Sep
Role reversal in this years LDC between Ticats/Argos
Courtesy Hamilton Spectator:
In the beginning, Jamal Robertson ran roughshod over the Ticat
defence.
At the end of the first quarter of the season opener between Hamilton and Toronto, it was
20-0 Argos and running back Robertson had gashed the Ticat defence for 62 yards rushing and a touchdown.
And while it would be unfair to say that their fortunes have
reversed completely in the subsequent 31 quarters, the two teams arrive at the Labour Day Classic in different situations. The Cats are 4-4 and have looked like a competitive football team. The Argos, on the other hand, are 2-6 and fighting to play relevant late-September contests.
“We’re a different team than the one that lost the first game,” said Ticat linebacker Otis Floyd. “We have different guys and we’re used to playing with each other, we’re used to the schemes. We have a lot more confidence now.”
And Robertson doesn’t seem like the same back that put 134 yards on the Ticats in that 30-17 win on July 1. He’s had just one other 100-yard rushing game in Toronto’s only other win, a 19-5 victory over Winnipeg. His rushing totals the last three weeks: 20, 8 and 19 yards.
“We’ve had trouble running it. When you’re having trouble running the ball it means you’re having trouble blocking,” Toronto head coach Bart Andrus said this week.
“It’s not that our guys aren’t physically able to block, it’s that they get a little off on the technique or one of them gets behind the other. We’ve changed the makeup of our offensive line and they’re still working to get into that comfort stage where they work together. It takes time,” he said.
Ticat head coach Marcel Bellefeuille said the team is aware of Robertson’s past success, but says the Argos have altered their philosophy, particularly since Cody Pickett took over for Kerry Joseph at starting quarterback two weeks ago.
“They’re in a place now where they like to throw the football more, so it really depends on how they decide to play,” Bellefeuille said.
Of course, the Ticats quarterbacking situation has also changed since that opening loss. Quinton Porter started the first seven games of the season, but gave way to veteran Kevin Glenn last week after injuring his knee against Saskatchewan.
Bellefeuille hasn’t named a starter for Monday, but Porter’s got a sneaking suspicion.
“I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure with the way reps have gone that Kevin will be starting. It makes sense, given that I’m not a hundred per cent,” Porter said.
Andrus said it doesn’t matter who the Argos face.
“They’re very similar in what they do. I think both of them have good arm strength, both of them are pretty accurate. They both have good mobility and are able to extend the play,” Andrus said. “They both played against us last time so it doesn’t matter to us.”
