The Argos fell behind in all three of their regular-season games against Winnipeg, managing to rally for the victory just once. It's not a trend Bruce wants to see repeat itself when Toronto faces the Blue Bombers in the East Division semifinal Sunday (CBC, 1 p.m. ET).

``If we can't move the ball early, it's going to be tough for us,'' Bruce said following Thursday's practice, mere minutes before a blizzard hit the Argos practice facility. ``We can't try to come back from behind anymore.

``We just have to come out early, do what we do and sort of tell the team across from us, `We're going to run this. You stop it. If you can't, we're just going to keep coming at you.' ''

Winnipeg won the season series 2-1, downing the Argos 16-9 at home June 23 and 24-17 at Rogers Centre on July 6. Toronto trailed 15-3 in the fourth quarter Aug. 25 at Canad Inns Stadium, but quarterback Damon Allen rallied the squad to an 18-15 victory.

Allen missed the first two meetings with a broken right finger that will likely require more surgery at season's end.

With or without Allen, the Argos' offence has been a work in progress. Offensive co-ordinator Kent Austin was fired during the season and general manager Adam Rita effectively took over. The coaching shuffle really didn't change much as Toronto finished the regular season ranked seventh in scoring (16.7 points per game), total yards (285 yards) and last in passing (216 yards).

Toronto's offensive struggles were especially evident in its final two regular-season games. Needing to win one to cement top spot in the East _ and a bye to the division final _ the Argos offence mustered just 164 total yards in a 13-9 home loss to Saskatchewan on Oct. 20, then couldn't make a 20-11 second-half lead stand in a 24-20 defeat to Montreal at Rogers Centre on Saturday that gave the Alouettes top spot.

Bruce had six catches for a game-high 124 yards and a touchdown against Montreal, but only one reception came in the second half as the Argos struggled to re-establish a running game that managed over 100 yards in the first half.

``That (second half versus Montreal) was difficult but all we can do is look at the things we did well and take them into this game and not worry about what we struggled with,'' Bruce said. ``We can't do anything about that now.

``We have a nice package for Winnipeg.''

Bruce has been Toronto's top offensive performer this season, finishing second among CFL receivers with 77 catches for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns. Miles was the Argos second-leading receiver with 53 catches for 671 yards and two TDs after leading the team in 2005 with 91 catches for 1,275 yards.

But Miles' status for Sunday's game remains uncertain.

He missed last week's contest with a foot injury and hasn't practised this week. In fact, Miles wasn't around Thursday as Argos coach Mike (Pinball) Clemons said the speedy receiver had a doctor's appointment. When asked if Miles would practise anytime this week, Clemons politely refused comment.

Not having Miles would be a huge blow to Toronto because it would rob Allen of a reliable second option when Bruce faced a double-team.

``Then the other receivers have to stand up and get open,'' Allen said. ``That's something that's a challenge for everybody.

``Arland is going to get extra attention, teams are going to do that. We have to be smart and able to adapt and see how teams are playing but at the same time it's a challenge for everyone else to do their job and get open when called upon.''

A solid running attack would certainly help Toronto's cause offensively. Consistent gains from tailback John Avery and fullback Ricky Williams would not only keep Winnipeg's defence off balance but also give Allen more passing options and even make the Argos quarterback more dangerous because of his mobility.

Toronto hasn't run the ball well this year, averaging 89 yards per game (second-worst in the CFL). A big reason for that has been that Avery and Williams, two former NFL first-round draft picks, have struggled with injuries. Avery has been out with various ailments while Williams missed eight weeks with a broken forearm and injured Achilles tendon.

Williams, a former NFL rushing champion, averaged a solid 4.8-yards per carry this season but had just 526 rushing yards, eighth-best in the CFL. Avery was 11th overall with 432 yards on 88 carries (5.3-yard average).

But Bruce boldly predicted Toronto will be able to run on a Winnipeg defence that was ranked third overall against the rush, allowing just 93 yards per game.

``We will establish the running game because the guys haven't had their carries,'' he said. ``Seven, eight carries, that's not enough for a running back, especially the running backs we have.

``It's going to be something to see. There's going to be some head-cracking because their defensive linemen get after it and our offensive linemen are going to come after them too.''