fbpx

Lions, Argonauts each look to improve playoff positioning

Aug 20, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Argonauts quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (4) throws a pass against the Calgary Stampeders during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The B.C. Lions will aim to take their strong play on the road Saturday when they vie for a season sweep of the Toronto Argonauts.

The Lions (10-4), who have won five of their six games on the road, still have an outside shot of winning the West Division. B.C. would need to win all four of its remaining contests while West-leading Winnipeg would have to lose three in a row.

“The goals we always talk about the in CFL are No. 1, to make the playoffs; No. 2, get a home playoff game; and No. 3, to finish in first place,” Lions coach Rick Campbell said.

“So all those options are open for us right now. We’ve just checked one box. Our next goal is to try to get a home playoff game. It’s going to come down to the wire.”

Vernon Adams Jr. completed 17 of 22 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions’ 34-19 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Sept. 30. Adams reached the 300-yard plateau for the seventh time in his career, two of those coming at the expense of the Argonauts.

B.C. will be without wideout Lucky Whitehead, who is dealing with an ankle injury sustained in last week’s win over the Redblacks.

Dominique Rhymes had five catches for 103 yards against Ottawa. He had eight receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions’ 44-3 romp over the Argonauts on June 25.

Like B.C., Toronto (8-6) has clinched a playoff berth. The Argonauts, however, hold just a one-game lead over Montreal (7-7) with a home-and-home set against the Alouettes to conclude the regular season.

“We know what’s on the schedule ahead. It’s just taking things week by week,” Toronto quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson said. “Any time you’re trying to hold on to something three weeks down the road you’re not concentrating on the moment.

“We have to concentrate on B.C. coming into our house, protecting our house and playing up to our potential, which we haven’t done.”

Bethel-Thompson threw for just 194 yards and two interceptions in the Argonauts’ 29-2 setback to the Calgary Stampeders last week.

–Field Level Media

Mentioned in this article:

More About: