Argonauts.ca Staff
Toronto’s comeback fell just short on Monday night, as the Argos suffered their first loss of the 2015 season 25-20 against the defending Grey Cup Champion Calgary Stampeders. Despite the loss, there were several positives to take away from the game.
Tori Gurley is a Playmaker:
Argos’ WR Tori Gurley was a late addition to Toronto’s training camp roster, and all he’s done since is impress with a string of strong performances. Going back to the preseason opener at the University of Toronto, Gurley has now recorded four touchdown catches in his first five CFL games, including touchdown grabs in all three regular season matchups. The six-foot-four South Carolina native has played with all the poise of a veteran early in his CFL career, and would be a leading candidate for Most Outstanding Rookie honours if not for his ineligibility due to time spent in the NFL. Gurley is one of several American receivers brought into the CFL this season by the Argonauts, and has been vital to the team’s early season successes.
Impact Linebackers:
The Argonauts defence has struggled against the pass in the last two weeks, allowing over 300 passing yards to Kevin Glenn and Bo Levi Mitchell in consecutive games. A bright spot on the D has been in the linebacking corps, which seems to be in mid-season form. Linebackers Cory Greenwood, Greg Jones and Brandon Isaac combined for 17 of Toronto’s 44 tackles and one sack in Monday’s game, with all three contributing to pressure on Mitchell in the pocket. The men in the middle also kept all-star Jon Cornish in check much of the night, holding him to just 56 yards rushing and 4.0 yards per carry, with a long of only eight yards.
O-line Stood Strong:
Heading into Monday’s matchup with the Stamps, a key to the game for the Argos’ offence was to keep QB Trevor Harris on his feet and away from Calgary’s tenacious pass rush. Toronto’s offensive line did just that, allowing only one sack and neutralizing standout DE Charleston Hughes to just two defensive tackles with no hits on the QB. The Argos eventually fell short of the late comeback, but the way Toronto’s O-line handled one of the best pass-rushing teams in the league should have fans optimistic for things to come.