Argos' Bethel-Thompson on matchup with Stamps: 'We have to show up with our best'

TORONTO — It would appear to be a favourable matchup for McLeod Bethel-Thompson and the Toronto Argonauts.

Toronto (4-4) hosts Calgary (5-3) at BMO Field on Saturday night. The Argos come in with the CFL's second-ranked aerial attack (282 yards per game) and face a Stampeders' defence that's allowing a league-high 303.1 yards through the air this season.

Calgary is also ranked eighth in both passing touchdowns allowed (13) and total net offence (366.3). But numbers, Bethel-Thompson says, are sometimes misleading as the Stampeders have also registered a CFL-best 12 interceptions, are 3-1 away from McMahon Stadium and undefeated (3-0) versus East Division competition.

"They do give up yards but they're a bend-but-don't-break team," Bethel-Thompson said. "And they're leading the league in interceptions, right?

"We know they're playing good football and they're a good football team and we have to show up with our best."

Added Calgary head coach Dave Dickenson this week: "It's been a little up and down. We've been giving up a ton of yards, a ton of yards, mostly through the air, so we've got to tighten that up if we want to win."

The passing game has been an important part of Toronto's offensive attack. The Argos are ranked last overall in rushing (82 yards per game) and this week lost veteran Canadian Andrew Harris (CFL's third-leading rusher with 490 yards) to a season-ending torn pectoral muscle suffered in last week's 34-27 loss to Hamilton.

Third-year American AJ Ouellette, who ran for 47 yards on 10 carries against the Tiger-Cats, starts in Harris's spot. The Argos are also tied for seventh in offensive points (19.1 per game) and last overall in both offensive TDs (11) and time of possession (28 minutes 27 seconds).

Tim