Game 9 Preview – Montreal at Toronto
Firstly let’s start with the CFL’s campaign on Diversity. It was in the works for a while but sped up when the world news was captivated by the hate and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. Not only is it important that this article lead with something bigger than the game but the CFL shifted a major campaign into overdrive and launched early which shows you the effort the CFL has put into branding the league and using the cool platforms of social media. I’m just waiting for my t-shirt to arrive and at 20$ I’m excited to put it on and rep the CFL and not just my hometown team.’
Oh, Oh Line, Let’s Figure It Out
Any conversation about the Argos Quarterbacks should start to focus on the Offensive Line. I’m not highlighting any of the men on the OL, it’s a team effort and they are under the spotlight. Ray isn’t going to be mobile and he needs to stay off the grass in his return from injury. I know the play book may call for more quick plays to make Ray pass and hand off the ball earlier, but you can’t dink and dunk all game long. He and any Argonaut QB needs time to deliver the long ball. It’s what every team in the West has delivered and it’s a staple of the CFL game.
Who’s On First?
Ricky Ray is listed as the starter and practice reports indicated he was throwing pain free for three days. That’s great and once again Cody Fajardo is listed in the #2 slot. I can’t understand what has happened to Fajardo’s throwing motion or touch. Last year I looked at him as a made for the CFL kind of QB. He can run for a gain but he can shift the pocket just like Matt Nichols can and shake up the coverage. This would be two games in a row Fajardo has tried to blast every pass he made. I think it’s confidence more than game planning and getting him to relax and check on a few receivers before deciding it has to be laser to his first read for a play to work has to be planted in his helmet.
Twitterverse Told Me I’m Wrong
I dived in last game on Twitter and felt Jeff Matthews deserved more than just one half to figure things out. Football is a complicated game and in the CFL there is a tendency to make changes at QB far too easily. Now it didn’t get nasty but everyone was talking about the poor performance by Jeff Matthews and that Trestman backed it up by letting folks know that the starting QB wasn’t seeing what they had schemed. Now yes they were right but half a game just doesn’t seem right when it comes to not only the game you are playing but preparing and being better for the next game. How much better would Matthews be if he had the whole game? How does he take being the #3 QB and if they do need to start Fajardo does he only get one half if he struggles?
Montreal Is Scrappy
Be honest, what aspect of Montreal’s game do you think they dominate in? which part of their game is great? I’m going to say there isn’t one aspect of their team that shines but this is the great part of what they are doing. They are scrappy , their veteran QB Darian Durant manages games to win with-out any concern for his stats and the defense didn’t give up a big play last week. The biggest play the Argos had was a 30 yard run.
Fantasy World
Last week I went with Tyrell Sutton and he lead the offence on both teams. This week I’m expecting the Argos to establish Jeff Fuller as an option to open up S.J. Green. Green is a quiet pro but now this has been two games where double teams are on him and he knows it takes a threat on the other side of the field to give him room. Expecting S.J. Green to run east-west to get open is just not fair.
The Extra Point
Khalil Paden who was ahead of Malcolm Williams on the receiver depth chart ends up being cut from the team and bumps Williams into a starting role. I’m really excited to see what Linden Gaydosh can bring to the DL. He’s got NFL playing experience and is much bigger than Wynn and Finley in the middle. I’m expecting the depth chart to be thrown out the window if Gaydosh plays well.
The Extra, Extra Point
The CNE is on, go early and enjoy it. If you try to time it for the 4:00pm start then remember the CNE has ramped up security and you should expect delays.
The Game Plan
| Kickoff: | 4:00 PM ET | BMO Field |
| TV & Online: | TSN | |
| Radio: | TSN 1050 & SirusXM 167 | |
By Peter T. Kourtis
The Argos Admirals 
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