Toronto Argonauts: 3 Takeaways From Argos Win Over Lions
With the Toronto Argonauts earning their second win of the season over the previously undefeated BC Lions, we take a look at three factors that contributed to the victory.
A streak has to end at some point, with the Toronto Argonauts ruining the Lions undefeated start to the 2016 season on Thursday night, in front of the BC faithful. The home side were attempting to begin the year 3-0, which would have been the franchise’s best start since 2007.
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Coming into the game, the Leos were one of two remaining undefeated CFL teams (the Ottawa RedBlacks being the other). In their most recent game, the men in orange put forth a dominant performance, beating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 28-3 on Canada Day at Tim Hortons Field.
Unfazed by their opponent’s early success, the Double Blue went into BC Place and were able to hand the Lions their first loss of the campaign. Based on the Argonauts performance, here are three takeaways from their 25-14 win in Vancouver:
Completed Drives
Coming into week 3, BC was unofficially the league’s best defence. They had allowed the fewest points (21), forcing the most fumbles (four) and recorded the most interceptions (two).
With this in mind, it was important for Toronto to finish drives off with points. Last week the Lions held Hamilton’s offence scoreless, with their only points coming from three rouges.
The Argos played ugly offence — their lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard toss from Ricky Ray to Tori Gurley
. However, they deserve praise for continuously getting into range for Lirim Hajrullahu, who made six of his seven attempted field goals.
Brandon Whitaker Unleashed
Ricky Ray was good but not great ( 23-of-32 for 283 yards and 1 TD). However, he got a serious lift from Brandon Whitaker, who carried the rock 13 times for 97 yards.
Whitaker also proved key in the passing, with 55 yards on a team-leading seven receptions. In the second half especially, the tailback was integral in keeping the chains moving.
This was the first time this season Whitaker surpassed the century mark in yards from scrimmage. If Ray continues his subpar play from the first three games this season, offensive coordinator Marcus Brady should continue to ride his veteran back.
The best moments in the game for Jonathon Jennings came in a first quarter drive, when he hooked up with Emmanuel Arceneaux for a 35-yard completion and then later ran into the end zone from a yard out on a sweeping QB keeper. After that, the often dynamic Jennings was held in check by the Argos defence for the rest of the game.
The young pivot struggled so much that he was benched with about three minutes left in the third in favor of veteran Travis Lulay. Jennings finished the game with just 132 passing yards and no passing touchdowns, while throwing one interception.
Toronto’s defence wasn’t just a problem for Jennings, but for the entire BC offence, as they forced four turnovers in the game (two fumbles and two interceptions). After the first quarter, the Lions didn’t score again, until there were less than six minutes remaining in regulation.
Next: Argos Invade The Lion's Den
After picking up back-to-back wins on the road, the Toronto Argonauts return to BMO Field for their next game on Wednesday July 13, where they will host last season’s East Division champion, the Ottawa Redblacks.