October 4, 2014: Edmonton vs. Toronto Argonauts

[ArgoRavi]

All the injuries this year have me wondering if the coaching staff is doing something new or if this is all just bad luck.

I don't think that the Argos have been practising differently than they have the last couple of years. I think that the injuries are just bad luck. It just happens sometime and is part of the game. Unfortunately, this is the year that the Argos get the injury bug and it doesn't look like it will leave willingly.

[paulwoods13]

The depth chart shows that we have indeed gone with the bare minimum seven nationals.

Instead of pretending that Bradwell is the starting WR, we have Smith listed as the starter at RG. I'm curious to see how much King plays.

I can't see King even dressing. An import elsewhere in the offence would have to come out and be replaced by a NAT -- only options are Bradwell or Woodson. The Sun speculates we'll see Woodson in some packages but I really doubt we will rotate starters on the o-line.

[gilthethrill]

Glad to see Rosamonda back in the lineup...I wonder if he will spy Reilly on certain plays to keep him from using his legs to make plays. Expect Mike Jones to really shore up the run defense to neutralize John White. If we force Reilly to use his arm, we should win today.

[ArgoRavi]

I can't see King even dressing. An import elsewhere in the offence would have to come out and be replaced by a NAT -- only options are Bradwell or Woodson. The Sun speculates we'll see Woodson in some packages but I really doubt we will rotate starters on the o-line.

I agree, Paul. I can't see any scenario in which King even dresses and they have two National backups along the o-line in Mitchell and Sewell. I am starting to think, btw, that we won't be seeing Cory Greenwood in Toronto this season although he would help with ratio flexibility at this point.

[Wobbler]

I can't see King even dressing.

I would not be a big fan of that decision. Smith is really just a backup at this point in his career, and has been injured a few times despite limited use this year. I would sacrifice a bit on offense (e.g. listing Bradwell as the starter again) before doing anything to compromise the OL. We have enough good receivers back that Ray just needs time to find them.

[jerrym]

With Durie injured, the Argos need to use Owens only as a receiver, unlike in BC. They have to minimize the risk of also losing him. Durie's injury could also result in Brazill getting more throws his way as he has shown some promise as a receiver (and returner), although he must hang onto to the ball - something that he failed to do twice in Calgary.

[ArgoRavi]

Glad to see Rosamonda back in the lineup...I wonder if he will spy Reilly on certain plays to keep him from using his legs to make plays.

Rosamonda is one of the two scratches along with King. Luca Congi and Brian Ramsay are scratched for Edmonton.

[jerrym]

Swayze Waters starts his kicking game with another great punt to the Eskimos goal line leaving them at the five after a short return.

[jerrym]

Owens TD! However, the Argos are still using him on punt returns. If he goes down with injury from direct injury on a return or increased wear and tear from all the extra work, the Argo offence could be a repeat of what happened when both Durie and Owens were out of the lineup earlier.

[jerrym]

The Ogopogo Monster (Okanagan Lake's mythical sea dragon) strikes again with another sack.

[jerrym]

Owens scores again! Lets keep playing Groundhog Day all over again. Brazill has already had one catch and had a defensive interference call that set up the Argos on the 15.

[jerrym]

With a 14-0 lead, the Argos refuse to do anything the easy way, giving up a TD on the return, although it sure looked like Lawrence stepped out of bounds.

[jerrym]

Swayze does it again as the Argo ground game shows up.

[jerrym]

Argo fumble followed by an opposition TD. Where have I seen this movie before? Oh yes, the Argos lead the league in fumbles.

[jerrym]

Interception, fumble, kick return for a TD. Mistakes. Mistakes. Mistakes. The story of the Argo season. They should be easily ahead but their errors bite them again and again.

[ArgoRavi]

Owens TD! However, the Argos are still using him on punt returns. If he goes down with injury from direct injury on a return or increased wear and tear from all the extra work, the Argo offence could be a repeat of what happened when both Durie and Owens were out of the lineup earlier.

You can't play this game scared though, Jerry. Owens is an enormous weapon on returns and you just have to use him there. They are no longer using him on kickoff returns.

Turnovers have been the difference between Edmonton and Toronto all season and are the difference so far in this game. Fumbles, in particular, have been an enormous issue for the Argos this season. Anyway, turnovers have accounted for a 10 to 14 point swing in this game in Edmonton's favour. Argos need to win the turnover battle in second half in order to win this game.

[jerrym]

You can't play this game scared though, Jerry. Owens is an enormous weapon on returns and you just have to use him there. They are no longer using him on kickoff returns.

Turnovers have been the difference between Edmonton and Toronto all season and are the difference so far in this game. Fumbles, in particular, have been an enormous issue for the Argos this season. Anyway, turnovers have accounted for a 10 to 14 point swing in this game in Edmonton's favour. Argos need to win the turnover battle in second half in order to win this game.

I don't see quite the acceleration that used to make Owens so dangerous as a kick or punt returner. That's why I think it's better to have him play only at receiver.

[jerrym]

Reilly kept throwing off-balance because of the Argo rush, resulting in the Argo interception on Reilly's third consecutive attempt to do so. You simply can't keep doing that and not expect to be intercepted.

[Wobbler]

I always love it when we throw to a TE (usually Z Robinson). I wish he would learn to just run upfield with the ball and challenge tacklers instead of trying to make them miss, though. He's not going to make anyone miss.

[jerrym]

Ugh! Waters has been great but that missed FG hurt.