Argonauts.ca staff
TORONTO – Week nine in the CFL concluded with the Argonauts returning home once again to take on their divisional foes, the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Here are five things to watch for in tonight’s matchup at Rogers Centre:
East Division Rivalry Renewed:
So far in 2015 the Argonauts have almost exclusively faced West Division foes, and today’s matchup with the REDBLACKS will be just the second time Toronto has faced a team in their own division. While 2014 saw the West dominate the East to the tune of a 28-12 record, 2015 has been a much different story, with the Argonauts and Tiger-Cats boasting a combined 9-2 record against the West Divison through nine weeks. With such a competitive division, there is a possibility of an East crossover come playoff time, but the Argos would do well to capitalize on their opportunities against divisional foes.
Linebackers Returning:
Another week for the Argonauts, another shot in the arm in the form of injured players returning to the line-up. This week, linebackers Cory Greenwood and Thomas Miles are returning to the fold and giving the Argos a boost on defence. In his first full season with the Argonauts, Greenwood has gotten better every week, but was sidelined with a concussion following the Argos loss to the Tiger-Cats in week six. Despite missing two games, Greenwood currently ranks fourth on the Argonauts in tackles with 20, and will boost Toronto’s run defence. Miles meanwhile saw his second CFL season put in jeopardy following a wrist injury in training camp. The former Manitoba Bison recorded six special teams tackles in his rookie season in 2014, and will make his 2015 debut on Sunday.
Keeping Pace:
As previously mentioned, the East Division has found great success in 2015, with three of the four teams currently boasting a winning record. Hamilton and Toronto have both looked like elite CFL teams, with the Alouettes and REDBLACKS nipping at their heels. While the two East playoff teams in 2014 snuck in at .500, it’s highly unlikely that same record will provide a playoff berth this season. With the majority of their remaining games in 2015 against divisional opponents, the Argos playoff hopes will essentially be based on how they perform against the REDBLACKS, Alouettes, and Ticats.
Vidal is Vital:
The Argonauts offence has been blessed with a trio of exceptional rookie receivers in Kevin Elliott, Tori Gurley, and Vidal Hazelton in 2015. While Gurley leads the pack with five touchdowns, it’s been Hazelton who has proved to be QB Trevor Harris’ favourite target. The former Cincinnati Bearcat enters week nine tied for the lead in catches with 34, and sits third overall with 446 receiving yards, while adding three touchdowns. Those numbers put him on pace for 87 catches, 1146 yards and seven touchdowns on the season, ranking among the CFL’s elite pass catchers. Perhaps most importantly, Hazelton has found a way to score timely touchdowns, as all three of his scores have come in Argos’ wins.
Dynamic Backfield Duo:
Last week saw the return of RB Chad Kackert to the Argonauts line-up, as veteran Brandon Whitaker was forced to miss his first game of the season. The former 2012 Grey Cup MVP injected life into an Argos’ run game which had struggled in recent weeks, tallying 73 yards on the ground with his tenacious downhill-running style. Whitaker returns to the line-up this week, and he and Kackert will form a formidable tandem in Toronto’s backfield. While the two have slightly different running style, both are well-regarded for their ability to block in the passing game, and will give the Argos a couple different looks on offence.