Toronto Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is feeling the effects of his team’s 2-7 start.
The Argonauts saw a 21-point lead evaporate on Saturday before eventually falling 46-42 to the Ottawa Redblacks.
A visibly frustrated Dinwiddie met with reporters after the game and made a point to challenge some of his players.
“I sound like a broken record talking to them after the game,” Dinwiddie said. “I just told them I’m not going to quit on them, and I don’t think those guys quit on us, but I think we have some pretenders in the building who like to talk a big game and don’t show up on game day.
“If you don’t love it, let me know. I know I love it and I’m not going to quit.”
Dinwiddie also knows that his team has to be able to bring the mentality to try and pick themselves up when things aren’t going right.
He believes past versions of the team were able to do that, but it’s something that has been lacking this season.
“I just think as a football club right now, we don’t have enough courage and we don’t handle adversity very well when things don’t go our way,” Dinwiddie explained. “We got to find a way to fight and find ways to make those plays.”
It’s not the first time Dinwiddie has called out his team this season.
He also went on an impassioned rant after a heartbreaking loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Week 3.
“I’ve never really got after those guys, this is the first time I’ve had to after a game. Pretty embarrassed by it. I thought it was selfish play, selfish penalties,” Dinwiddie said back on July 8. “I told those guys, ‘someone’s going home tomorrow.’ Heads are rolling. I ain’t putting up with that stuff no more.”
At 2-7, the Argos sit in last place in the East Division. Their next chance to get the season back on track will come Friday against the 2-6 Edmonton Elks.
Toronto is still waiting on the return of starting quarterback Chad Kelly, who is still working his way back from a fractured leg he suffered in last season’s East final.