Scott Grant
By: Tyler Rabb – OttawaREDBLACKS.COM Staff
Photo: Scott Grant – Image Communications
At Home On The Road
So far this season, the Argos have only played four home games, one of which was played in Fort McMurray, AB. Their home field, Rogers Centre, has been dominated all summer by the 2015 Pan Am Games and MLB’s red-hot Toronto Blue Jays. The Boatmen will now wait until Week 17 before they have another home game.
The Blue Jays have even forced the Argos to move tonight’s game to TD Place and may make them play their October 17 matchup against the Stampeders at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. This might give the REDBLACKS an advantage heading into the playoff push.
While Ray’s Away
Argos starting QB Ricky Ray was placed on the six-game injury list to start the year, as his recovery from off-season shoulder surgery needed the extended absence from game action.
With Ray on the shelf, Toronto crowned Trevor Harris, a 29-year old quarterback with only one CFL start on his resume, as their number one pivot to begin the season.
Well, Harris has surpassed all expectations. He’s ranked third among CFL QBs with 283 completions, 24 touchdowns, and a passing completion percentage of 71.8. He also boasts 3,203 passing yards (fourth in the CFL).
Argos head coach Scott Milanovich, a former QB himself, saw something in Harris. “He (Harris) used to want to be a coach at one point,’’ said Milanovich. “His mind works in that way. He enjoys the Xs and Os, dissecting a defence. I think when you really understand those things you’re able to diagnose things quicker than somebody who just knows the plays.”
Harris will start tonight’s game against Ottawa, though Ray will be looking on from sidelines. He’ll dress as the Argos backup/third-string QB, though Coach Milanovich has stated he’ll only use Ray as a last resort.
Breakout Boatman
If the CFL handed out mid-season awards, the Argos nominee for outstanding rookie would definitely be defensive back A.J. Jefferson.
Not only has he made a name for himself on the defensive side of ball, grabbing the league’s longest interception this season, but Jefferson has also impressed on special teams.
The 27-year old California-native has 188 punt return yards and one spectacular game-changing return TD against the Blue Bombers in Week 8.
He’s someone the REDBLACKS need to keep their eye on, as his speed and athleticism make him extremely elusive on the field.
Familiar Faces
Not only did Toronto start the season without the 2014 East Division’s Most Outstanding Player, QB Ricky Ray, they also lost the East Division’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, Swayze Waters, after their Week 1 win over the Eskimos.
Waters made a return to the lineup when the REDBLACKS last matched up against the Argos in Week 9, though he’s landed back on the injured list and might miss the rest of the regular season.
To fill in for Waters, Toronto added two kickers, Justin Palardy and Anthony Alix. No they weren’t a package deal, but both men have played for the REDBLACKS in the past.
Look for Palardy to handle kick-offs and field goals, while Alix will take care of the punting duties tonight at TD Place.
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2015 Arrivals |
2015 Departures |
East Division Showdown
With a win against the Argos, the REDBLACKS can move into first place in the East Division. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. tonight at TD Place. Catch the game on TSN and RDS2 or listen to all the action on TSN 1200 and 104,7 FM Outaouais.
Check out the Argos depth chart for tonight’s game below.
The #Argos head to the Capital to take on the #REDBLACKS on Tues. night. Check out this week’s 46-man roster. #CFL pic.twitter.com/58iQf2RmVa
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) October 5, 2015
