Toronto Argonauts not taking surging Ottawa Redblacks lightly

When the Toronto Argonauts step onto the field at TD Place on Saturday, they won’t won’t be fooled by the Ottawa Redblacks’ 3-8 record.

One of Ottawa’s three wins this season came against Toronto back on July 31 in a stunning 23-13 result at BMO Field. At that time, the Redblacks were 0-6 and had some tough losses mixed in with some ugly ones.

Many Argos players were disappointed with how that game went because they felt they played down to their opponent and were not as focused as they should have been.

“I feel like we are gonna go in there and have a different mentality,” said corner back Jamal Peters. “We got down to their level and we didn’t play our best ball. But we know what we want to do Saturday. We want that same mentality from here on out.”

Markeith Ambles added: “I don't want to say we took them lightly, I don't think we were what we are now. So should be a different result this time.”

It won’t be an easy game by any means as the Redblacks have grabbed some momentum after back-to-back wins over the Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes. Next on their list is trying to pick up that elusive win at home where they are 0-5 this season and 2-19 since 2019.

The Argonauts got over a slump of their own earning a rare win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Labour Day Classic. It was their third win in the last five games since that tough loss to the Redblack.

Jamal Peters showing no signs of slowing down

It was no surprise to see Peters recognized as a top performer when he had three interceptions against the Tiger-Cats in Week 12. He could have earned another nod with a pair of picks in the Labour Day Classic.

Peters has been a steady presence on the Argos defence since making his debut on Aug. 13, 2021 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he recorded an interception against Zach Collaros. What makes him a standout at his position is his six-foot-two, 220-pound-frame and not backing down from the tough assignments.

“I've been watching Jamal from afar, like even when I was in Calgary last year, I was like who's this big dude at corner,” said Ambles. “I knew he had the size and the body type to do whatever he wants. Since I've been here, I've been putting it in his ear like ‘we need you to be that guy for us this year,’ And you've seen it right here on the field.”

Don’t be surprised if Peters is tasked with covering Jaelon Acklin who is leading the CFL with 963 yards (17.2 yards per reception). He had a big game against Montreal with 159 yards which was first first game over 100 yards since he put up seven catches for 144 yards and a touchdown against Toronto.

For Peters, that’s the type of matchup that a defensive back looks forward to.

“I have an opportunity to go up against one of the best receivers in this league,” Peters explained. “I try to not add too much pressure on myself, just going to do my part and us as a team and as a secondary, we know what we have to do.”

Since his three-interception game, Peters has been given the nickname 3-D from his teammates which he doesn’t mind at all. When you are on a stretch with five picks over the last two games, any nickname would be earned.

Argos to play against a familiar face in Nick Arbuckle

When the season began, no one could have predicted that the first game Nick Arbuckle would play against his former team would be as the Redblacks starting quarterback.

Apparently for Arbuckle, all roads led to Ottawa after signing a deal with the Redblacks only to be released after not being able to work out a new contract after the pandemic ended the 2020 season. He would reunite with Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie from their days with the Calgary Stampeders.

“I always enjoyed coaching Nick, he’s a great guy. Unfortunately, it didn't work out here but I still believe Nick is a good player. I mean, look, he's got over there and they've won two in a row there,” Dinwiddie said. “They are playing pretty confident and they can trust Nick and got a good chance to win these games so it's gonna be fun to see him playing.”

Ottawa made a trade to acquire Arbuckle from the Elks after he seemed to fall out of favour with Chris Jones. It might have been the best thing to happen to the 28-year-old who is 2-0 with the Redblacks after throwing for 313 yards and a touchdown against Montreal.

Coming into this game, it appears Arbuckle has something to prove against his former team.

"I have my own rivalry with Toronto," Arbuckle told reporters this week. "I feel like whenever you're in a place and they trade you or release you, and I'm sure a lot of guys experience that as it's a small league, but whenever you get to face your old team who decided to move on from you for whatever reason there's a little extra there. I know there’s a rivalry between the cities, but there's a rivalry between us too."

Dinwiddie has provided the defence with some tips on what they couple expect to see from Arbuckle but there’s another player who will be on Toronto‘s radar.

Redblacks defence and special teams will look to make plays

The return of DeVonte Dedmon cannot be ignored especially on special teams which has had its ups and downs this season.

Expect Toronto to find ways to not set up Dedmon for big returns with the way they punt the ball.

“He’s probably one of the most natural and explosive returners you have seen in the CFL,’’ Argos special teams co-ordinator Mickey Donovan told the Toronto Sun this week.

“I have a lot of respect for Dedmon. He runs well and has great vision. He breaks tackles. He’s dangerous and that’s the way I see him. I think a lot of people see him the same way in this league.”

He’s not the only player the Argos will have their eyes on as defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin has been terrorizing quarterbacks this season with a league-high 10 sacks. Toronto’s offensive line has had their struggles against opposing pass rushers and they will need to find a way to give McLeod Bethel-Thompson the time he needs in the pocket.

It’s not just his ability to record sacks that makes Mauldin a force on defence, he likes to show his versatility.

"On a regular basis they call me the Energizer bunny and I'm not going to stop until that whistle blows," said Mauldin. "Whether it's down the field, after a pass, or it's in the backfield, as long as that whistle is non-existent my play continues to go. I just want to be able to help the defence."

This could be another game where the Argos will need their defence to keep things close and the offence will need to take advantage of turnovers and avoid too many two and outs early on.