ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
Argos quarterback Cody Pickett made a statement last game – a statement heard by the Argos coaches and fans alike. To say that he shredded the B.C. Lions defence in his first start of 2009 is perhaps a little overzealous, but the third-year pivot showed that he has made strides since he last took the reigns for the Double Blue.
Last season, Pickett made his first two CFL starts in back-to-back weeks against the Calgary Stampeders. Pickett played admirably in both contests, completing 76 passes for 424 yards but could not produce a major. Following the two games, Pickett was back on the Argos’ sideline, supporting the team’s original starter Kerry Joseph.
I was encouraged by what Cody did tonight. I still have to look at the film but I think he made a statement tonight 
.
– Head Coach Bart Andrus about QB Cody Pickett
Despite the heart-breaking loss on Friday, Pickett looked more poised, calm and in control of the Argos offence than he did almost a year ago. Partially due to the improved play of the offensive line, Pickett seemed a lot more decisive, keying in on his targets and delivering the ball with assurance.
After Friday’s contest, Head Coach Bart Andrus seemed pleased with the play of his young pivot, “I was encouraged by what Cody did tonight. I still have to look at the film but I think he made a statement tonight. He got the ball out, he didn’t turn it over and that was an ideal performance. We would like to score more touchdowns obviously, but we will hopefully get there eventually”.
Pickett finished the game with 25 completions for 326 yards and one touchdown. He would have added another one and possibly put the game out of reach had his fourth-quarter touchdown pass to WR Reggie McNeal not been interrupted by a holding call.
Although happy with his performance, he knows that he and the rest of the Argos offence left points on the field. “The offensive line played great, Jamal (Robertson) did a great job of chipping and checking down, the receivers did a good job of getting open for me but we need to figure out a way to get together and get touchdowns. We got down there (in the red zone) a lot of times but didn’t come away with sevens”.
Although rather inexperienced, Pickett handled the media like a veteran following Friday night’s tough loss. When asked about how he felt regarding his strong play, Pickett did not lose sight of the collective goal.
“We didn’t win”, Pickett said affirmatively. “You are never satisfied when you don’t win games and we just need to find away to come together as a team”.
Pickett has been named the likely starter for the club’s next game versus Calgary at Rogers Centre on August 28.