Toronto Argonauts vs BC Lions: Week 2 preview
Fresh off their opening-week win against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Toronto Argonauts now prepare to take on the visiting B.C. Lions. Here’s your game preview for their week two match up.
The long-awaited Canada Day weekend is upon us in this great nation. After the long countdown for the festivities, it’s time to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. A joyous time to commemorate 150 years of tradition, history and, of course, sports.
What better way to honour Canada’s heritage and kick off the Canada Day weekend with some CFL football? It’s week two of the 2017 season and the Toronto Argonauts have a date with the visiting B.C Lions.
Both teams were on the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of winning and losing in week one. On one side, the Argonauts are looking to continue their strong start to the campaign, while on the other side, the Lion wants to avoid beginning the season with back-to-back losses.
The home team
The Argonauts are coming off a convincing win in their week one match up with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this past Sunday at BMO Field.
Argos quarterback Ricky Ray had 506 yards through the air, putting him third all-time in franchise history, for passing yards in a single game. Ray connected with three different receivers for over 100 yards, including new Argonaut, S.J. Green, who had an impressive debut with the team.
https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/status/879739057395335169
The Argos are also trying to continue their great defensive run, after keeping Hamilton to only 15 points. Defensive End Victor Butler had a game on defence, making three tackles, forcing a fumble and producing two of the Double Blue’s five quarterback sacks.
Overall, Toronto had a dominant outing against the Ti-Cats. They will now look to get their first back-to-back wins since July 31, 2016, when they beat the Ottawa Redblacks and the Montreal Alouettes.
The visiting team
The B.C. Lions are coming off a very disappointing defeat in week one at home against the Edmonton Eskimos.
After an incredible pass from Jonathan Jennings to Nick Moore to set up a rushing touchdown from Travis Lulay to tie the game, the Lions missed the extra point to keep the game tied at 27.
Soon after, Edmonton started a final minute game-winning drive, which included a 76-yard pass from Mike Riley to Brandon Zlystra. This set up a field goal, to give the Eskimos a 30-27 win.
.@Rikester13 and @BrandonZylstra3 make the @BCLions pay after missing an extra point that would've given them the lead. #CFLKickoff pic.twitter.com/lCJiMASF5O
— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) June 25, 2017
Regardless, B.C still put up a fighting effort, in large part due to their ground game. The Lions rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jeremiah Johnson led the way, with 14 carries, for 92 yards and a TD.
Not to go unnoticed is kicker Ty Long, who converted four of his five field goal attempts. The Lions know they’ll have a reliable option at kicker if needed.
For the Lions to leave BMO Field with a win on Friday night, they’ll need to add more pressure on defence, after only getting one sack last weekend. They will also look to increase their passes defended per game, which currently sits at two.
Apart from that, they’ll continue to use their passing game and go to some of their favourite targets including Moore, who had five catches and 98 yards in week one.
Kick off is at 7 pm ET. The game will be live on TSN and TSN 1050.
Next: Ray happy with good start
Who do you think will come out on top in the clash between the Argos and Lions? Are we missing any key points for both teams leading up to their match up? Give your take in the comments section below.