Each week, The CFL on TSN panel will break down three hot button topics from around the Canadian Football League. This week they discussed who needs to step up for the Toronto Argonauts in Ricky Ray's absence, Winnipeg's chances of making the playoffs and who the favourite for CFL MOP is.
First Down: In Ricky Ray's absence, who needs to step up the most for the Toronto Argonauts to help Jarious Jackson against the WInnipeg Blue Bombers?
Milt Stegall: I'm going to say offensive coordinator and head coach Scott Milanovich. I say this because you are dealing with two different types of quarterbacks: Ricky Ray who is a drop back guy and Jarious Jackson who is a mobile guy who can throw on the run. You have to change up your game plan so I'm going to say head coach and offensive Coordinator.
Matt Dunigan: I'm going to go with the defence. Three weeks in a row this defence scored touchdowns then last week they gave up big plays and did not put points on the board. They have to tighten that up to make up for Jarious Jackson and cut down on the big plays.
Chris Schultz: I'm going to go with the offensive line. The B.C. Lions are tied for number one in the Canadian Football League with 29 sacks. Guess who is also tied for number one? The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and they're evenly distributed among their four defensive linemen. The Argonauts' offensive line has to play a great game Dave.
Second Down: With Buck Pierce healthy, do the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have a chance at making the playoffs?
Schultz: I am going to say yes and the single biggest reason: they have already beaten the Hamilton Ticats twice this year. When it comes to that tiebreaker within the division, Winnipeg has the advantage. Yes to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Dunigan: Yes. Buck Pierce is the glue that holds that team together. He puts the swagger back in 'Swaggerville'. Buck Pierce can execute that offence and gives everybody hope on that football team.
Stegall: I'm going to agree and say yes also, but it's not so much about Buck. It has to be Chad Simpson, he has to be the guy on that offence. Buck of course is the momentum, he's going to get them into the playoffs but they have to ride it with Chad.
Who is your favourite for the MOP? a.) Anthony Calvillo b.) Travis Lulay c.) Jon Cornish d.) other
Dunigan: Travis Lulay. The guy is learning how to win close football games. We don't hear enough about him particularly with his legs. He has 398 rushing yards this season and can hurt you with the pass and the run.
Schultz: Audible, audible, audible. Andrew Harris of the BC Lions. He has 1,300 yards from the line of scrimmage so far. He is a great running back.
Milt: Audible. You guys don't like receivers do you? Chad Owens. Have you seen what he has been doing? The leading receiver is leading the league in all-purpose yards. He's going to break Pinball's single-season all-purpose yardage record. Chad Owens will be the MOP.
