Battle of undefeated teams: Toronto Argonauts in tough against powerhouse Lions

There are moments in a season when a team gets a chance to show how good they can be. For the Toronto Argonauts, the B.C. Lions are the perfect test to show that their 2-0 start to the season is a product of the work they have put in since the start of training camp.

Despite two convincing wins over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Edmonton Elks, the Argos have always operated on the idea that the next game becomes the focus. Every detail and execution will be crucial for Toronto because the Lions have shown an ability to pounce on any opening a team gives them.

The Argos were forced to practice indoors at the Ontario Soccer Centre with the poor air quality. There are adjustments that the team has to make when practice indoors like not being able to simulate kickoffs because of the roof and such.

In one of the practices, head coach Ryan Dinwiddie made sure to call out his team’s effort saying it wasn’t up to the coaching staff's standards. There is certainly a reason for the Argos coach to make sure his team remains on track.

Last season, Toronto suffered one of their worst losses to the Lions losing 44-3, a memory that isn’t easy to forget even if there have been some changes to both teams since.

“That was a tough one to swallow. But we played them later in the year and we play a lot better,” Dinwiddie explained. “They're a good football team but tt's new team this year. So I don't really dwell on the past too much. But obviously, it's in the back of most of the coaches’ minds.”

There aren’t many obvious flaws to point out about the Lions so far this season. Despite losing star quarterback Nathan Rourke, Vernon Adams Jr. has stepped into the role and hasn’t looked back and it helps that he isn’t short on weapons.

What is more impressive about the Lions isn’t just their offence but how dominant their defence has been. Through three games they have allowed just 21 points including a shutout over Edmonton.

A 30-6 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened a lot of eyes and it won’t get any easier for Toronto. The Lions will have Dominque Rhymes and Keon Hatcher will be back in the lineup which will help ease the blow of Lucky Whitehead being sidelined.

“They got a great receiver group. They can spread the ball around pretty well,” said Wynton McManis. “Vernon is doing a great job keeping the offence on track. If we do our job of getting them off the track and making them uncomfortable in the pocket it will be a long day for them.”

Unfortunately for Toronto, they will be without a key component of their linebacker group with Jordan Williams out wth a knee injury. He misses a chance to go up against his former team and it will also change how the Argos starting defence will look as Robbie Smith will get the start to meet the Canadian ratio.

Despite being limited in practice with a hamstring injury that kept him out against Edmonton, Kurleigh Gittens Jr. will be back. The Argos offence will need as many weapons against this Lions defence.

They have shown a great ability to make life difficult for the opposing quarterback. This is a challenge Dinwiddie says will come down to a few factors.

"You have to stay on schedule. First down production will be crucial,” Dinwiddie explained on how to minimize the impact of the Lions’ pass rush. “Mix into some different things to keep them off balance. But if we're in second and long all games, we could be in for a long day.”

For Chad Kelly, he knows the Lions will do their best to throw him off his game and force him to make mistakes.

“We got to just stay ahead of the sticks, make sure we're on all cylinders when we step out there,” Kelly said. “Against Edmonton, I was taking what the defence was giving me but two of the times I forced it in there. So I just have to keep on moving the progression, have good eyes, and keep true to my reads.”

It does help that the Argos are averaging 152 yards on the ground thanks to a strong rushing attack led by A.J. Ouellette. At anytime, Toronto can feel comfortable going to their running backs to wear down the opposing defence and avoid the quick two-and-outs.

Kelly’s mobility will also be crucial in this game as he might have to find ways to keep the offence in positive situations. His offensive line has put Kelly in a great position to be successful earning Pro Football Focus’ top grade after their win against Edmonton.

This will be a true test as one of the top offences in the CFL goes up against the best defence in the league.