Toronto Argonauts look to reverse Labour Day struggles in crucial game
The stakes are higher than ever, as the Toronto Argonauts travel across the QEW to face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in what should be an action-packed game.
The Toronto Argonauts players know that the loss to the Montreal Alouettes was costly, because the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were able to beat the Edmonton Eskimos and take sole possession of second place in the East.
Historically, Labour Day has been a tough matchup for the Argos. They have a 13-33-1 all-time record, with the last four losses coming at Tim Hortons Field.
Last season’s game was a classic as Hamilton earned their first victory of the 2017 season, beating Toronto 24-22 in a game that was impacted by a big weather delay. A lot has changed since then for both teams, with the Tiger-Cats coming into their own under June Jones and the Argos trying to sort through Ricky Ray being on the sidelines again.
Both teams understand the stakes are high for this game, so it’s tough to say it’s just another game. For the Argos, this could make or break their season, especially with their next two games against the Ti-Cats.
"“It’s a season-defining game for us,” said McLeod Bethel-Thompson during Thursday’s media conference call. “Our defence has been playing at a championship level all season and it’s time for our offence to live up to us.”"
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The Argos have had their struggles putting up points this season. Their 42-41 comeback win against the Ottawa RedBlacks is the only game where they’ve put up more than 25 points.
Despite the lack of points being scored from an offensive standpoint, Toronto has only lost three games by double digits, with another three being by three or less. If one or two things go their way, then the team would probably have a better record.
After a brief rough patch where they dropped three straight games, Hamilton has won two of their last three, including an impressive come from behind win against Edmonton.
Jeremiah Masoli continues to show his value as a starter, as he currently sits third in passing yards with 2,884. However, he also leads the league in interceptions thrown with 10 and only has nine touchdown passes.
If the Argos can get pressure on Masoli and force him to make some bad throws, it could be another close game if the offence can put up points against a TiCats defence that is second in the league in points allowed with 200.
With the drama of it being a Labour Day Classic and the impact this game will have on the standings, both teams won’t take it for granted.
"“You got all the ingredients for a great game, the rivalry and it being the Labour Day Classic,” said Tiger-Cats quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. “We’re in a tight race right now so any win against any East team helps us get ahead so it’s a big game and we prepare like it’s a playoff game.”"
With the Alouettes gaining momentum, neither team wants to give them a chance to make up ground in the East, while also aiming to close the gap on Ottawa.
Next. Argonauts could look to bring back DeVier Posey. dark
What do the Toronto Argonauts need to do to beat Hamilton on Labour Day? Who do you predict will win? Let us know in the comments below.