The 0-3 boatmen paddle into dangerous waters Friday night when they visit River City to take on the high-flying Winnipeg Blue Bombers and their perfect 3-0 record. The Bombers cruise into this dog fight as -15 point favorites, while the xx point total might be reflecting the Argonauts inability to score on offense. Week 5 action continues Friday night with the kickoff in Winnipeg slated for 8:30 Eastern time.
Toronto Argos Overview
The Argos are coming off their best performance of the year which sadly was an 18-17 loss to the lowly BC Lions. The offense looked a little better with Bethel-Thompson under center last week, but ultimately it was still on the pitiful side. The Argo offense only managed to score one major and a field goal throughout the game with the other points coming from Chris Rainey kick returns. The Bombers should be feeling confident after going into Ottawa last week and humbling a pretty good team 29-14. That score is a little deceiving because Ottawa was never really in it, the Bombers controlled the game from start to finish. These two teams used to play really close games decided by field goals when Winnipeg was in the East division, but since the move to the West, Winnipeg has transcended into a perennial powerhouse. The Bombers been covering at home and away against the Argos going 7-3 ATS in the last ten meetings.
Toronto has a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball as well as a competent coach in Corey Chamberlin; there is no reason for that unit to be struggling like it is. They did play a solid half of football in game-one against the Ti-cats, but was put in bad spots so often by their offense they eventually caved in. To have any chance of winning Friday night, the Argos will need an outstanding performance by their defense and special teams. The offense will not be magically fixed over the week and will show up just as inept as it has been all year, but they have to find a way to at least move the chains like they did last week and not completely lose the field position battle, or this one will be over early.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Overview
Winnipeg has to stay out of the trap, that’s it, and they should win. Matt Nichols has had forever and a day in the pocket to find open receivers and move the ball downfield, that should continue this week behind the same O-line they’ve been rolling with since week one. The Bomber offense is not a thing of beauty by any means, but it gets things done. The real strength in Winnipeg is with Willie Jefferson and the defense. There are some number crunchers out there that suggest D-linemen are overrated and I get that, but Willie J. is a special player, and it’s not only his ability to rush the QB that makes him elite, but it’s also his ability to knock down passes. The guy is 6’7″ and fast on his feet; he reduces the size of the field significantly for opposing QB who has no choice but to throw where he isn’t, and he’s everywhere.
- Get more details: Toronto at Winnipeg CFL Match-up Stats
