Last game: 30-6 win over Winnipeg Next game: At Toronto, Mon. July 3
Worth noting: The Lions claim the top spot on the heels of a second consecutive outstanding defensive performance. Jake Maier and Taylor Cornelius, as it was pointed out during TSN’s broadcast Thursday night, might feel slightly better about their limited outputs against this 12-man offensive wrecking unit. Three games into the season, the Lions are the cream of the CFL crop.
3. Toronto Argonauts (2-0)
Last week: 3
Last game: 43-31 win over Edmonton Next game: Vs. BC, Mon. July 3
Worth noting: If there were any concerns about a still inexperienced Chad Kelly going up against a Chris Jones defence, they’re gone now. Two games into this Argos season and we’re seeing a team that can hurt you in a lot of ways. A bigger test awaits the defending champs this week, as they host the undefeated Lions on holiday Monday at BMO Field.
3DN Power Rankings:
1) B.C. Lions (3)
The Lions pulled off a stunning upset in dominant fashion last week, defeating the three-time defending West Division champions by a score of 30-6. Defensive coordinator Ryan Phillips has his group playing at an elite level, allowing just 21 points and a single touchdown through three games. Meanwhile, Vernon Adams Jr. has kept the offence clicking despite injuries in the receiving corps, with Dominique Rhymes and Keon Hatcher potentially back this week.
3) Toronto Argonauts (2)
Is it fair that the defending Grey Cup champions are still at number three despite an undefeated start to the season? Probably not, but it’s hard to grab the top spot when you are forced to beat up the two worst teams in the league. Toronto’s run game generated 194 yards against Edmonton, including three touchdowns from A.J. Ouellette, and Chad Kelly continues to impress under centre, but the real test comes this week.
This game is the match-up of the week from where I sit. A battle of stingy defense vs explosive offense.
Look for the Argos to give the Leos a heavy dose of the run. Not convinced that B.C. is really strong against it. Not saying they’re weak, but if there is anything on D they are “less strong” at, it’s their run defense (as they are quick and athletic, not stout). A lot of teams abandon it when they get down. Don’t see the Argos doing that as their offense is built around it and backs (Ouellette and Harris) that can pound it.
I do think Ryan Phillips is creating schemes to try and fool the inexperienced Kelly. Argos will want to avoid 2nd and longs (obvious passing situations). 2nd and short give them lots of options with Kelly being able to carry himself.
B.C.'s Oline is going to have its hands full with Argos defensive front four, so look for VA to use a quick release and hurry up to try and wear them down. It should be noted that B.C. finally gets uber-talented slot Keon Hatcher back who missed virtually all of training camp with plantar faciatis. Dominic Rhymes draws back in after missing the Winnipeg game with a foot injury.
That’s just it, teams set a game plan vs every team they play. They attack weakness that the COACHES identify… One team is going to see and execute correctly the other team is going look foolish…
This should be a great game but to be sure, the most anticipated game coming up is when the Bombers play The Lions again.
Pretty sure the Bombers to a man have that date circled on their calendar
Curious to find out what the reported ratings/viewership for this particular game will be.
Would love to see at least one game moved to America on this weekend (with fireworks afterwards) to promote the CFL game. Sort of like the NFL having a game in London.
