So, here we are, just a few days away from Calgary Stampeders gameday. It’s the return match for the Stamps in their home and home set with Toronto. Last week, the Stampeders were dominant in an all-too-easy 34-4 win to push their record to 8-4. Cody Pickett made his first start at QB for the Boatmen in that game, and was unimpressive to say the least. So, decision made right? Back to Kerry Joseph it is? Apparently not so fast.

Argos head coach Don Matthews wanted to give Pickett a look. His words were “we need to see what we have.” Okay, you did and it wasn’t pretty, so you’ve gotta go back to the defending CFL Most Outstanding Player. Or not. I’ve read on a few different sites now that it’ll most likely be Cody Pickett on Saturday night, as he’s going on the assumption it’ll be him. The reasons being thrown around are multiple…the Northwest bias of Matthews, pressure from management, Pickett didn’t play bad, there are tons of different reasons. All of them add up to one answer…DON’T DO IT. What the hell? You’re in a fight for a playoff position with, of all teams, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Go with the player that gives you the best chance to win the football game!

Now I’m not here to say that Pickett was TERRIBLE. In fact I was a huge fan of his while he was lighting it up at Washington in the PAC 10. He did complete 20 passes (out of 35) and threw only 1 interception. But the Argos had zero push offensively throughout the entire night. But Pickett played right into Calgary’s gameplan. The Stamps were smart…play a simple scheme and give the new QB lots of short looks and let him use his check downs all he wants. There was nothing long (Pickett’s longest pass was 20 yards), and the Stamps made the first tackle effectively. All Calgary had to do was be solid against the run, which they were (82 yards combined) and defend the deep pass, which they did. How much can a guy progress? I’m skeptical it’s enough to all of a sudden be able to take a crap team on his back and beat the Stamps.

Now, this post isn’t a glowing recommendation of Kerry Joseph either. He’s been downright brutal at times this year. He was able to weather the FIRST QB contraversy in TO, and for the sake of the football team, he should be able to do it a second time. I know KJ isn’t what you’d call a dynamic passer. In fact, some would call him a glorified runninback who throws the ball on occasion. But to me, he’s a guy that brings a different element. An unpredictable element. An element of surprise and danger on each play. Because, when he’s on, he’s completing 10 yard plus passes and keeping defences off balance with his legs. He hasn’t been at his best this year, but the simple fact that he’s more experienced and more unpredictable than Pickett gives him the nod in my book.

The main point I’m getting at is this: The Argos are 4-8, yet, still have very real playoff hopes. The focus has got to be getting to the playoffs, instead of getting another good look at a quarterback who MIGHT be the guy for the future. Fact is, Joseph gives you a better chance to win now than Pickett. And win now has got to be all the focus for Toronto, because if they don’t, the Bombers will steal that spot from them easily. And God knows, the Argos HAVE to be better than the Bombers. Right? Ha, who knows with that junk division.

And hey, why do I really care what the Argos do. Screw yourself over for Saturday, all the power to you…GO STAMPS!

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