Still Something To Prove

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

HAMILTON –  Argos’ slotback Jeremaine Copeland still believes that despite being 33 years old, possessing two Grey Cup rings and making nine trips to the playoffs, he still feels he has something to prove.  Copeland, who was brought in as both a leader and a playmaker, is about to lead a very young and still growing receiving corps into the playoffs.

It is a role that he relishes and feels that there is no scenario more perfect for him to have a breakout game than this Sunday’s Eastern Semi-Final in Hamilton.

“I always feel that I have something to prove every time I step out on to the field,” Copeland said. “I’m going to do everything I can to show what it is like to practice and what it is like to play in the playoffs. Playoffs are a little bit different than regular season and we want some of these young guys to understand that.”

Copeland, who only dressed in one of the Argos’ three matchups with the Tiger-Cats this season, says that he has no doubt that the Argos can pull off the upset in hostile territory as long as they stick to what they know best and play sound, fundamental football.

“It’s a matter of us trying to keep the ball and not have turnovers like we did in past games against [the Tiger-Cats],” Copeland continued.  “We know we have a great team and we know that we can go out and execute and win this game.  I, personally, am just going to go out and play loose and have fun with it.”

Being loose may be the right mindset for a young team that is entering one of the sport’s most tense situations  -playing for the chance to play again next week.  Copeland is hoping that his demeanor will set the tone for the rest of the team.

“I need to go out and be the leader that I am.  I need to go out and make plays, simple as that.”

Copeland will lead a receiving corps that will be without James Robinson who dressed last week but did not play a down.  As a result, WR Brandon Rideau will dress again this week.  The other major concern for the Boatmen on the injury front is at short-side corner where rookie Sean Smalls will make his second start in place of Willie Middlebrooks.  In addition, FB Peter Quinney will dress in place of Bryan Crawford.

Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon from Ivor Wynne Stadium and can be seen on TSN or heard on The FAN590.  Be sure to stay linked to argonauts.ca throughout and then after the game for live play stats, recaps, videos, post-game reaction, wallpapers, photos and more.