Training Camp Diaries: Day 5

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

MISSISSAUGA – The Argos returned to the field Thursday morning for the their only practice of the day. It has been nine practices since training camp kicked off and today was the first afternoon off for the players.

At this point in camp, with soreness setting in, many of the players targeted the ice tubs at the conclusion of practice. There, they tried to refresh their legs for tomorrow’s last back-to-back practice before the mock game on Saturday afternoon.

As the game looms nearer, players competed hard on the upper field at UTM. With all these heated position battles underway, rain drizzled down for the first hour of practice and players were able have a little fun. The defensive backs started practice doing the defensive line drills. The DBs showed off their ‘rip’ and ‘swim’ moves on the upright bags. #95 DE Ricky Foley also jumped in on a defensive backs drill and displayed his quick feet and ball-catching ability.

The receivers, on the other hand, were under close watch by the offensive coaches as they were taught new routes. GM & head coach Jim Barker wanted to ramp up the offence’s sense of urgency so the receivers were divided into four stations where they were put through their paces.

Despite this, the receivers had their hands full with the defensive backs today. Two DBs that really stood out this morning were #15 DB Dee Webb and #20 DB Ray Cheatham. Webb, who returned after missing a few days with a leg injury, displayed lock-down cover skills on some of the top Argos receivers. Webb punished himself with pushups after he dropped two potential interceptions. With coach Barker watching from a distance, Cheatham showed his coverage skills as he ran step-for-step with a receiver downfield and broke up a pass. From across the field Barker vocally acknowledged Cheatham’s tremendous effort.  

In the ‘skelly’ period, the DBs and LBs collaborated and put on a defensive spectacle. #48 LB Durrell Mapp, #46 LB Jason Pottinger, and #45 LB Anthony Cannon took away all the intermediate zones from the quarterback. On one occasion, #1 QB Cleo Lemon was forced to tuck the ball and run after going through his reads downfield – a clear testament to the blanket coverage of the defence. #35 LB Kevin Eiben also had another great practice. The former safety at Bucknell intercepted a pass after shadowing the receiver during his route.

The Double Blue defence looks to be getting better and better each day, and it is very exciting to see. The communication between the players is outstanding; it allows them to play as one cohesive unit. As they gained a deeper understanding of their roles, the players were able to exercise their instinct more often. #21 DB Lin-J Shell, #17 DB Michael Grant and Cannon each laid some big hits on the offensive players.

The defensive line continues to bring the pressure up front. #93 DE Chris Bradwell and #99 DE Ronald Flemons each recorded sacks during the team period. At one point they had sacked the QB in four of the eight plays run.

On offence, #12 QB Dalton Bell and #6 QB Danny Brannagan each had impressive days. They made quick reads and delivered the ball accurately and on time. Bell was successful with the deep ball today as he hit #16 WR Brandon Rideau several times down the sideline. #87 WR D.J. Boldin and #86 WR James Harmon showed their pass catching ability, snagging everything that was thrown their way. #2 WR/KR Chad Owens made a highlight reel one-handed catch which got both the offence and defence excited.

The Argos are back on the field on Friday at 7:40 am for a back-to-back practices on the upper field at UTM.

Notes: The Argos signed non-import WR Kwame Osei (St. Francis Xavier). #91 DE Ben Ishola, #44 RB Chad Kackert, and #88 WR Mike Bradwell missed practice with injuries and #49 LB Greg Blue sustained an ankle injury at the end of practice.