The Toronto Argonauts will try to remain the CFL’s only unbeaten team when they travel to Calgary for a matchup with the struggling Stampeders on Friday night.
Toronto (6-0) could achieve its first 7-0 start to a season in its 150-year franchise history.
Most trends would suggest a decisive Argonauts win. Toronto has scored at least 31 points in every game and leads the league in scoring at 36.2 ppg, while Calgary (2-5) is allowing 27.4 ppg, second-worst in the CFL. The Argos have also allowed the fewest sacks (seven), committed the fewest turnovers (six) and intercepted the most passes (14), all indicators of a team playing sound football.
A string of close losses for the Stamps indicates they’re due for some luck. The players aren’t lacking for confidence.
“I think it’s going to be a good game,” Calgary linebacker Micah Awe said. “It’s really going to be about the Stamps and what the Stamps can do. The focus is probably going to be on Toronto but after the game, people will maybe realize who the Stamps are.”
For that to happen, Calgary needs to find a way to keep Argos quarterback Chad Kelly in check. While Kelly threw for just 122 yards and a score on Saturday when Toronto topped Saskatchewan 31-13 in Halifax, he’s enjoyed some big games during his team’s best start in 88 years.
And the Stamps can’t afford to gift the Argos short fields or easy points off their mistakes. Toronto was outgained 426-200 last week but scored two non-offensive touchdowns, including its third pick-6 of the year courtesy of DaShaun Amos’ 58-yard return. A second interception return score by Jamal Peters was nullified via penalty.
“We’re just honing in on our details and making sure we’re doing our job,” Amos said. “Doing our job is one part, getting the ball back for the offense is the other. But the cherry on top is definitely putting the ball in the end zone.”
The Argos have forced a whopping 22 turnovers and are allowing just 19.7 ppg, third-best in the CFL.
–Field Level Media
