Argonauts Notes: BMO Field Struggles, Issues on Offence, Injuries Taking Toll

After a crushing 46-23 defeat to the Edmonton Eskimos, the Toronto Argonauts face various uncertainties moving forward.

When the Toronto Argonauts made the move to BMO Field, it was supposed to signify a fresh start for the team. After Saturday’s crushing loss to the Edmonton Eskimos, the team is now third in the Eastern Conference behind Ottawa and Hamilton.

Zach Collaros is now back at quarterback for the Ti-Cats and after their 53-7 victory over Saskatchewan, the Boatmen should be worried about their chances moving forward. In this early morning edition of Argonauts notes, we take a look at the various challenges currently facing the team.

Struggles at BMO FIeld

It is tough to explain the Argos struggles at BMO Field. The team holds a 1-4 record at home, but have an impressive 3-0 record on the road, something that has been very common in the CFL this season.

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Every team in the East has a losing record in their own building, while in the West Conference only the Calgary Stampeders have a winning record at home. Hamilton, who have always been a tough team to play at home, are 1-2, while the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who have one of the most passionate fans in the league, are just 1-3.

There are two reasons why the Argos struggles at home have been magnified over other teams. One is the fact so much was made about their move to BMO Field and how it would draw a better crowd than Roger Centre.

The second is the fact they have been outscored 169-110 over those five games, with an average scoreline of 22-34. If they are not able to establish any success at home it will be tough to convince people to come and watch the game.

However, it would maybe give extra motivation to the team if the stadium had closer to 20,000 fans, than the current average of 16,000 per game. Regardless, the Argonauts need to find some improvement at home on the defensive side of the ball, although it doesn’t help if the offense cannot generate more that 22 points a game.

Return of Ricky Ray Should Help With Issues on Offence

There is a reason why the Argos let Collaros and Trevor Harris walk in the offseason. When you have Ricky Ray at quarterback, your team always has a better chance at winning.

However, this season the injuries have begin to pile up for the Argonauts field general. Returning from a shoulder injury, it was clear Ray was dealing with rust.

However, the team was winning and it was not a major issue. Then Ray gets knocked out of the game against Montreal on a late hit and now there are concerns about his health moving forward.

In Saturday’s loss to Edmonton, the Argos averaged 3.3 passing yards per play, while Vidal Hazelton and Andre Durie combined for zero catches. This is an offence that has the talent, even with Tori Gurley sidelined and Kevin Elliott getting back into form.

With the dynamic speed of Diontae Spencer and Kenny Shaw, this Argos team should not be struggling to produce yards on offence. Kilgore has had issues spreading the ball around and making better reads, as evidenced by the number of interceptions.

With Ray returning soon, he should provide more stability and every receiver will be a threat because of his accuracy. He will not take as many deep shots down the field, but he does a better job at moving the offence forward and sustaining drives.

If the run game can build off their strong performance against Edmonton, it will take pressure off the three-time Grey Cup winner. This is especially important, given the fact he has been the recipient of some tough hits.

Injuries Hurting Team

Injuries are common in football, but the amount the Argos have faced this year have had a big impact. The absence of the likes of Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Gregory Van Roten, Jermaine Gabriel, Gurley, Elliott (who returned Saturday), and Ray have taken their toll, especially during their recent slump.

Losing Ansah and Gabriel in the backfield is tough, especially because the Argonauts have been giving up big plays on the defensive side of the ball. Not having Ray and Gurley is another tough blow, because the offence has not shown any chemistry or identity.

Ray’s strength is his accuracy, which has not translated to his replacement. Once he’s healthy and assuming he plays to his usual standard, the Argos receiving unit will have a strong mix of size in speed to take advantage of.

While the defence can certainly do their part in trying to limit the big plays, in the end it comes down to both units working together and helping take the pressure off each other. This means the offence has to stay on the field longer by sustaining longer drives, while the defence needs to limit the big plays.

Next: Ricky Ray's return can't come soon enough for Argos

What’s your theory behind why the Argos have struggled so much at BMO Field? Further, what are you predicting from the team for the remainder of the season? Let us know in the comments section below.