Toronto Argonauts: Season Still Alive Despite Recent Loss
Despite a crushing loss to the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, the Toronto Argonauts still have a chance to make the playoffs but it will not be easy.
Friday night’s game against the Ottawa Redblacks presented a big opportunity, but the Toronto Argonauts could not capitalize on a strong performance from their defence, losing 29-12. It was a costly defeat when it comes to any tiebreaking scenario in the standings because Hamilton and Ottawa own the tiebreakers.
Where the Argos still have hope in making the playoffs has been the mediocre play of the Eastern conference. Hamilton lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders thanks to the heroic play of former Argos quarterback Mitchell Gale and the Redblacks have not run away with the division yet.
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The Argos have an easier matchup this week with a game against the Montreal Alouettes, who have had their fair share of struggles. However, it does not get any easier as the next four games come against Calgary, who they play twice, Saskatchewan, and then their last game against Edmonton. It is easy to see the Argos beating Montreal and Saskatchewan, but Calgary and Edmonton are stronger teams that will give the Argos a tough go.
If the Argos were to win three out of their last five games they will finish with an 8-10 record, which could still be good enough for them to make the playoffs. They are three points behind Ottawa for first place and two points behind Hamilton for second place.
The other possibility that the Argos need to watch is a potential crossover if Edmonton has more points than them at the end of the season. So the only thing the Argos can focus on going forward is getting as many points as possible. There are 10 points up for grabs in their last five games and if they cannot get at least six points they will be in tough to make the playoffs.
It is no secret that the Argos have had their fair share of injuries but that is something that all teams are going through. Their offence has been inconsistent for most of the season and it does not help that they have used four different quarterbacks. While Brandon Whitaker sits second in the league in rushing yard,s he only has two rushing touchdowns.
It looked like the Argos offence was turning the corner when Dan LeFevour took over at quarterback. However, after a tough game against Ottawa the team has a tough decision to make. Do they continue with LeFevour or does Drew Willy become the fourth different quarterback to start a game for the Argos? Considering the price that the Argos paid to get Willy, and that he did not look bad in relief of LeFevour, the Argos have a tough decision.
If the defence can continue to play like they have the past couple of weeks — and limit the costly penalties — the Argos will continue to have a chance to keep the game close. What it comes down to is putting in a complete effort on offence, defence and special teams, something they have not done since they beat Hamilton two weeks ago.
At this point there will be questions about Scott Milanovich and Jim Barker if the Argos do not make the playoffs, especially in the first year with a new ownership group. The pressure is definitely at an all-time high in Toronto. The question is whether or not Milanovich and the team can overcome it and make the playoffs where anyone has a chance to make it to the Grey Cup game at BMO Field.