Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts are well aware of the situation they’re in heading into Week 16.
They’re facing a tough Calgary Stampeders team as they look to make up ground in the East Division. With a 3-9 record, a win is essential if they want to keep themselves in the playoff conversation.
“Our backs are against the wall so it’s going to show what type of team we are,” running back James Wilder Jr. said after practice on Tuesday. “We have to bounce back. We have no other choice. I think it’s a great challenge for our team to see what type of guys we have on our squad.”
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Head coach Marc Trestman and his team will eye a win this weekend in Calgary (Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca)
The Argos are coming off a 30-29 loss against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, dropping their fourth-straight contest. Riders kicker Brett Lauther booted the go-ahead field goal with just over a minute left in the game and Toronto marched down the field on their final drive to put their own kicker in position to make the game-winner. Zack Medeiros missed his 51-yard attempt that would have sealed the victory.
That loss is behind the team, however, as head coach Marc Trestman says they’re looking forward to the quick turnaround ahead of their matchup against Calgary.
“We’re always excited to play,” said Trestman. “And after a game like we had last week, we’re excited that it’s a short week and we get back right into it.”
Wilder Jr. is also excited to get right back into things, hoping that he can make a bigger impact on the field for his team this week.
The 26-year-old tailback caught seven passes for 74 yards last and ran the ball a game-high nine times for 48 yards but wasn’t able to gain yardage on key second down conversions.
“We had a lot of plays where Coach (Trestman) put the play call in my hands,” said Wilder. “When it’s second down, second and five, he’s putting the ball in my hands and if I’m not getting the first down I’m letting the team down to continue the drives to go put seven points on the board.
“I’m taking it upon myself, if Coach is going to trust me, with the whole team trusting me with the ball in my hands that no matter what happens I have to get that first down to help put our team in a better situation.
Toronto will also hope that All-Star receiver Duron Carter will make a bigger impact this week against the Stampeders. Carter has suited up in just two games for the Argos but has yet to make an impression, taking time to learn the offence.
Trestman is hopeful the pass-catcher will see more playing time at McMahon Stadium.
“He’s not there yet but he’ll get more opportunities this week than he did a week ago with our installations,” said Trestman. “We would expect to see him play more reps.”
The Argos and Stamps kick off Week 16 in Calgary at 9:00 p.m. ET.
– With files from Argonauts.ca
