ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA – Veteran receiver Jeremaine Copeland insists that there will be no drop off in effort when he and his team take the field Friday night versus Calgary. In spite of the team not having a playoff run, there is still much for the Double Blue to prove.
“We have three of our last games at home and we have to focus on dominating at the house. Whenever somebody comes into the Dome we have to make sure that when they leave they are going to be battered and bruised and we leave everything on the field.”
Dominating at home is one thing, but building consistency and showcasing talent for next season is another must on the Argos’ to-do list. It is something that many would assume is geared towards the younger players on the squad, but Copeland states that even the veterans are motivated for the final four games of the season.
“You are paid to play 18 games minimum and it doesn’t matter what your record is. Whether you are winning or losing, you should be thankful that you are allowed to go out there and step on the field because there are a lot of people that would love to be in your position, so it doesn’t take any extra spark for me.”
Copeland is the leader of an Argos receiving corps that has taken a strong part of the blame for the club’s 3-11 season. Perhaps the best way to open up the struggling passing game is to try and re-develop an often potent rushing attack early in games.
Much has been made about Cory Boyd’s production or lack thereof. Plays have been called his way, to the tune of 23 last week, but opposing defensive formations have forced Jyles to pull the ball and throw – or take it himself. Recent opponents have overloaded the box and effectivly taken away any viable rushing lanes,
In three career games against the Stamps, Boyd has racked up 274 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 45 carries, while averaging just over six yards per carry.
In 2010, the South Carolina product’s breakout game came against the Stamps, rushing 20 times for 142 yards and a major. His 100-yard performance to kick off the 2011 season helped catapult the Argos to a win.
The players at Jyles’ disposal remain relativly the same as last week. WR/KR Andre Durie continues to be a question mark with a nagging injury that has kept him in the lineup but limited to spectator status in recent weeks.
Argonauts.ca columnist Don Landry talks about what to look for in the Argos’ Week 16 matchup with the Calgary Stampeders. Click here to watch video.
Newly acquired receivers Maurice Mann and DeMario Ballard have been listed on the 46-man roster but Barker mentioned Wednesday that it is unlikely Mann would play given the short week. If Mann and Ballard do not play, it opens up an import spot – now that Prechae Rodriguez has been released – that could possibly be filled by RB Chad Kackert or another defensive back.
Barker mentioned Thursday that he would not be opposed to the idea of dressing both Kackert and Boyd at the same time before the year is done but wouldn’t confirm if this week would see both rushers share the backfield.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Rogers Centre on Friday night. This also marks the seventh year of the Wendy’s Kick For A Million Finals. For tickets, please call 416-341-ARGO (2746) or click here to purchase online.