Argos take on the Riders on Friday Night Football

By Olivia Lawrence
RP Show Intern

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be hosting the Toronto Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium Friday night (7:45 pm). This the second game of the doubleheader action for Friday Night Football. The Argonauts are currently leading the East Division 3-2 and the Riders are second in the West, also sitting at 3-2. The Argos have just come off back-to-back wins against their rivals the Hamilton Tiger Cats. The Riders however fell short in both games against their rivals—The Winnipeg Blue Bombers. On Friday’s show Rod Pedersen and Toronto Argonauts Assistant General Manager John Murphy discussed the Argos and tonight’s matchup.

“In this short period, we have handled our business and won all of our home games—that is what you’re supposed to do,” said Murphy.

There is no doubt that the Argos will have their work cut out for them tonight however. Not only are they away from home, but the Riders are looking for a victory tonight after not seeing a win since Week 3 against the Ottawa Redblacks.

Despite the Argos playing well against their rival’s last week, their season has not been entirely smooth either. The Argos are currently sitting second in yardage allowed, and sixth with 111 points allowed. The team’s offensive line is young, especially their rookie center and left tackle. Argos receiver’s have also been struggling with drops and penalties. Murphy is convinced however, that the chemistry will come together and the receiver talent is there—especially with the influence of veteran Eric Rogers.

But as we approach Week 7, it is still not clear who the Argos no.1 quarterback is. Murphy does not seem too concerned, assuring Rod that the Argos quarterback room is in a good position from front to back.  Murphy does not deny that there have been times that consistency from week-to-week would have been nice, and both quarterbacks have definitely left some points on the field. In spite of that, Murphy believes these two quarterbacks both are weapons.

“The positive part about having two experienced quarterbacks, [McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Nick Arbuckle], is we have seen the ability of teams to win with two quarterbacks. I think it could particularly be necessary in this 14 game COVID season,” said Murphy.

He could very well be right, the Riders were very concerned if their star quarterback Cody Fajardo would be able to play tonight after experiencing a concussion last week.

“I am looking forward to the game,” said Murphy. “The Riders are well-coached, we know a lot of their players and staff, and they have the best environment in the league in terms of home field. So high respect for playing not only in Saskatchewan, but against the team that really will be coming out all guns blazing to start this game tonight.”