Argonauts head to Edmonton with QB controversy on their hands
Football odds: Toronto Argonauts (+2) at Edmonton Eskimos (-2)
- Toronto has a quarterback controversy
- Edmonton hosts a team in Toronto that is struggling
The Toronto Argonauts (1-1) head out west to battle the Edmonton Eskimos (1-1), but online betting fans should be aware it's a good bet they'll have a full-blown quarterback controversy when they get there.
In the offseason, Toronto brought in star free agent quarterback Kerry Joseph. Joseph led Saskatchewan to a 12-6 record and a Grey Cup victory. His presence in Toronto should have made the team a favorite to win the Grey Cup. The only problem? Michael Bishop was (seemingly) entrenched as the Argonauts starting quarterback. So who's starting?
Head coach Rich Stubler didn't help matters when he announced he'd use a quarterback rotation. Clearly, neither pivot was impressed, and the results haven't been particularly positive. Toronto has started the season 1-1, including an embarrassing blowout against the lowly Ti-Cats.
Joseph and Bishop haven't exactly played poorly, but they're not setting the world on fire. They combined for 184 yards and a touchdown in a season-opening win over Winnipeg, but the defense did most of the work and help set up points with turn overs.
Last week, against Hamilton, Stubler stuck with Joseph. He responded with a subpar 196 yards on 20 of 31 passes. The net result was a humiliating 32-13 loss.
It's a long season, and it's not as if the Argos need to make a decision immediately as to who their starter should be. One method that must be canned is rotating the quarterbacks regularly during games. This hurts both players, as neither gets an opportunity to grow comfortable and find a rhythm with his receivers. Moreover, the quarterback gets fewer chances to observe the defense in action and adjust accordingly.
It's a safe bet that problems will linger throughout the season. What are the odds it boils over and disrupts team chemistry? Against Hamilton, Stubler used Joseph, which makes sense since he was paid big bucks to join the team.
However, Bishop has been waiting a long time for an opportunity, and he proved he deserved it last season. He threw for 2,920 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions but, more importantly, he won. Toronto went 0-6 when Bishop sat out with an injury. After his return, the Argonauts went 9-1.
So who should line up under center? Theoretically, both players should bring a lot of juice to the lineup. For now, our pick is Joseph. Though it may have been unwise given the roster situation, Toronto paid him to play.
With a bonafide starter breathing down his neck, though, Joseph should be given a very short leash. If he underwhelms again against Edmonton on Thursday, its time to give Bishop a start to prove himself.
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