ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
Lining up against one of the league’s most potent and consistent offences may not be the most enviable of tasks, especially for an Argos team that finds it imperative to start the season with a win in order to erase a pair of losing seasons.
Although it is a time to start fresh, the Argos understand that they are facing an offence that has had numerous seasons in which to gel.
“We’ve just got to make sure that we are prepared, and make sure that we know the sets,” said veteran LB Kevin Eiben. “We also need to make sure that we have Henry Burris, Joffrey Reynolds and their receivers covered because they have a very strong offence,” he continued.
Eiben admits that even the most experienced vet needs to make sure that they are prepared. If they are not, Burris and company will make them pay.
“I’ve seen Calgary for the last ten years so I have a good idea as to what they bring to the table,” he said. “It’s all about bringing the younger guys up to speed because when the game gets started it is going to be fast paced.”
Eiben’s leadership will be needed this season, especially early on with a host of new players donning the Double Blue come opening night.
Perhaps the most significant newcomer is QB Cleo Lemon who will be making his first career CFL start. Lemon, who earned the starting job out of training camp, will try and lead an offence that has seen changes throughout, including two new starting slotbacks, Jeremaine Copeland and Brandon Rideau, and a new tailback in rookie RB Cory Boyd.
Boyd will try and build on a 147-yard, including a touchdown, pre-season performance 11 days ago in Montreal. Boyd’s big build and versatility has made him a key part of offensive coordinator Jaime Elizondo’s offence. Boyd will look to continue his success running between the blocks of newcomer LG Cedric-Gagne Marcoux and youngster RT Chris Van Zeyl who have both been inserted as full time starters along the offensive line.
On defence, it will be non-import DT Adrian Davis getting the starting nod at nose tackle in place of Adriano Belli (suspended) and rookie DB Michael Grant, who will start at boundary-side corner in place of the injured Willie Middlebrooks.
Kickoff is at 10:00 p.m. (ET) and the season opener can be seen on TSN or heard on the FAN590. Following the game, the Argos will head home for five days before venturing back out on the road to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Canad Inns Stadium.