TORONTO: DEPTH CHART | ROSTER | GAME NOTES
WINNIPEG: DEPTH CHART | ROSTER
Toronto Argonauts @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Date: Friday, June 27, 2008
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Game: Regular Season Game #1
Location: Canad Inns Stadium
Television: TSN
Radio: FAN590.com (online only)
Toronto Injuries: RB Andre Durie
(thumb), QB Reggie McNeal (knee), RB Tyler Ebell (Achilles), WR Chad Rempel
(hamstring) and RB Ross Weaver (Quad)
Winnipeg Injuries: OL Ibraham Khan,
P/K Duncan O’Mahony, DL Matt Kudu.
Starting Quarterbacks: Toronto – Kerry
Joseph, Winnipeg – Kevin Glenn
After a month of preparations, the regular season opener has finally
arrived for the Toronto Argonauts and Head Coach Rich Stubler. The
Boatmen head to Winnipeg to kick off their drive to the 2008 Grey Cup in
Montreal.
This game
marks the first regular season game in any league and at any level that Rich
Stubler has held the position of Head
Coach.
In addition to Rich Stubler making his regular season coaching
debut, the Argos will also unveil a bevy of new starters on offence. Reigning
CFL Most Outstanding Player Kerry Joseph takes control of the offence
under centre. He will have two new receivers to throw to in the starting
line-up; electrifying speedster Bethel Johnson will man one wideout
spot, while 6’1”, 232-pound David Boston will line-up in the slotback position.
Not to be overlooked is steady 2 time-division All-Star Arland Bruce III,
he will line up opposite of Johnson. Look for the receiving corps to open up
running lanes for Dominique Dorsey, Jeff Johnson and newcomer Jamal
Robertson. Robertson had a strong pre-season and average more than 8 yards
per carry last week against Hamilton.
Lost amidst all the star power on offence is a defence that led the
CFL in 14 of 20 defensive categories last season and fielded six league
all-stars.
The
Boatmen’s defence allowed just one offensive touchdown in
its final 12 regular season quarters (3 games) of football in
2007. Including the East Final, it was just two offensive touchdowns in four
games.
Keep an eye out for
former NFL first round draft pick Willie Middlebrooks who had a great
training camp and will start at cornerback opposite reigning CFL All-Star Byron
Parker. Parker was the only player in the CFL to score touchdowns on
offence, defence and special teams last season.
On Special Teams, Mike Vanderjagt returns to the Double Blue after nearly 11 years away from
the CFL. Vanderjagt last kicked for the Argos in the ’97 Grey Cup. Despite his
long absence, he is still tied
for 4th all-time in club history for career field goals.
Following the game, the Argos will head back to Toronto to prepare for
their home opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Rogers Centre on Thursday,
July 3.