Music: {allcanada} DESPITE STRUGGLES, BARKER STICKING WITH LEMON AS ARGOS' QB

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

{allcanada} DESPITE STRUGGLES, BARKER STICKING WITH LEMON AS ARGOS' QB

Toronto Argonauts head coach Jim Barker is happy with his starting quarterback and made that very clear to the media at practice on Wednesday.

While the Argonauts have been a surprise early in the season with a 3-2 record, the passing game ranks last in the league, leading some to question the future of Cleo Lemon as the starting quarterback.

"I am happy with where Cleo Lemon is at," Barker told reporters. "Did I think he was going to come in and lead the league in offence - that we were going to be No. 1? No, I did not think that. I knew it was going to take time."

The Argonauts entered the season with no quarterbacks having CFL experience and Jeremaine Copeland as the only veteran receiver. Many expected some time would be needed to get the offence firing on all cylinders but the fast start has shifted the spotlight away from Lemon's struggles.

However, Barker disagrees that a change should be made, preferring to have a winning record with a struggling quarterback rather than the alternative.

"What I am impatient with is the fact the guy has played five games and he is 3-2 and to have major media people questioning that he should be the quarterback, to me, is ignorant," said Barker. "If we were No. 1 in offence and we were 0-5, would you be asking for a quarterback change? Good question."

While Barker is aware that Lemon ranks last among starting quarterbacks in completion percentage, he would rather focus on the long-term goals of the team and get better as the season continues.

"We have to progress. That is the key," said Barker. "Do I want to throw for 400 yards and three interceptions and have two fumbles? No. Does that answer your question? (The goal is) to have 400 yards and not turn the ball over."

This season, Lemon has thrown for 906 yards and just three touchdowns, last among quarterbacks who have started every game this season. On a positive note, the former Miami Dolphin has thrown just four interceptions in five games, a good number for a player still getting accustomed to the Canadian game.

The Argonauts return to action against the Edmonton Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium on Wendy's Friday Night Football (TSN, 10pm et/7pm pt).