Argos win home opener behind Arbuckle Magic

Photo courtesy of Peter Power, CFL.CA

 

Article by Candid Frank Stanisci

Columnist and Host Spanglish World Network, Spanglish Sports World

 

TORONTO. - Toronto Argonauts were back at BMO Field in Toronto led by Nick Arrrrrbuckle for the opening home game of the 2021 Season. It was Arbuckle’s first start for the Argos winning 30 to 23 over the visiting Bombers. Last week the Argos did not look ready for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, defence offense or even special teams. This week was another story with the Argos even though they had to cover for multiple injuries. Arbuckle was 23 of 32 passes completed for 310 yards. The Argo defense was close to throwing a no hitter.

               

Big in the win was rookie running back DJ Foster who was sitting at home with no football in his near future until a call late for camp. The youngster started learning the offense in a hurry and began to impress right away while at camp. Coach Dinwiddie and the staff recognized the talent and ability and knew he would fit in down the road. This soon maybe not but Foster did. Foster is the only player in Division 1 history to run and catch for 1,000 yards simultaneously in 1 season. A characteristic and ability which dovetails with the play required in the Canadian Football League.

               

Foster’s plug and play is the thing of the better teams. When your starter in this case White goes down another immediate option is necessary. Team depth can cover over many issues on a team. Relying on another phase in a game is a pressure better not tested. The offense for the Argos is not as effective as the defense currently. After this week the offense has proven it can keep up with the defense. It tends to take longer to develop offenses than it does defenses.

               

The kicking game for the Argos’ Bede was much better this week. Bede was 3 for 3 and his longest was for 52 yards. The kicker’s punting was for an average of 44 yards the longest 68 yards with a positive Argo bounce.

               

Aside from the 30 points from the offense and the great QB stats the key to the victory was the Argo defense. The Collaros led Bomber offense was allowed only 8 yards of offense in the first quarter, passing (6) and rushing (2). Argo offensive miscues led to the points by the Bombers in the first half.

               

For the Bombers part the players that ripped through the defense of the Argos last week led by Demski and Collaros of the Bombers were almost invisible at BMO.

               

Devaris Daniels single handily tore up the Bomber defense repeatedly at key times before an elbow to the chin left him concussed. At this time the diagnosis is Daniels has been concussed and word of the extent of the injury is not available. The receiver leaves a big hole in the Toronto offense.

 

The upcoming Argos / Elks has been cancelled due to Covid infections of Elk players.  A possible makeup date is available in October yet to be confirmed. Daniels could use the extra time to heal.