PFEFFER’S PROBLEMS
Ronnie Pfeffer’s struggles continued on Saturday. He missed two out of his three field goal attempts, again missing both kicks to the left.
It’s been an emotional roller coaster for the Laurier product, who was on top of the world when he beat out Swayze Waters in a pre-season battle to become the Argos kicker. He won the job on merit, performing well in all three aspects of his game; punting, field goals and kickoffs.
So far, his punting has been strong, his field goal kicking, to say the least, has not been.
His first miss against Winnipeg was a momentum killer. It was a 27 yarder that came after the Argos have driven the ball 55 yards.
The Kitchener native had another attempt two possessions later. After another 55-yard drive that lasted over seven minutes, he missed a 34-yard kick, again to the left.
He’d regain a little confidence at the end of the half by hitting a 31 yarder as time expired.
If there was a saving grace to his day it’s that he didn’t let his problems off the tee affect his punting. In the second half Pfeffer had punts of 62, 61, 46, 54, and 56 yards – an impressive average of 55.8 yards. That’s a bigger deal than it may appear to be on the surface.
What’s most impressive about his second half punting performance is that he didn’t let his place kicking problems get to him mentally. There is no doubt that some kickers would have curled up in the fetal position at half time and been horrible after the break. Pfeffer didn’t do that.
Kickers can be a bit like golfers. They can get the yips on the putting green and have to work through it. Kickers can experience the same thing.
Pfeffer has the ability to bounce back and has a strong support system to help him get there. It may be worth a call to his friend and former teammate for some advice.
Lirim Hajrullahu went through a terrible time at the end of his tenure in Winnipeg. He worked his way through it and the persistence paid off. He had a great run in Toronto and celebrated the highest of highs when he kicked a last minute Grey Cup-winning field goal last November.
The two players both lean on their long-time kicking coach Ken Urquhart for advice. ‘Coach Kick’ may be an important resource for Pfeffer to get through his struggles, because he has to regain his form – and fast.
FRUSTRATION: THE SEQUEL
Long offensive drives that result in touchdowns are great for a team’s confidence. It gives the offensive line a little swagger and can be a great way to build momentum.
But there is nothing in football that can change momentum and ignite a team mentally more than a big play on defence or special teams.
When one of those units scores a touchdown it’s an even bigger adrenaline boost and is often the turning point in a team’s win.
It’s crazy to think the Argos got touchdowns from both the D and the specials and still lost.
The first huge play came with about a minute left in the first half. Kevin Fogg couldn’t handle a Pfeffer punt. It bounced into the arms of Llevi Noel, who sprinted 49 yards to the end zone, escorted by Alex Charette and Robert Woodson.
The defence recovered a fumble a few seconds later after Justin Tuggle forced the ball loose, and Pfeffer kicked field goal on the last play of the half. Eleven points in the last minute of the first half, but it would go to waste.
The forced fumble wasn’t even the biggest momentum swing the Argo D provided on Saturday.
In the third quarter, Nic Demski caught a pass and took it to the Argo 25 when Trumaine Washington moved up and knocked the ball out of his hands. It was picked up by Jermaine Gabriel who began sprinting toward the Winnipeg end zone. Quarterback Matt Nichols had a legitimate chance to get a hit on Gabriel, but he was taken out by a perfect block by Washington, who was playing in his first CFL game. The safety then finished his 87-yard touchdown sprint unhindered.
Two gigantic, unexpected plays, but the Argos still came up short.
FRUSTRATION: REDUX
It was a forgettable afternoon for the Toronto offence.
There are three straws that stir the offensive drink. James Franklin, James Wilder Jr. and S.J. Green. The numbers those three key elements amassed is a pretty good indication of why the offence struggled.
Franklin looked in command at times, uncomfortable at others. He’d end up 21/36, 58.3%, just 151 yards with no TDs and an interception.
Green caught just three catches for nine yards, his longest reception was for six yards.
Wilder carried the ball three times for -2 yards. He did contribute with a 27-yard catch late in the first half that led to a last-play FG, but the rushing totals are stunning.
Needless to say, that trio will have to be more productive for the Argos to snap out of their slump.