Finally.
After an off-season that seemed like an eternity, the Argos are back and ready to begin their goal of winning back-to-back Grey Cups, this year’s finale set for Edmonton on November 25.
Friday night the Boatmen head to the Hammer to not only look at themselves but to see what all the fuss is about this Manziel fellow. Here are some random things to look for in this game, which is one of the pre-season games that TSN is airing.
Ricky Ray’s job is safe: The East’s MOP from 2017 is getting a night off. That’s not unusual. Veteran quarterbacks usually only play a series or two during their team’s home exhibition game and not at all on the road. Ray knows the offence inside and out, and the last thing he needs is to take a hard hit in what for him is a meaningless game.
What’s worth watching is the play of McLeod Bethel-Thompson and James Franklin. This seems to be a wide-open completion right now for the No. 2 QB spot on the roster. Dakota Prukop and Noah Picton are also both expected to dress Friday night and both may see action.
Ray will have company: If you’re expecting to see the lineup that will open the season you’ll be very disappointed. Also not dressing for the game will be players like James Wilder Jr., S.J. Green, Armanti Edwards, Anthony Coombs, Declan Cross, almost all of the starting defence, while three starting offensive linemen will serve as backups.
Which potential starters will dress on offence? At receiver, there’s a battle to replace DeVier Posey, now in the NFL. There are six International receivers, including returnees Brian Tyms, Chandler Worthy and Cole Watson. Bralon Addison, Christopher Harper and Jonathan Epps will also play against Hamilton.
Depending on where the Argos decide to start their Canadians, there’s likely at least one job open for a Canadian receiver to get substantial playing time. Jimmy Ralph, Malcolm Williams, Alex Charette and Llevi Noel will all be in the lineup Friday night.
How about on defence? Shawn Lemon will occupy one starting spot at defensive end, but who will man the other side with Victor Butler gone? Troy Davis looked very good when asked to play last year, while newcomer Frank Beltre has fit right in so far. Both will play.
With Bear Woods out for at least the first game or two of the regular season, Khalil Bass is looking to get a serious look at playing time. He’ll play Friday as well.
In the secondary, Alden Darby played exceptionally well before he was injured, highlighted by a 75-yard pick six against Montreal. Johnnie Sears Jr. will also suit up against his former team.
What about special teams? This has become a battle that nobody expected. With Lirim Hajrullahu now with Hamilton, the job to be the Argos kicker was expected to go to Swayze Waters, back in Double Blue after a couple of years in the NFL and CFL. But the popular Waters has been inconsistent so far in camp, opening the door for Ronnie Pfeffer to be involved in a serious competition. The fact that Pfeffer is Canadian may help him immensely, but one would think Waters may still have an advantage. The two pre-season games may decide this completion. Friday night’s game is vitally important for both players.
Does anyone actually make the team because of an exhibition game? Here are two names for you, Jimmy Ralph and Chad Kackert. Ralph was someone with a fairly low profile who excelled last year when given the opportunity.
Against Montreal at BMO Field, Ralph caught four passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. He’d follow it up the next week in Hamilton with four more receptions for 68 yards and another TD. A couple of the grabs were very tough, and it obviously made an impact on the coaching staff.
Kackert was destined to be a cut, but in the final game of the 2011 pre-season in Winnipeg, Kackert made himself virtually cut-free. He broke two long runs, one for 73 yards. He forced the Argos hand to keep him and it paid off for both.
The running back was the MVP of the 2012 Grey Cup game and remains a fan favourite.
What time is kickoff? Game time is 7:30 at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton. If you’re an Argos fan and have not been to a game there before, many Toronto fans sit behind the Argos bench in sections 106, 107 and 108. If you’re not willing to fight Friday traffic, you can relax at home and watch the game on TSN or listen to the simulcast on TSN 1050 radio.