First-to-worst Argonauts brace for high-powered Lions

The Toronto Argonauts have fallen from hoisting the Grey Cup in November to sporting the CFL's worst record as they prepare to host the B.C. Lions on Saturday.

Toronto (2-8) has dropped three straight games, including a 28-20 decision last week at Edmonton. The Argonauts are also allowing a league-worst 32.0 points per game entering Week 12.

"Where we are at in the season, we can't afford to lose any more games," Argos coach Ryan Dinwiddie said after the loss in Edmonton. "Sometimes, I feel like we are just snake-bitten."

Toronto may not be getting a lot of breaks but many of its problems are self-inflicted. A fake punt with two minutes left at Edmonton fell short, leading to an Elks' field goal. The Argos also had to settle for two short field goals after twice getting inside the Elks' 20-yard line during the first half.

Wasted in the latest loss was a 382-yard passing performance by quarterback Nick Arbuckle.

"I thought Nick gave us a chance to win," Dinwiddie said.

While Toronto is struggling, the Lions (5-5) have found their footing. They are coming off a 36-18 pummeling of Montreal last weekend, their second straight win and fourth in six games.

B.C. has lit up scoreboards with consistency, averaging 33.8 points over the last five games as quarterback Nathan Rourke and running back James Butler have played like stars.

The Lions' offensive line has permitted a league-low 10 sacks while helping the team churn out a league-best 5.8 yards per carry and a CFL-best 428.1 yards of offense per game.

"I think I've seen some growth and I've seen (with) some guys ... some light bulbs start to come on a bit, which is good," Lions coach Buck Pierce said. "But we need to just continue to lift the group up. And everyone else gets to that level."

Saturday's game is the first meeting between the teams this year. They will meet again in Vancouver on Sept. 26.

--Field Level Media