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 that not only have a position in common but a city in common as well.
Rookie RB Cory Boyd was brought into Argos training camp as the replacement for Jamal Robertson and he has yet to disappoint. In direct contrast to Robertson, Boyd started the year slow before putting out 109 and 142-yard performances, respectively, in the last two weeks.
The South Carolina product’s ability to move the pile and attack the line of scrimmage has not only kept the Argos in football games but been an instrumental part of their success in recent weeks. His running style may be unconventional, especially when he gets in the open field, but Boyd’s ability to punish opposing defenders, especially late in games, could pay dividends down the stretch as the Argos hope to contend for a playoff spot.
In the meantime, he will be going up against an experienced Lions front four led by veterans DE Brent Johnson and DT Aaron Hunt. Both would like nothing more than to hault Boyd’s two-game 100-yard rushing streak at two games.
The last time Jamal Robertson hit Rogers Centre turf, he was capping off his first career 1,000 yard season. He was one of the few bright spots in two rather lackluster seasons for the Argos. Fast forward to 2010 and Robertson now makes his return to Toronto, only this time as a member of the B.C. Lions.
His week 1 performance against Edmonton was more than impressive, putting 168 rushing yards and a touchdown. It was not the least bit surprising for fans that had followed his CFL career prior to moving out west.
The last two weeks, however, haven’t been as strong for Robertson. Falling behind early (especially in Week 2) led to the Lions abandoning the run for the most part. Despite scoring a touchdown last week on a swing pass, Robertson has only generated 60 yards on 16 carries in the last two ball games.
The veteran back will be looking to make a sweet homecoming for himself. It will not be easy going up against an Argos defence that has allowed only 187 yards to opposing tailbacks through three games this season, and 60 yards in the last two weeks.