A road game. A battered offensive line. A surging opponent.
This isn't an ideal debut for Toronto Argonauts quarterback Steven Jyles, who will make his first start of the 2011 CFL season Saturday against the B.C. Lions at Empire Field. The circumstances are so daunting that Argos head coach Jim Barker said it would be tantamount to a "preseason game" for his new field general, and that the Lions would regard Jyles as fresh meat.
"Steven understands what's going to happen," Barker said. "He's going to be treated like a rookie playing his first game."
Jyles has actually made 12 starts during a six-year career spent with four organizations, and said: "I believe that guys see me as a starter." The 28-year-old was a backup-turned-starter with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last season before suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him until this week, when Barker released incumbent Cleo Lemon and activated Jyles from the nine-game injured list.
"I look at this thing as a long-term deal, and it's important for us to find that guy that this organization can [put]on its shoulders," Barker said. "We've put Steven into a very difficult situation here. I'm the first one to admit that, but it's part of what goes with the territory."
That situation includes a knee injury to left tackle Rob Murphy, who will miss the game and be replaced by first-time starter Edawn Coughman. B.C. tormented Lemon and backup Dalton Bell in a 29-16 victory at Rogers Centre last week, and pass protection is such a concern that Argos tailback Cory Boyd considers it his No. 1 priority, ahead of rushing yards.
If nothing else, Jyles proved politically wise this week when his first order of business was to attend a meeting of the offensive line. He needs the linemen on side this week, and he needs to rally locker-room support around his leadership.
"That's something that hasn't been done here," veteran slotback Jeremaine Copeland said about a quarterback meeting with the O-line. "[Jyles]is able to elude sacks, and he's not just a standing target, so sacks are going to be a little bit harder. He can throw the ball downfield, and he's not afraid to throw the ball downfield."
That could prove difficult against a Lions defence that has made steady improvement over the last four games, three of them wins, and that is contesting its final game at Empire. The temporary stadium is playing host to its final CFL game, and the Lions are moving into a refurbished B.C. Place later this month.
B.C.'s defensive turnaround coincided with position changes for veteran defensive backs Korey Banks and Ryan Phillips, and general manager/head coach Wally Buono considers end Keron Williams the team's most outstanding player this year.
"No question they're going to bring pressure, and give you every type of look they can," Barker said.
The Lions could do mighty damage to Toronto's chances for a playoff berth should they win Saturday. The Argos would be three games back – with eight to play – in a competitive East Division, and trail B.C. by the same margin in the crossover standings.