Tottering Argos face critical series against Ticats
Chance to make move in meat of schedule
TORONTO • During Robbie Smith’s brief time in the CFL, he has suited up in big moments.
The biggest arrived last fall when the Toronto Argonauts played host to Hamilton in the East final with a berth in the Grey Cup at stake.
The football stakes won’t be as big Friday night when the two rivals hook up once again in this never-ending series that will thankfully culminate on Labour Day.
Too many meetings in too short of a time frame is the stuff of sheer nonsense, but Smith can’t control the schedule.
He can control how he plays and Smith realizes the gravity of this moment.
“We need this one, we need it,” the third-year product of Laurier said in summing up Friday’s tilt. “There’s no other way of looking at it.
“It’s a divisional opponent and we’re entering a stretch of playing against divisional opponents. We have to start this sequence off right and win a bunch of games. To be honest, we need to win all these games and cement ourselves as a first-place team.
“We’re 4-5, but we need to come out with a win, especially against Hamilton. We’re playing them backto-back again and we need to beat them in the series. We’re aiming to get two, but for sure we need to get this one.”
Smith will start at rush end for an injured Ja’gared Davis.
Brandon Barlow and Julian Mcleod will dress as backups, each playing in Hamilton two weeks ago when they made their season debuts.
In the same game, Smith recorded his first-career interception when he tipped an attempt by Matthew Shiltz.
Smith has filled in when Shane Ray was sidelined with an injury, but his approach never changes knowing he’s always one snap away from entering the fray.
His teammates gave Smith the football he intercepted in Hamilton. For now, he’s keeping it at his locker.
“We’ll see what I’ll do with it once the season ends,” added Smith. “First ever. That’s huge for me.”
On the play, Smith lined up at left end.
“I knew it was an RPO (run-pass option) and I saw a running back come out (of the backfield). They always coach you to put your hands up. I batted it and saw it. It was kind of surprising. I went up, got it, eyes down field.”
Smith was thinking touchdown.
“I can’t lie,” he said sheepishly. “I saw the green grass. I took a couple of peeks to my right. Hindsight is always 20/20. Next time I’ll make that play.”
There may not be a next time for players and even coaches if the Argos lose Friday.
These are tense times for the Argos and something must give.
“I told the guys that we all know what’s at stake here,” said head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. “Just for the (season) series (against Hamilton) and to get back on track. I told them big games can’t be more than what it is because it’s just football.
“But we have to understand the importance of it. We can’t play tight. It’s no different than going into a playoff game. It’s a big game, but at the same time you look forward to those opportunities. I think it’s a great opportunity for us to get a win and start feeling better about ourselves as a football club.”
Discipline is much improved, special teams and defence are holding up.
“Offensively we’re not very good right now,” admitted Dinwiddie. “We have to figure out ways to score more points and help those guys to get a win.”
LEAKE FEELS FINE
Javon Leake was used in the return game and got reps out of the backfield in his return to the lineup last week following a six-week injury absence after the first-year Argo hurt his hamstring in practice.
And every so often, Leake and A.J. Ouellette were in the backfield together.
Mind you, the Argos didn’t run the ball much.
In fact, the team’s leading rusher was backup pivot Chad Kelly.
“I was happy to be out there healthy and running around trying to make plays,” said Leake, who will get his first taste of the Argos-ticats rivalry Friday night.
Other than the normal soreness of playing, Leake said his hamstring felt fine.
Losing Andrew Harris to a season-ending pec injury hurts.
“We just have to step up,” said Leake, who can also catch passes. “Andrew is giving us great coaching points.”
The Argos have lost two in a row and now face a homeand-away set with Hamilton before Toronto then visits Ottawa twice to end the month of September.
Toronto won’t play a home game after Friday until Oct. 8.
“We need to quiet the distractions,” said Leake. “We need to really lock in on our playbook and come out and play. “I don’t feel we need to do too much different. Lock in and be mentally sound, make no mistakes and play fundamental football.”