not flashy it’s a strategy that can work well if the other elements of your team are struggling.
KB: Matt Black and Llevi Noel are some stand-outs who are getting downfield and making the tackles. Special Teams isn’t very special if you cant stop the other team from taking punts and kickoffs back to the house on you. The Argos have a good amount of depth on Special Teams and it is bearing fruit. It’s also striking to see how effective Larry Taylor still is returning punts and kickoffs at 31 years old.
3) Lack of a Run Game a Concern for the Argonauts?
TG: Yes, very much so. Starting running back Brandon Whitaker ended the day with 11 carries for 40 yards and a 3.6 average. Take away his one big run of 16 yards though and you have 10 carries for 24 yards at a horrid 2.4 average. Through two games the Argos have a total of 60 yards on the ground and the effects are clearly shown on the field. Time and time again the Argos opted to pass on short downs or bypass the chance to salt away the lead with dedicated runs. The Argos need Whitaker and their O-Line to step up or they will be in big trouble when the weather gets colder and the games start to mean more.
KB: I thought Whitaker played a little better this week but I have to agree on the lack of production. His blocking was better but if they can get the run going it will take stress off of Ray to do everything on his own.
4) Top Argos Performers?
TG: While Ray and his offensive line showed better this week, top performer awards go to the defensive side of the ball. Thomas Miles and Cory Greenwood formed a potent National duo at linebacker and were flying around the field. Greenwood had 8 tackles while Miles had 5 and a fumble recovery. With the retooled defensive line still developing cohesion and the backfield beset by injury, I think linebacker is one spot where the Argos can hang their hat on defense.
KB: Loved both Greenwood and Miles. Foley, Bryan Hall, and Isaiah Green all had great games for making big timely plays.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
1) How Did Darian Durant Look?
KB: Durant completed 31 of 48 attempts, which is acceptable for a quarterback who has only played a single game out of the last 36 for the Roughriders. It really showed that he spent extra time working out with Naaman Roosevelt in the off-season. Durant will rely heavily on Roosevelt and Rob Bagg early this season. It was reassuring to see the offensive line kept Durant on his feet, only surrendering one sack. They did, however, take some costly holding penalties to be able to do so.
TG: It really stuck out how the Riders called some designed quarterback runs to get Durant out there and hitting. I think this game will do wonders for him going forward. He was the best quarterback on the field and should only get better.
2) How Did the New-look Riders Defence Play?
KB: The defence showed very well outside of two big plays the Argos capitalized on early. The strength of the defence was the scheme but the personnel weren’t too far behind in talent either. What can you say about the former B.C. Lions wide receiver A.C. Leonard, getting two big sacks and applying pressure on nearly every down he played?
The play calling seemed to confuse Ray at times and even caused him to call a late timeout to change the play. In the timeout huddle with head coach Scott Milanovich he looked very agitated.
TG: The Argos came out fast thanks to a couple of errors but were on their heels until halftime. Head coach and defensive coordinator Chris Jones was throwing all kinds of reads at Ray (at one point rushing only two defenders). This team has a lot to look forward to down the stretch.
3) What should the Roughriders be concerned about for next week?
KB:The special teams coverage unit was atrocious. They couldn’t get downfield fast enough to cover the Argo return men properly. Any time you have an under 30 yard punting average from your punter that’s prone to happen. Only two kickoffs tonight and they were good. The Riders would be wise to give rookie, Van Gylswyk, a shot next week.
Crapigna was the bright spot on the unit despite one field goal miss. He’s definitely the future at the position and something to build around going forward.
TG: It was surprising to me when Josh Bartel was signed in the first place by the Riders and nothing tonight made me think they should keep with him. I truly think the Riders need more national depth on special teams to cover properly and give Kendial Lawrence and Nic Demski some half decent blocks.
4) Who Were the Riders’ Top Performers?
KB:Greg Jones was easily the defensive star of the team. His leadership and five first half tackles were good enough for my nomination. The former leading tackler from the Argos is the team’s best overall defensive player with Jeff Knox Jr. still on the shelf.
The Offensive star was Naaman Roosevelt hands down. Without his nine receptions for 113 yards the Roughriders would have little to show for this game and some major concerns going forward. Roosevelt is in for a massive year statistically.
TG: Roosevelt and Jones for sure stood out to me, though I have to give A.C. Leonard a nod as well; that guy came out of nowhere. If Chris Jones can find more diamonds in the rough like Leonard the team should be just fine going forward.
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