Argonauts.ca staff
TORONTO – The Argonauts head to Winnipeg with a one-game winning streak to face the Bombers, who will be without a significant chunk of their offensive starters in the game. From new faces on the Argos’ sideline to the Bombers’ QB issues, here are five storylines to watch in Friday night’s game.
The Kack Attack is Back:
With Argos’ starting RB Brandon Whitaker currently on the mend, the door has opened for the 2012 Grey Cup Most Outstanding Player, Chad Kackert, to make his return to the Argonauts’ offence. Kackert was signed just after training camp to the Argos’ practice roster and will finally get a chance to crack the 46-man active roster this week. Kackert had attempted a comeback in 2014 after a stint as the Argos’ strength and condition coach, but a devastating injury delayed his return by a season. Kackert was an integral part of the Argos’ 2012 Grey Cup victory, and could provide a boost to the Argos’ run game, which has struggled in recent weeks.
Spencer Starting Strong:
With All-Star SB Chad Owens nursing a lower body injury, rookie Diontae Spencer will make his second consecutive start for the Double Blue. The diminutive receiver & return man, whose speed and elusiveness is reminiscent of Owens’ skill set, shone in his debut at the Argos’ home opener. Spencer hauled in five catches for 94 yards and a spectacular 52-yard touchdown, marking the most successful statistical debut of any receiver since Scott Milanovich took over as head coach in 2012. Though the Bombers will certainly be wary of the speedster due to his performance last week, don’t be surprised if we see some more magic from Spencer in Winnipeg.
Returning Reinforcements:
The banged-up Argonauts will receive some reinforcements this week, as players from both the six-game and one-game injured lists are set to return to the line-up. National safeties Matt Black and Jermaine Gabriel will provide a boost to the Argos’ secondary and give the defence and special teams units some ratio flexibility. Friday’s game in Winnipeg will also mark the debuts of a pair of Argos rookies in WR Kenny Shaw and DL Cam Walker. Shaw is an electric receiver out of Florida State, who GM Jim Barker believes has the talent to be a CFL starter. Walker was a third-round draft choice of the Argonauts out of Guelph, and is well-regarded for his play on special teams.
New Blood at QB in Winnipeg:
The Blue Bombers suffered a double-whammy in week seven, losing in a blowout to the Tiger-Cats and also losing starting QB Drew Willy to a leg injury which will keep him out of the line-up for at least six weeks. In his place steps Robert Marve, who is well regarded by the Bombers organization and has played well in relief of Willy at several points in 2015. While there will likely be a drop-off from Will to Marve, the Argos have also seen a lot less on film and in live-game action from the latter, giving him a certain element of surprise.
Quarterback Pressure:
With a new quarterback under centre for the Bombers, it will be imperative for the Argonauts to bring pressure early and often in an attempt to keep Marve from finding his groove. The Argos set a season-high with six quarterback sacks last week against a very mobile Brett Smith, with the defensive line accounting for five of them. Meanwhile, the Bombers have struggled to protect Willy dating back to last year, allowing the most sacks in the CFL since the beginning of 2014, including seven last week against Hamilton. Look for defensive coordinator Casey Creehan to bring the pressure on Friday.