Kerry Joseph insists this weekend's matchup with Michael Bishop isn't personal
In a week when much of the talk centered around off-the-field controversy, the Argos will certainly be more than happy to get back to business against Winnipeg this weekend. Three days after dealing disgruntled receiver Arland Bruce III to Hamilton, Toronto is back in action against the Blue Bombers Saturday afternoon at Rogers Centre.
The Argos and Bombers met last Friday in Winnipeg and the Argos escaped with a 19-5 win on the heels of a strong defensive effort, which limited the Bombers to just 66 passing yards. Things may be a little more difficult this time around, though — on Monday, Winnipeg announced the signing of former-Argo quarterback Michael Bishop, who bounced around between starting and second-string roles before being dealt to Saskatchewan last August. Though the match-up with Kerry Joseph, who Bishop was embroiled in a quarterback controversy with last season, provides an interesting sideplot, the Argo pivot was quick to dismiss any talk of a personal battle earlier this week.
“I’m not playing against Bishop,” said Joseph. “I’m playing against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. I’m glad to see him get the opportunity, but I’m not playing against him.”
Meanwhile, the Argos’ defense realizes it has its work cut out. After making quick work of three Winnipeg quarterbacks last week, Bishop is expected to be more of a challenge.
“The ball is going to go in the air,” said Toronto cornerback Jordan Younger. “He has a strong belief in his arm and is going to try to make plays, and that gives us an opportunity to go out and prove what we can do.
“We have to be locked down a little more. You can’t cut the field down because of his arm strength. He has the ability to make all the throws — short side, wide side and deep.”
Toronto’s offense will have a challenge of its own Saturday, as head coach Bart Andrus’ seach to establish a rotation at wide receiver continues in light of the Bruce trade. The Argos signed Chad Lucas, who was cut by the St. Louis Rams last week, and added Cory Rodgers, a former-B.C. Lion, from the practice roster. Also, Andrus bumped leading receiver Reggie McNeal from the starting lineup after a handful of dropped passes in recent weeks.
“We’ve got some guys in that we want to take a look at,” Andrus said this week. “This game is about production, and we’re going to go with the lineup that we believe gives us the best opportunity to make plays and win.”
Despite the difficulties from a passing standpoint, the Argos have had no shortage of production from running back Jamal Robertson, who’s second in the league in rushing with 341 yards this season and picked up 101 and a touchdown against Winnipeg last week. Robertson also carried the ball 24 times against the Bombers after getting just 29 touches in the first three games.
The Argos will look to make it two in a row against Winnipeg Saturday at Rogers Centre.
