Toronto Argonauts sticking with Cameron Dukes as defence loses another key player

It has been some time since we've seen the Toronto Argonauts deal with back-to-back losses and it's not going to get any easier for this group heading into Thursday's game against the Montreal Alouettes.

Of course, after their 30-23 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the real question going into this week was if Cameron Dukes would start at quarterback.

Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is choosing to stick with Dukes as he still believes in what Dukes can provide the team.

"I think we can play with two if we need to. Going back and viewing all of Cam's games, he gives the added element of getting out of bad sacks, and I gotta give Cam one more shot," Dinwiddie said. "I think he deserves it. He gives us a good opportunity to win, and it's not fair to make the judgement based on one game, considering he's played some good football for us."

The big thing Dinwiddie wants to see from Dukes is to avoid turnovers after the Roughriders had four interceptions.

It's understandable for some of the concern around Dukes' last two performances considering they were against the top two teams in the CFL. When it comes to his mentality and all the talk around him, Dukes isn't surprised to hear about the doubt.

"It's funny where people were all over me the first two weeks and now people are doubting me," Dukes said. "I've been doubted my whole life, so I mean, just keep doubting me. I don't need any validation from anybody outside of this locker room. I'm worried about who I am, about what I can do for this team."

While Dukes has flashed his ability to make game-changing plays for the Argos, the Alouettes and Roughriders found ways to put pressure on him.

While getting Dukes to make those plays will be crucial, they also need to get the running game going again, as that has been key to keeping the pass rush in check.

The Argonauts' defence will once again be in the spotlight after receiving more bad news after their game against the Roughriders. Jake Ceresna was sidelined with a shoulder injury. He joins Folarin Orimolade, Tunde Adeleke, and Quincy Mauger on the injured list, although Ceresna is only expected to miss one game.

Those are significant players to be without on the defensive side of the ball, and the team is making more changes to the cornerback position. Amani Dennis will start at halfback, with Mason Pierce placed on the practice roster. Leonard Johnson will get the start at the boundary corner spot, and Benjie Franklin will back up Jonathan Edouard.

Looking back at what went wrong against Saskatchewan, Royce Metchie is hoping the defence can find a way to make some plays.

"We missed some opportunities, especially early in the game, which I think could have helped our team in the long run," Metchie said after practice this week. "When we had the chance (to create turnovers) early and steal some momentum, missing some of those is crucial."

Against the Alouettes, the Argos learned the importance to making plays considering Montreal likes to get the ball in their playmakers hands especially behind the line of scrimmage.