Toronto Argonauts: Anthony Coombs makes impact in return

The Toronto Argonauts benefitted from the return of Anthony Coombs from injury, as he showed no signs of rust in their win over the B.C. Lions.

Anytime Marc Trestman is asked to describe the Toronto Argonauts‘ progress throughout the season he always refers to it as a process.

In his postgame press conference, Trestman talked about how his team flipped a switch in the second half, playing more like the team that they want to become.  He also knows his team is still rebuilding, considering the many changes they’ve gone through in 2018.

Against the B.C. Lions, the Argos saw a familiar face return to the lineup as Anthony Coombs played his first game of the regular season and it was clear he was a player the offence was missing.

While he’s not known as a superstar, Coombs brings a lot to the table and it was something the offence was missing. It would be easy to call him the Swiss Army Knife of the offence, because of the different ways he can contribute.

That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Manitoba native led the team with three catches for 56 yards, but two things about his performance stick out the most.

With quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson moving to his left, Coombs was able to shake free of the defender, get open in the end zone and secure his first touchdown of the season.

"“I was just going deep and when I looked back I saw that he rolled out,” Coombs said describing the touchdown catch. “We have our scramble rules so I just went to the pylon and luckily for me the defender slipped in the end zone and I was able to keep my feet in and catch the ball.”"

What made that touchdown play was the fact Bethel-Thompson held onto the ball long enough to find Coombs in the corner. Sometimes a quarterback has to be willing to take contact in order to convert on a big play, which was not an issue for Bethel-Thompson.

"“When I feel that contact out there, I feel like a football player because sometimes I feel spoiled out there,” he said about the touchdown throw to Coombs. “It was a great adjustment by him because that wasn’t even his route, he adjusted came off of it and all props to him because I put it in the spot and he made me look good.”"

More from Tip of the Tower

• Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
• Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
• Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
• Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
• Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith

Coombs would go on to make another big play at a crucial point, when he had a 30-yard reception on 2nd and 10. On that play, all the yards came after the catch.

This would set up the go-ahead touchdown by James Franklin and put the Argos ahead 24-20. It was then up to the defence to continue their strong second half performance, but this didn’t come without some stressful moments.

Marcus Ball intercepted a pass from Travis Lulay and was on his way to sealing the Argos win, but fumbled the ball and allowed the Lions to recover.

Luckily for the Argos, that play wouldn’t come back to bite them as Emmanuel Arceneaux fumbled the ball and with the football rolling on the ground, Ball was able to pull it in and wasn’t going to let it go again.

For the 18,104 in attendance at BMO Field (a season-high), they were treated to another nail-biting finish which could interest some fans to return. although it’s tough to say at this point.

The Argos had another familiar face on the sidelines, as Ricky Ray was back with the team after he finally got his brace off last week. While he’s been a part of meetings, some of the players mentioned that having him at the game was a great moment.

At 3-5, the Argos are now tied for second in the East Division with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which is significant because they will play their QEW rivals in a home-and-home series starting on Labour Day.

A couple of weeks ago, there was a different mood surrounding the defending Grey Cup Champions and they admit there’s still work to be done. With their next game against the last place Montreal Alouettes, the Toronto Argonauts are picking up steam at the right time.