ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO — Each week, argonauts.ca showcases one of the marquee matchups for fans to watch out for before the Argos next game. This week, we take a look the two players who once called one another best friends, and now wear different jerseys.
Identical 40-yard performances in his first two games with the Argos are perhaps lower than expected numbers from Jeremaine Copeland. That said, early on this season the Boatmen are already seeing a return on their investment from the veteran slotback.
Almost instantaneously, Copeland has become the undisputed vocal leader of this group, perhaps taking the reins from the now-departed DE Jonathan Brown. Similar to Lewis, Copeland is rarely short on words and that is just the way the Argos players and coaching staff like it.
With a young, transitioning team such as this one, Copeland’s leadership has proved invaluable. Last week against Winnipeg he showed that he doesn’t always need to be the big-play receiver to help make an impact.
Two of his three receptions came at very crucial times, during drives where, if not for his catch, the possibility of scoring would have been nullified. None bigger than an 18-yard snag he made on a 2nd and 10 situation which set up a Cleo Lemon touchdown option run four plays later.
To the casual observer, Copeland may be hovering under the radar but if his first nine seasons in the CFL are any indication, it is not a question of if he will have a breakout game but when.
Never short on words, last week Nik Lewis sparked a mini trash-talk-fest between former teammate, and current Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ placekicker, Sandro DeAngelis. Nobody is sure if he will duplicate that tactic this week with another outspoken former teammate, Jeremaine Copeland, but we will see how the next few days unfold.
Lewis may speak his mind a little too much for some people’s liking, but he sure speaks even louder on the field. A tough, physical receiver, Lewis provides the Calgary offence with a go-to weapon that becomes all the more important since the departure of Copeland and the injury to WR Ken-Yon Rambo.
Lewis has had a solid opening two games in 2010, producing 142 yards and a touchdown on 12 receptions. Despite being held under 100 yards in both contests, there is no doubting Lewis’ big-play ability. With 19 career 100-yard games on his stats sheet, he is undoubtedly the most threatening receiver the Stamps possess.
The threat he posses to opposing defences is not just limited to his ability to rack up yardage. The 205-pound Southern Arkansas product is a proven downfield blocker both in the running and passing game, and he will not shy away from laying a big hit on a would-be tackler. Argos fans are still trying to forget the licking he laid on former LB Zeke Moreno last season at Rogers Centre. It made the highlight reel roll more than just a few times.