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Week 7 Preview: Calgary Stampeders at Toronto Argonauts

By Jose Alfonso Taboada

TORONTO, ON - JULY 12: Ricky Ray
TORONTO, ON - JULY 12: Ricky Ray /
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The seventh week of the CFL starts at BMO Field as the Calgary Stampeders pay a visit to the Eastern division leading Toronto Argonauts.

Week six provided tons of entertainment around the league. From a comeback win, to a highlight reel of catches out west, to an absolute blowout, it definitely had its moments.

Now we move forward to the start of week seven as it kicks off with the visiting Calgary Stampeders (4-1-1) taking on the Toronto Argonauts (3-3-0).

For the Argonauts, they’re coming off another loss that featured the “Duron Carter”highlight show in Saskatchewan  and failed to get back to back wins.

The Stampeders on the other hand made the Hamilton Tiger-Cats look like their practice squad as they had an annihilating victory over them at McMahon Stadium.

As always, we take a look at both teams and what their performance was the previous week and what to look out for for tonight’s game.

Toronto Argonauts

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The Toronto Argonauts are coming off a 38-27 loss against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at New Mosaic Stadium.

The game was highlighted by the son of NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter, Duron Carter, with his many impressive catches on the field.

Quarterback Ricky Ray made history on the field, becoming the Argonauts all time passing yards leader and 5th in passing touchdowns thrown in the loss. Ray completed 28 of 38 passes, threw for three touchdowns and 386 yards. It was his sixth straight game with more than 300 yards.

One of the key plays (or misplay) of the game came from cornerback Johnny Sears Jr, who failed to tag Bakari Grant on a play that helped set up the sealing touchdown for the Riders. He won’t be in the starting lineup for the Argos matchup against Calgary.

Receiver Anthony Coombs continues to produce in the receiving unit, leading the way with nine catches and 97 yards with a touchdown against the Riders.

Running back Brandon Whitaker returns to the lineup tonight as a starter as he missed the past few weeks with an injury and was placed on the six game injured list.

Key defensive players Cleyon Laing and Victor Butler will sit out once again due to injury. Together, they have 10 of the 19 league leading sacks for the Argos.

The Argos are yet again trying to get a secure lead in the Eastern division, hoping to pick up their fourth win.

Calgary Stampeders

Well, is there much to say about Calgary’s performance last week against Hamilton?

In a night where they honoured the 1992 Grey Cup champions, the Stampeders literally stomped all over the Ti-Cats, winning 60-1 this past Saturday night. The result was the third most largest win in CFL history.

Thanks to the large win, the Stampeders now lead the league in points scored at 213.

Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell completed only 11 of 17 pass attempts with 197 yards (his lowest thrown total in 2017) and a touchdown. He was rested after the Stamps were leading 39-1 at the half.

The scoring was mainly provided by running back Jerome Messan, who rushed for 91 yards and had three touchdowns on the night.

Returner Roy Finch has been on a tear in 2017, leading the league in punt returns yards at 350. The team leads the league in punt return average with 15.1.

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One note to make is that Calgary lost an important player in their receiving unit. Receiver Kamar Jorden left the first quarter with an injury and was soon placed on the six game injured list by the team. He’ll be out for tonight’s game. Marken Michel takes his place.

Despite leading the league in sacks allowed with 4, they now face a very tough Argonauts defence who leads the league in sacks with 19. Not to forget that Calgary is right behind Toronto in sacks at 15.

Since their loss against the Argos in the 100th Grey Cup in 2012, the Stamps haven’t lost regular game in Toronto.

Wrap up

There you have it. The two teams will meet up again in two weeks right after Calgary takes their bye next week.

The matchup features two of the best scoring offences in the league as it should provide some entertaining football.

Toronto is 0-3 so far against teams from the west this season as quarterback Ricky Ray is 2-4 against the Stampeders in his career all time. Mitchell is also a perfect 6-0 against the Argonauts.

Next: Argos: Ray keeps on ticking

Did we miss anything? What are you looking forward to in tonight’s game? Who do you think will win? Leave a comment below and discuss. Kickoff is at 7:30 EST on TSN and TSN 1050 Radio.

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