Argonauts.ca staff
The Argos will take on the Lions later today in a matchup of 2-1 teams, with both sides able to to grab first place in the division with a win. Here are five storylines to watch when the two teams kick off at 10:00 p.m.
Tori Gurley, Steady Early:
The Argonauts entered the 2015 season with a host of new faces at receiver, including three new starters in Tori Gurley, Vidal Hazelton and Kevin Elliott. All three currently rank in the top five CFL rookies in terms of receiving yards, but the biggest standout so far has been Gurley, who now has touchdown catches in each of the Argos three regular season games. Gurley is a matchup nightmare at 6’5, and has been a favourite target of Harris in the red zone. Though Gurley is ineligible for a CFL rookie award due to his time in the NFL, his stellar play through three weeks hasn’t gone unnoticed around the league. It remains to be seen whether teams will begin to pay closer attention to the former Gamecock, but until they do, expect Gurley to continue to hit paydirt.
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Related: Argos at Lions |
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ARTICLE: Vince Agnew showing his versatility |
Pfeffer’s Punting Prowess:
When the Argos lost All-Star K/P Swayze Waters to injury in the first week of 2015, it was considered a serious blow to Toronto’s special teams. Some were still holding their breath when Toronto announced the signing of rookie K/P Ronnie Pfeffer, as he had big shoes to fill. Thus far, Pfeffer has performed admirably in Waters’ stead, leading the CFL in net punt yardage with 44.9 yards gained per punt, while hitting four of seven field goal attempts and all five point after tries. The fact that the youngest kicker in the CFL made his debut at Mosaic Stadium in Saskatchewan, historically one of the roughest venues for opposing players, only emphasizes how good the 23-year-old has been for the Argos. This week, Pfeffer will move to the kicker-friendly confines of the dome at B.C. Place, where he’ll look to continue what is a strong start to his professional career.
Linebacking Duos:
Much of the talk in the lead-up to Friday’s matchup has revolved around B.C. linebacking duo of Adam Bighill and Solomon Elimimian, and for good reason. The two linebackers rank third and fourth in the CFL in tackles, respectively, and are widely considered some of the best in the league at their position. But the Argos have a couple aces of their own in the linebacking corps, as Cory Greenwood and Greg Jones have made their presence known early in 2015. The two players combined for 15 of the Argos 44 tackles in a week three matchup with the Stampeders, and Jones has now recorded at least eight tackles in two consecutive games. The Lions have one of the league’s best at tailback in RB Andrew Harris, and strong performances from Greenwood and Jones will be paramount in keeping the B.C. run game in check on Friday.
Red Zone Success:
Through three weeks of action, the Argonauts have found tremendous success in the red zone. Harris and the Argos offence have found themselves within 20 yards of paydirt 10 times in the first three games, converting eight of those possessions for touchdowns – a mark which leads the CFL. Coaches always talk about taking advantage of opportunities and that’s exactly what the Argonauts offence has done early in the 2015 season. Harris and the Argos will look to continue the trend on Friday against a Lions team that has surrendered nine touchdowns so far this season, third-most in the CFL.
Vince Agnew – The Argos’ ‘Safety’ Valve:
The Argonauts will start their third different safety in three weeks on Friday, as international DB Vince Agnew will take the reins after injuries plagued national regular safeties Jermaine Gabriel and Matt Black. Agnew enters his second season with the Argonauts after playing a similar role in 2014, bouncing between positions in the secondary due to his steady, versatile nature. Agnew has already played at two positions this season, filling in for DB Brandon Underwood at halfback in week two and seeing time at safety in week three. With the stellar play of Lions’ QB Travis Lulay this season, Agnew will likely have his hands full in his first start of the season.