ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – The Argos have had their fair share of long-term injuries to deal with in 2011, no more or less than any other team per say. However, one would be hard-pressed to find a unit in Double Blue that has seen more personnel amendments than the linebacking corps.
Whomever fills the three starting spots behind the defensive line is a mystery week in and week out given the frequency of bumps and bruises – and this week is no different.
Inside The Game
Jason Pottinger, who spent most of the year on the sideline himself, is about the only constant in the middle. Jordan Younger will move out of his SAM linebacker spot and rookie Nick Clement will make his first career CFL start. The two starters will be backed up by a pair of newcomers, Jasper Simmons and Javes Lewis, who will make their CFL debuts.
Why all the change one would ask? Season-ending injuries to Ejiro Kuale, Anthony Cannon and a one-game injury to Jeremy Unertl has left the Argos think in the middle of the defence, to say the least.
General Manager and Head Coach Jim Barker is taking it all in stride, however, using the recent string of injuries as a way to evaluate some of the younger talent that may be available heading into next season.
“With every dark cloud, there is a silver lining,” Barker quoted. “The silver lining for us is that guys are getting experience and we are getting a chance to see who can play and who we want to bring back next year. I don’t think our desire to win, or our preparation has suffered a bit [because of it].”
The defence isn’t the only place where the Argos may see some new faces. It is expected that newly-acquired receivers Maurice Mann and Demario Ballard will dress on Friday night. Both are big receivers who will be looking to showcase their big-play ability to a coaching staff that has made it clear that they need to improve at that position.
One thing that won’t change for the Argos is the way they intend to lean on running back Cory Boyd who, after a few quiet weeks, has put up two consecutive 100-yard performances.
A concentrated pass rush and physical play on defence are the big keys this week according to argonauts.ca’s Don Landry as he sets up the Argos’ Friday night matchup at Canad Inns Stadium against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Click here to watch video.
“He is making cuts now that he didn’t make when he first came back [from injury]. He is doing what he does; he runs angry and he is seeing holes.” “The same calls [are being made] and there hasn’t been any concerted effort [to get him the ball more]. When you have Chad Owens and you have Steven Jyles the lanes for the running back are going to open.”
The Boatmen may have evaluation, continuity and overall improvement on their to-do list heading into this game but their opponent has first place in the East Division on their mind as they sit a tie with the Montreal Alouettes heading into the final two weeks. On the line is the right to earn a bye to the East Final.
The Bombers are coming off a thrilling 26-25 comeback win over the Als and will be looking to put the pressure on their East Division foes. In order to do so, they are going to have to keep shifty tailback Chris Garrett involved and Buck Pierce off the turf.
The last time the Argos and Bombers faced off, the Bombers came out limping with Pierce and both running backs Fred Reid and Carl Volny on the shelf.
Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday night in what will be the final regular season game at Canad Inns Stadium. The game can be seen on TSN, heard on TSN Radio 1050 or followed on argonauts.ca via CFL Live Tracker.