Argos defence leading way so far this season
Stingy unit buoys an offence still finding way
As the Toronto Argonauts get poised to board their charter flight for Regina to play a rescheduled game originally planned for Saturday, the one area of optimism can be found on defence.
Offensively, the team’s inability to finish off drives with touchdowns continues to plague the unit, no returner has emerged and the kicking game can use consistency.
There was no run game to speak of last week when the Argos and Riders were pitted in the Touchdown Atlantic event an no offensive touchdowns produced in the second half.
The Argos won the game 30-24 because the defence recorded five sacks and produced three interceptions, including the game-winner on a pick six.
At some point during the season, the ultimate goal is to have all phases operating at a high level.
Heading into Sunday’s date versus the Riders, the Argos can find solace in knowing they can hang their proverbial hat on the play of the defence.
When the season began with a home visit by Montreal, first-year defensive co-ordinator Corey Mace oversaw a unit that couldn’t get off the field. Oddly enough, on the season’s opening drive, the Argos forced a quick two and out. The more reps players got, the better the unit began to play.
While it’s far from a finished product and big plays were yielded last week at Acadia, Toronto’s defence is trending in the right direction.
Sunday’s rematch looms more of a grudge match given the shenanigans of last Saturday’s matinee mayhem.
Argos defensive back Jamal Peters was ejected late when he was flagged for his second misconduct penalty.
In supplementary discipline handed down by the league, Riders receiver Duke Williams was given a onegame suspension for tossing a helmet at Argos defensive back Shaq Richardson, who was fined half of a pay cheque for his actions.
In addition, Argos defensive lineman Eli Mencer was suspended one game for making derogatory comments toward an official. Mencer was the victim of a hellacious tourist hit that went unnoticed by the officials. He suffered a concussion on the play.
In effect, the league gave Williams and Mencer a onegame suspension.
The fact remains Williams’ act was far more egregious and deserved a harsher penalty. Unsavory words are expressed on virtually every play by players toward an official. The official in question was a female, as if gender should matter.
Without coming out and saying it publicly, on the surface it would appear the CFL did allow gender to play a factor.
Regardless, the Argos will need their defence to play well Sunday.
The one area the unit must clean up is how it defends running back Jamal Morrow, who has emerged as the Riders’ top offensive threat.
One-time Argos quarterback Cody Fajardo is nursing a sore knee, but he didn’t seem to have any ill effects when running full speed without any hint of a gimp trying to track down Wynton Mcmanis, who returned an interception 50 yards for the winning score. Fajardo tested positive for COVID.
Had Saturday’s game been played on schedule, he would not have been able to pass the protocols. He can now if available. But that’s another story best reserved for another day when hopefully all the facts are gathered.
The fact is the Argos defence is in a position where it can shoulder more of a burden as the offence and special teams, it’s hoped, can get better.
Mcmanis broke into the CFL in Calgary. At the time, Mace served as defensive line coach.
Mace recalled following Friday’s practice how the Stamps first auditioned Mcmanis at rush end before deciding linebacker would be his home on defence.
Mace knew of Chris Edwards, having watched the linebacker suit up in the West for Edmonton and B.C. before Edwards signed with the Argos last off-season in free agency. Edwards became a league all-star.
He sat out the opening three games of the 2022 season following a suspension.
Sunday’s game will be the second for Edwards under Mace.
“He brought that energy,” said Mace of Edwards. “He holds guys accountable and he’s a playmaker waiting to happen. We’re all pretty pleased to have C.E. back in the building.”
Perhaps Edwards will even be used in the return game, something he dabbled with last season.
Mace played the game and knows the key for any co-ordinator is to put players in the right position to maximize their skill set.
Having Edwards back only provides Mace with more options in dialing different schemes.
“He’s coming off an allstar season for a reason because he’s a talented player,” added Mace. “It certainly helps to have him on your team.”
CAGE IS A NO-GO
One game into his return and Isiah Cage will be back on the sideline, paving the way for Trevon Tate to line up at left tackle in Regina.
Last week against the Riders, Cage played for the first time since the 2019 season. The game rust was obvious.
At Friday’s practice, Cage wasn’t able to take part in any activities.
An ankle injury kept Cage from playing for the entire 2021 season.
He got dinged in pre-season this year against Hamilton, forcing Cage to miss the Argos’ opening three games.
“Isiah will be down this week,” said head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. “Unfortunately he had a setback from his previous injury. Time to go with Tate and we feel like Tate will do a good job.”