Argonauts’ defence still in state of flux
Lineup shuffling continues as team with CFL’S worst record takes on B.C. Lions
VANCOUVER Former Toronto Argonauts QB Rickey Foggie’s cousin will make his CFL debut, veteran Bear Woods is on the injured list, Eric Striker will start for the first time at linebacker, while Ian Wild makes his first start in the middle.
And the turbulence surrounding the Argos’ defence continues.
Of the 22 players to dress on the defensive side of the football for Saturday night’s matchup against the host B.C. Lions, only four were with Corey Chamblin when his defence helped the Argos to the 2017 Grey Cup title.
For frustrated fans — and that’s a pretty charitable way of describing their true feelings about this franchise — two years ago seems like an eternity.
What they remember more than anything are the six wins this club has produced since that improbable title against Calgary.
For those who have lost count, the Argos have played 31 games in the interim.
Of the 11 players listed on the team’s six-game injured list — which includes Zach Collaros — eight line up on defence, with the Bear Man its latest casualty.
Juwan Foggie is considered an athletic linebacker whose cousin, Rickey Foggie, played for both the Lions and the Argos.
Rickey Foggie is arguably the greatest backup quarterback three-down football has ever seen, a free spirit who had a big arm, an equally big smile on his face and quick feet.
Jonathon Mincy returns to the CFL and injures both his groin and hand in his first game.
He goes on the six-game injured list.
Remember also, the Argos are in cap purgatory and any player assigned to the six-game list doesn’t count against the cap, whether the injury is real or not.
With the CFL’S trade deadline kicking in next Wednesday, the direction of this club will be made even clearer.
A loss to the Leos and the Argos officially are eliminated from the post-season for the second year in a row.
Anthony Covington returns to corner following a lengthy injury absence.
“We’re down a little bit,” said Chamblin when a reporter reminded the head coach of the team’s inexperienced linebacking unit, which includes a global player and three Canadians whose primary role is on special teams.
The good news, if there is any, is on the offensive side, where there are no changes.
The problem offensively has been scoring points.
Thirteen games into a season and only once have the Argos surpassed 30 points.
“Whether it’s injuries or whatever, it’s the next guy up,” said Chamblin in expressing a refrain football coaches often use when injuries strike. “But you do want to find that level of consistency.”
Injuries, performance related, schematic, it’s been a constant struggle to develop any kind of consistency on defence.