Courtesy Toronto Sun:

At first, it was an injury that tested Arland Bruce’s patience this season.

Then it was the ongoing struggles of the Argos offence.

But with the team winning and his sore shoulder improving, Bruce never lost faith in his quarterback, Michael Bishop, and the chemistry they share.

Healthier than he has been since training camp, Bruce has more than just the confidence of his quarterback these days — he has his eye and arm as well.

Bruce matched a career-high with 171 receiving yards on a season-high 10 catches in Saturday’s 41-13 thrashing of the Roughriders.

Included was a spectacular 38-yard touchdown grab in which Bruce undressed a defensive back.

“When you’ve got a quarterback like (Bishop) and a receiver like myself, you want that chemistry,” said Bruce, who ended the regular season by hauling in a touchdown pass in three consecutive games.

Few will suggest that the Argos suddenly are an offensive powerhouse after a breakout against an unmotivated Saskatchewan squad that was resting many starters.

“I know teams will be saying: ‘Watch out now,’” Bruce said. “Teams will know what we can do.”

Meanwhile, the team will return to work tomorrow for some video study and begin practising on Wednesday in preparation for the Nov. 18 East Division final.

Besides the benefits of rest, the break will also give the coaching staff a chance to make some key decisions.

First up will be how to rebuild the offensive line with the loss of left tackle Mike Pearson.

Bishop’s key blindside protector is gone for the season after shattering his right ankle on Saturday.

Pearson returned home with the team and was scheduled to undergo surgery yesterday at Humber River Regional Hospital.

In addition, the Argos also will have to decide on what to do at running back. John Avery filled in nicely for Robert Edwards the past two games but the latter, who is suffering from a nagging hamstring injury, is expected back for the post-season.