Ready For A New Start

ROSTER | DEPTH CHART | GAME NOTES

The Argos’ hopes of hoisting the Grey Cup in November in Calgary officially starts Wednesday evening when they travel to Hamilton to take on the Tiger-Cats on Canada Day.

Wednesday’s contest marks not only the kickoff to the CFL season but a fresh start for both Ontario teams who are hoping to erase a 2008 season that fell far short of expectations.

The Argos enter the game with increased optimism in all aspects of the game.  Offensively, the Boatmen have a rejuvenated pivot in Kerry Joseph, a more aggressive offensive line with the additions of OT Rob Murphy and OC Dominic Picard and a receiving corps that is deep with Canadian talent with youngsters such as WR Mike Bradwell, WR Matt Lambros and OC Mark Dewit supporting the veteran WR Andre Talbot.

Factor in a younger, faster defence combined with a brand new coaching staff and the Argos not only enter the season with a fresh start, but they enter with a lot to prove as well.

Game one features an opponent that has yet to announce a starting quarterback for this season. Both veteran Kevin Glenn and sophomore Quinton Porter will dress but neither has been given the reigns publicly to run the offence.

Whether the ‘Cats use one or both quarterbacks, it will be up to the Argos defence to adjust as both pivots offer vastly different skill sets.  That task may seem slightly more difficult given that the Argos will sit more than a few key players due to injury for this game.  Defensive End Jonathan Brown, LB J.N. Carrier, CB Delroy Clarke, LB Richard Seigler and DB Jason Shivers will all sit out with various ailments.

The opposite side of the ball also has its fair share of injuries Talbot, RB Jeff Johnson, WR Obed Cétoute and TE Steve Schmidt will all miss Wednesday’s game.  LB Zeke Moreno, who missed the final pre-season game with an injury, is currently on the club’s 46-man roster and will be a game-time decision.

Joining Moreno on the 46-man roster are both P/K Eddie Johnson and P/K Justin Medlock.  Head Coach Bart Andrus has made it clear to the media throughout the week of practice that the likelihood of him dressing two import kickers is slim to none.  Which one he chooses, however, will likely not be revealed until just prior to kickoff.

The 2009 Argos season begins at 7:00 p.m. on Canada Day at Ivor Wynne Stadium and can be seen on TSN or heard on FAN590 or Sirius Satellite Radio.  To order tickets, click here.

Following the contest, the Argos will head home and prepare for the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Rogers Centre in the 2009 Home Opener.  For tickets, please call 416-872-5000 or click here to purchase online.  Season tickets and flex packages are still available by calling 416.341.ARGO(2746) or by browsing the Argonauts.ca ticket section.