Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Argonauts: Players Put on Notice After Recent Loss

By David Morassutti

facebooktwitterreddit

The Toronto Argonauts playoff hopes were dealt a big blow with a loss to the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, in a game where the offence struggled once again.

In what many were calling a must-win game, the Toronto Argonauts had a disappointing effort against the Montreal Alouettes. By the end, the Double Blue had lost 38-11, with head coach Scott Milanovich taking full responsibility.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Milanovich said:  “I am responsible for what is going on here and it is not good enough. We are going to have to find a way to get out of it.

“That means that if we are going to make changes, one thing we are going to be sure of is that people who want to be in that locker room are going to be in that locker room.

More from Toronto Argonauts

Toronto has been given many opportunities to put themselves in a favourable position in the standings, but with Ottawa and Hamilton struggling, they have failed to capitalize and it is definitely frustrating for Milanovich. It comes to the point where players have been put on notice and it is warranted, considering the way they have let opportunities get away from them.

There is still a chance for the team to salvage their season. However, as Milanovich said after the game, they need to execute better, especially with a tough schedule moving forward.

It is the first time Milanovich has called out his players for their effort, but does this mean he is not getting through to his players? It is not the coach’s fault that starting quarterback Ricky Ray has been injured most of the season.

The Argonauts have not lost these games because Ray is not on the field. It comes down to an inability to play a consistent game from start to finish, especially in the second half.

The offence has put up strong numbers on paper, but penalties have killed drives or helped the opposing team’s offence stay on the field. The Argos had 399 yards of total offence against Montreal, but 13 penalties for 123 yards, especially in crucial moments, is going to cost you in the end.

Breakdowns in the secondary have been a big problem all season long and it was evident again against Montreal. However, the offence has not bailed out the defence the past two games, especially in the second half, where many teams have been able to shut down the Argos.

Drew Willy did not have a bad game against the Alouettes, but it was clear there was discomfort with his hand, which he hurt in practice last week. He was also put in a tough position, with his defence giving up two touchdown drives early.

More from Toronto Argonauts

The offence had five turnovers and big drops which kept them from finishing drives. Speaking to the Toronto Star after the game, Rick Foley said: “Winning solves everything and we’re not winning.

“Everything is under the microscope when you lose. Everybody’s job, everybody’s performances are magnified. Winning will solve a lot of things. We need to win.”

Winning might be hard to come by, with all four of the remaining games against the West. The Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders will travel to BMO Field and then the Argos finish off the season in Calgary and Edmonton.

The Stampeders look unbeatable, while the Eskimos have already defeated the Argos once this season. In fact, Edmonton could potentially crossover from the West to take their spot in the playoffs.

Next: Drew Willy gets his chance

Willy is expected to remain in the starting quarterback job, but there are questions as to whether Ray could return from his rib injury. The team is not in a good spot with the playoffs slipping away, but considering the way they’ve played, they should be grateful they still even have a chance.

Home/Toronto Argonauts