ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO –Toronto Argonauts quarterback Cleo Lemon is ready to forget about last week and right some wrongs this Saturday when the Argos head into Winnipeg trying to clinch their first playoff berth since 2007.
Despite the Argos’ poor offensive showing last week versus Hamilton, one that saw Lemon pass for only 159 yards and turn the ball over 4 times, the loss was just that – a loss. Now the focus has to turn to Winnipeg; something Lemon has had some help with courtesy of his coach and biggest supporter, Jim Barker.
“You have to respect Coach,” Lemon said. “He has put the time in and he is doing whatever it takes to bring us to the next level.”
Lemon’s admiration for the Argos sideline boss goes far beyond the patience that Barker has shown in the CFL rookie. This week, Barker took a some extra time to focus specifically on the offence, especially Lemon, in hopes of turning an offence around that many would argue has regressed in the second half of the season.
“He has been on us all week, in meetings and on the practice field, just making sure that we are on top of the small details,” Lemon continued.
Barker insists that his increased involvement this week is by no means an attempt to completely revamp the offence, nor is he trying to take any responsibility away from offensive coordinator Jaime Elizondo. Rather, it’s to ensure that he has an understanding of where the team stands and where they are headed at the season’s most crucial point.
“We are not going to change anything; Jaime is still going to call the plays, I am just giving them another set of eyes and offering some suggestions,” Barker said.
The reality for the Boatmen is that clinching a playoff spot is not relevant if they can’t do damage when they get there. The defence and special teams have had solid outputs for the majority of the season but the offence remains a work in progress and if Barker’s role needs to expand slightly in order to produce a better offensive performance then that is something he is more than willing to do.
“We played poorly against Hamilton and we need to find out what the issues are. I have just involved myself more on that side of the ball [offence] and were at a point now where I feel that there are some things I might be able to help in.”
The Argos’ offensive obstacles are well documented but their defence enters Saturday’s matchup playing arguably their best football. It is something they will have to continue without DT Kevin Huntley this week. The towering defensive lineman, who leads the Argos in sacks, is on the Argos’ 46-man roster but Barker confirmed Thursday afternoon that he will not dress. As a result, DE Ben Ishola will make his 2010 regular season debut with DE Alex Buzbee moving inside to take Huntley’s spot.
Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m. ET at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg and can be seen on TSN or heard on The FAN590.