ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA–The players were treated to a later start on day 6, as they headed back to Holy Trinity Catholic School in Oakville.
For the first time during camp players were wearing full gear instead of just shoulder pads. The change is probably for precautionary measures, since practice is being held on the turf field.
On the first play of twelve-on-twelve, Ahmad Caroll took advantage of not wearing oven mitts and got a nice hold of Chad Owens’ jersey. Owens definitely took exception to the grab and made sure Carroll knew about it. However, the ‘Flyin’ Hawaiian’ kept his cool and was immediately back to business.
The practice then switched to special teams, which has been a main focus these last few days. Mike O’Shea is making sure these players will be ready come kickoff time on Wednesday.
It was then time for goal line drills, which is always met with some high intensity. There were battles on each side of the ball as nobody wanted to fail in their attempts. The Defensive Line was especially impressive.
In a rarity, almost the entire receiving core struggled all practice long. They were dropping passes, and seemed to misinterpret what the QB’s were telling them.
Jason Barnes was added to the long list of injured receivers. He and Andre Durie stuck with their teammates all practice long, but they left the pads in the locker room. Them not being involved was just preventative according to coach Milanovich, as its typical for players to be nicked up with a camp this intense.
Zach Collaros took his fair share of snaps in his second day of practice. Although he didn’t unleash any 50 yard bombs, he certainly showed his elusiveness when he decides that he’s running the ball. He even took it as far as to drop his shoulder on a few plays; a few took exception, but acknowledged that the intentions were not malicious.
After being dominated by the offence yesterday it was all defence today. Ricky Foley jumped what felt like six feet in the air to swat a Ricky Ray pass down on one of the first plays of skelly. Foley, and the rest of the D-line, looked great all day. The QB’s never looked comfortable.
On the few occasions that the QBs actually had time in the pocket, they were never given the opportunity to find an open receiver…because there weren’t any. The DBs were hounding the receivers all practice long, forcing the QB’s to tuck the ball.
As good a as the defence was, head coach Scott Milanovich made it known after practice that he expects more from his offence.
The players have the day off practicing tomorrow; they will however play their annual mock game. It will take place at Nelson High School in Burlington, ON.