ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

TORONTO – Heading into the regular season, much was made about the Argonauts’ non-import depth on defence. Afterall, they boasted a former CFL Most Outstanding Canadian at rush end in Ricky Foley and two of the more consistent linebackers in the league in Kevin Eiben and Jason Pottinger.  Injuries, however, sidelined two thirds of the Argos’ linebacking corps and what once was an overwhelming amount of Canadian starters turned into a 9-game list robust with high calibre Canadian talent.

As a result, it has been the homegrown talent on the offensive side of the ball that has shined thus far.

Argos GM & Head Coach Jim Barker has been very clear on his stance regarding the importance of Canadian talent, not only at depth positions but in the starting lineup as well.  The biggest non-import beneficiary of Barker’s philosophy has been Andre Durie who is having a career year and is on pace to rack up over 800 receiving yards, and more than 1,600 all-purpose yards, come season’s end.  

Durie currently leads Toronto in receiving with 34 catches for 364 yards and a touchdown but the most telling stats could be his Yards Per Catch and his Yards After Catch (YAC).  The hybrid tailback and slotback is currently averaging just under 11 yards per catch – not bad for a player used sparingly as a deep threat.  He is sixth in the CFL, first on the team, in YAC yards with 211 which is an average of nearly 30 YAC per game through the first eight games. His ability to elude defenders and fight for first down yardage has paid dividends for an Argos offence that primarily uses the former York star on swing patterns to help open up a passing game that has seen its fair share of struggles.

Durie’s play has been well documented and some are even starting to suggest that he could soon be put in the conversation for the East Division nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian. Two of Durie’s non-import Double Blue teammates, Spencer Watt and Mike Bradwell, have also stepped their games up in recent weeks as the Argos continue to try and turn their season around.

While Watt’s progression has been well documented, Bradwell had his most productive game in recent memory two weeks ago in Hamilton when he led the Argos in receptions with 8 and was second in yardage with 67.  A tough 8-yard snag last week versus Saskatchewan set the Argos up on the goal line which led to a Cory Boyd touchdown one play later.  The numbers aren’t staggering but it has been consistent production out of a player who has often been nagged by injuries.

“He is showing [in the game] what we have seen in practice since we got here,” Barker said last week prior to their contest with the Roughriders.  “When the pressure was on…in the game last week and the quarterback felt comfortable going to him.  He is a very versatile player; he can play outside and he can play slot. He is a physical blocker and is becoming a lot more consistent catching the ball.  He is coming into his own as a legitimate CFL receiver.”

Bradwell’s stock has risen among Double Blue followers not only because of his involvement in the offence but the timing of his catches. It’s something that can also be said for the carries by veteran Jeff Johnson in recent weeks.

Johnson has only been given the ball three times in the last two games but has made the most of each opportunity, averaging over 10 yards on each run.  Johnson, who is used along with Durie to rest starter Boyd, put the Argos in scoring range two weeks in a row on second and long situations with runs between the offensive right guard and tackle in two straight games.

The carries don’t come every series but they are crucial to Barker’s club, not only in the yards gained but the flexibility it gives the Boatmen with the import ratio.

“When Cory had a problem with his helmet, Jeff Johnson stepped in and ripped off a 23-yard gain.  That’s what those guys do and that is why we don’t dress Chad Kackert.  To dress to American running backs when you have Canadians backs like Bryan Crawford, Jeff Johnson and Andre Durie, it just doesn’t make a lot of ratio sense,” Barker said.

Veterans like Johnson and younger players like Watt and Bradwell give Barker a unique blend of developed non-imports and growing projects that he only hopes get better as they get worked into the offence a little more.

“Our Canadian talent is getting better and we know that in this league you have to have quality Canadians. You have to have some that can play for you and some that you can continue grooming and be able to play for you in the future.”