Toronto Argonauts Host B.C. Lions in Pivotal Game
With quarterback Ricky Ray set to return against the B.C. Lions, the Toronto Argonauts have a tough test as they look to get their season back on track.
The Toronto Argonauts have dropped their past two games in ugly fashion, looking especially bad on the offensive side of the ball. Luckily for them, Ottawa and Hamilton failed to capitalize on this and the boatmen still sit second in the division.
The Argonauts can take over first place in the East with a victory on Wednesday against the B.C. Lions. In many ways, the team should consider themselves fortunate to be in this position, given the lopsided losses to Winnipeg and Edmonton.
The offence looks to be getting a big boost with the return of QB Ricky Ray, receiver Tori Gurley and lineman Greg Van Roten from lengthy injuries. On the defensive side of the ball, Joe Rankin returns in the secondary, while Tracy Robertson is back for the d-line.
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Having Ray back will be important, also a strong defensive team in B.C. will be looking to make his return miserable. The Argos own a 1-4 record at BMO Field, which has been a big issue in the Eastern conference this season.
The team made a surprising move in releasing veteran Keon Raymond, which sent a message to the locker room. He was their defensive captain so it will be interesting to see how they respond as a unit.
While the defence still has issues to deal with, injured players are starting to make their way back, so there should be improvements. However, this won’t matter unless the Argos offence can get back on track.
Speaking to the Toronto Sun and the rest of the media at practice, Bryan Hall said: “I think we’re in a good place. We took some time off during this bye week, we had to talk about what we need to get stuff done and making a decision to get things done.
“It’s about the Argos and how we play as a team – it’s never been about one player. We have guys who are expected to step up and they will.”
The Argonauts have had more time to prepare for this game coming off a BYE week, but they will be back at it on Monday for the Labour day classic against Hamilton. As such, picking up a victory against the Lions will be important for momentum, especially with the Ti-Cats game on the road at Tim Hortons field, which is always a tough stadium to play in.
Argos coach Scott Milanovich said: “When things have not gone well, it’s not hard to find motivation. It becomes difficult when they’ve won a couple in a row and they start feeling good about themselves.
Milanovich finished by saying: “Right now, this is a very motivated football team.” The Argonauts will hope that motivation is enough to get them a pivotal victory against the Lions.
Next: Argos decision to release Keon Raymond is puzzling
What do you expect from the Argos against the Lions? What outcome are you expecting, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.