Toronto Argonauts: 3 Observations ahead of Week 14 vs. Tiger-Cats
Time for the Toronto Argonauts to lean on the run game earlier
With John White forced to leave with an injury, A.J. Ouellette stepped in with DJ out with an injury and finished the game with 107 yards on 14 carries.
Earlier in the season, Toronto found some success on the ground and used both their running backs to provide a balanced attack. It also led to longer drives and helped protect the ball which has been a problem lately for Bethel-Thompson.
McLeod Bethel Thompson started the season with a nine-to-two touchdown-to-interception ratio.
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) November 6, 2021
He’s since thrown one touchdown and seven picks.#Argos | #Redblacks | #CFL
Seeing what Ouellette was able to do and the style he runs, the Argos should be rewarding him with more opportunities especially if White’s injury is as bad as it’s being reported. Foster has also proven to be effective at times but head coach Ryan Dinwiddie has pulled the plug on running the ball with the team trailing.
Looking at Hamilton and Montreal, both have found success lately running the ball allows them to have a balanced attack and be less predictable. It also takes some pressure off their quarterbacks which is something Toronto should try to do with Bethel-Thompson.
Not only does it help the quarterback but the offensive line should benefit from the team relying more on the run game. Hamilton’s defensive line isn’t easy to block so keeping the pressure off Bethel-Thompson as much as possible will be crucial.