Toronto Argonauts: 3 Observations ahead of Week 14 vs. Tiger-Cats
Toronto Argonauts need to get healthy and continue to rely on Boris Bede
It was made known before the CFL trade deadline that the Argos were not going to be making any moves as they were going to rely on the players coming back from the injured list.
They even made some big additions signing Nate Holley, Josh Huff, Thaddeus Coleman, Jonathan Zamora and Brady Sheldon. These moves were made to bolster the team’s depth considering the injuries they’ve been dealing with.
As Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun reported, the Argos could see Holley on the field against the Tiger-Cats but he still has to finish his COVID-19 quarantine. With Dexter McCoil Sr. still nursing an injury, the Argos could use some quality depth at the linebacker position.
They also had Fabion Foote, Kony Ealy, and Jamal Peters as full participants in practice on Tuesday which should put them on track to return to the lineup. With the way Hamilton’s offence has been playing, the Argos defence has to be at their best.
What has allowed Toronto to win these close games has been the reliability from Boris Bede. The kicking position has been a position the Argos have struggled to get consistency from the last few years and it showed in the close games they’ve lost.
It’s also the reason why Toronto has come on top in most of their games by just a few points because they have that much faith in Bede to get the job done. He has only missed five field goals all season and in the last two games, he’s made 10.
It’s the dependability and confidence to know that he can make the kicks from 50 yards out (six so far this season) with ease that has allowed the team to come away with crucial points.
"“I told him when we brought him in here I was expecting him to hit some long field goals and he’s been a difference-maker in our season, for sure,” Dinwiddie told the Canadian Press about his kicker. “We’ve called Boris’s number anytime we feel it’s around the 50 . . . we feel like he can make those kicks. “There’ve been some times where most coaches would probably punt and we’re going for the field goal and getting three and I think he’s done a good job of keeping us in games when we’re not scoring touchdowns.”"
It makes a big difference that Bede has helped the Argos from coming away empty on some of their drives especially when the offence is struggling early. It can be deflating when a kick is missed and if you know Bede, he holds himself to a high standard.
If the rest of the team can follow his lead on Friday, it makes a Grey Cup appearance more believable as their road would get easier with a bye to the East Division final.
Friday’s game against Hamilton will no doubt be a hostile environment as Tiger-Cats fans know what’s at stake and have no problem making the trip across the QEW.
What are your thoughts on what the Argos need to do to e successful against the Tiger-Cats? Let us know in the comments below.