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Players to Watch: Edmonton Elks

Brett Boyko:  Offensive linemen never get any respect in pro football. Without an offensive line, nothing works in orchestrating an offensive display on the gridiron. When Brett Boyko was obtained by the Edmonton Elks on July 3rd, 2023, after a stint with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL, his presence on the field was nothing short of a valuable asset that the Edmonton Elks acquired. His protection on the right side of the offensive line is noticed on countless plays where he would multi-task on blocking schemes in both forms on the running game and passing game. If there will be any display of keeping this game close at BMO Field vs. the Toronto Argonauts, Brett Boyko will be an important figure. He will take a difficult task in protecting Tre Ford from the Toronto pass rush of DE Robbie Smith, DB / LB Adarius Pickett, and DT Shawn Oakman.

Kevin Brown:  His all-round game has been getting better week-to-week. What Kevin Brown has done thus far for the Edmonton Elks is beyond remarkable and well above expectations. And it is shown on the scoresheets. Kevin Brown will be a key player against a stingy Toronto defence when it comes to moving the chains, along with the clock management for the Edmonton Elks. Don’t not be surprised if the Edmonton Elks attempt to go run-heavy against Toronto if the formula succeeds on multiple plays to take the load off of Tre Ford in the passing game.     

Player

s to Watch: Toronto Argonauts

Wynton McManis:  He is without a doubt the heart and soul of the Argonaut’s defence along with fellow linebacker Henoc Muamba. In that sense, all he has done is become a staple of the Toronto defence. He can drop back into coverage, and attack the line of scrimmage to halt the run. He is a versatile player who can add a lot of pressure on the quarterback in either the form of a sack or making the quarterback toss the ball out of harm’s way to avoid a costly negative play. His play of the defence is effective, and his energy on the field rubs off on other teammates on the Argonaut’s defence. Wynton McManis plays the game with high intensity that is contagious to not be attracted to see on game day.   

A.J. Ouellette:  He is a running back that can do it. He is a triple back and is one of the most important players on the Toronto Argonauts’ roster. His presence on the field resonates and rubs off on all players on the roster with his work ethic being second to none. Heck, even the coaching staff and trainers love the presence of A.J. Oullette. Even when he is taking a breather on the sidelines, he is the biggest cheerleader on the roster. More importantly, he is a great human being. A.J. is someone who gets a rise off of a player who steps in and has minimal playing time this season. He will always give that player a pat on the back, along with on-field tips as it was for him in the form of Andrew Harris. That is what good teammates do. It is never about yourself. It is about the team’s first approach.     

Predic

tion 

Although the Toronto Argonauts on record via their depth chart indicates that there will be a good amount of starters on the field vs. the Edmonton Elks, don’t let that fool you. The Argonauts will rotate players down the depth chart no matter the score.

When you have a good problem like the Toronto Argonauts have at the moment, you rest players as much as possible because it’s the right thing to do.

Some fans migh

t say that you will make your roster rusty going into the playoffs. The counter to that question is to give your depth as much playing time as possible. At the end of the day, no team would take a chance of not having a backup or third string with no playing time during the regular season when you have that cushion of games remaining to do so. This will only better your squad going into the playoffs.

For the Edmonton Elks, this will be a game in which they will look at the Toronto Argonauts for inspiration on how good this team is. The 2023 version of the Toronto Argonauts has not been witnessed since the back-to-back Doug Flutie years in 1996 and 1997.

The Elks’ have planted some seeds in key areas of the roster. Unfortunately for the Edmonton Elks, the results have not come to fruition this season. And the 0-9 start was no help. Had they even begun the season at least at a 3-6 record, this game would have had playoff implications on the line for the Edmonton Elks. Unfortunately for the Edmonton Elks, they will have to play out the remainder of the 2023 CFL season in the form of competing in every game and trying to snag a victory from their opponent.

With the Elks

depleted, it will be difficult without Nyles Morgan at LB. It will be tough for the Elks to defend the offensive depth of the Toronto Argonauts. Moreover, they will be thin at the secondary without Jake Taylor and Scott Hutter who are also out for this game. Both have added valuable depth when needed, even though they hardly played this season. Providing there are no injuries during this game on the defence, it will be too much to ask to pull out an upset at BMO Field.

Final Score

Toronto Argonauts: 36

Edmonton Elks:

27

The Toronto Argonauts looked very good without a full squad last week when they lost to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 31-21. This is a prime example of how much depth the Toronto Argonauts have at the moment. Factoring that this game is the 150th Anniversary of the Toronto Argonauts, the Boatmen will be victorious against the Edmonton Elks.

The Elks will put up a good fight, but it’s hard to imagine the Toronto Argonauts falling flat at the wrong time during their 150th Anniversary with multiple alumni in attendance including Condrege Holloway, Terry Greer, Ricky Ray, Derrell “Mookie” Mitchell, Raghib “Rocket” Ismail, and Damon Allen to name a few.  

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