TORONTO — While the play of Bo Levi Mitchell largely stole the show in Calgary’s 41-7 road victory over the Toronto Argonauts in Week 2, it was the team’s rushing performance that showed just how dangerous their offence can truly be.
Running backs Don Jackson and Terry Williams combined for 193 yards on the ground, including a huge 70-yard gallop from Jackson in the third quarter that set up a touchdown. The duo has now racked up 314 yards on the ground through the first two weeks. Williams also made a difference on special teams, taking a punt return to the end zone for a 102-yard touchdown.
Jackson had his biggest game yet in Week 2, finishing with 123 rushing yards while averaging a remarkable 13.7 yards per carry.
“I told you we had a good running back, and I knew we’d have a good running game,” Head coach Dave Dickenson said after the win. “We are a balanced team that likes to switch it up and make sure our offensive linemen are firing off the ball, and Don has looked the part and done well.”
Mitchell threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns against the Argos, but the veteran was quick to give credit to the balance created by the running game and the offensive line that paved the way.
“It doesn’t allow teams to drop nine, and it doesn’t allow teams to play pass-first and try to react to the run like they’ve done to us in the last couple years,” Mitchell said after the win. “So they’ve got to respect those guys and try to make plays on them, and when they do, we need to make plays behind them.”
Mitchell said the team will continue to lean on Jackson and Williams as the season moves forward, adding a dimension to the offence that will present challenges for any opponent they face.
“I think we’re a run-first football team,” Mitchell said. “It’s something we’ve always been as Stampeders, and we’ll continue to do that.”
