Toronto Argonauts: Disappointing loss a testament to recent struggles

The Toronto Argonauts dropped another important game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they fail to execute when it matters.

Marc Trestman had one way to describe the Toronto Argonauts loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, a disappointing result especially with the way the game started.

Obviously, it is easy to kick a team when they’re down but Trestman also credited the team’s resilience in the second half to make a surge in the third quarter and put themselves in a position to win it in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, it is becoming a troubling pattern and the blame can be shared equally among the front office, coaching staff and players.

While most people will be looking at the missed field goal by Zack Medeiros that could have won the game, McLeod Bethel-Thompson misfired on a big play to S.J. Green who was left wide open. Even before that play the Argos had their chances in the red zone but failed to convert and had to settle for field goals.

Credit the defence for finding a way to make the adjustments in the second half but critical mistakes including missed tackles on Marcus Thigpen put the team in a hole but they made up for it with key plays late in the second half.

More from Toronto Argonauts

• Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
• Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
• Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
• Argonauts unable to overcome self-inflicted mistakes in near comeback
• Toronto Argonauts get wake-up call from Lions, but what comes next?

Put aside the penalties, missed field goals and breakdowns on defence, there was the noticeable absence of Duron Carter in this game and according to Trestman, they didn’t plan to target him that much against the Roughriders.

James Wilder Jr. made some big runs and showed flashes of his form from last season especially on a big catch that would lead to a field goal and not too long after a big play from Trumaine Washington who had a pick-six to tie the game at 27.

Armanti Edwards continues to be a big go-to weapon on offence and Green made some big catches too but the Argos still haven’t been able to establish the third receiver behind them. Llevi Noel is a player who has shown potential but continues to see limited targets.

So what does the team do going forward? One thing is to try to pick up the pieces and realize that the season isn’t officially over yet as Trestman said postgame.

"“The season is not over from the standpoint we have more games to play,’’ said Trestman. “We certainly have to stay focused on that and try to get better each and every day as a football team. We’re not there yet. We have a good football team. We saw some of it, saw some growth in all three phases.”"

It doesn’t get any easier for the Argos with a road trip to B.C. and Calgary next considering how dialled in both teams have been. If Toronto were to somehow win those games and Hamilton continues to struggle to pick up wins it could set up an interesting scenario when the TiCats visit BMO Field in a couple of weeks.

That might be a lot to ask with all the injuries on the defensive side of the ball and a quarterback in Bethel-Thompson who was clearly frustrated with his performance.

What do you think about the Argos latest loss to the Roughriders? Are their playoff hopes done or do they still have a chance? Let us know in the comments below.