ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA–It was back to the grind of early morning back-to-back practices following four days off and the first pre-season game of the year. During Wednesday’s 29 – 24 win over the Ti-Cats, some players stepped out of the shadows while others were disappointing despite their strong camp so far. This practice was a chance for redemption for some and a chance to prove their worth for others.
There was one clear focus on offence early on and that was the running game. Despite Cory Boyd getting two TD runs on Wednesday, the offence didn’t do a great job of running the ball throughout the game. When 12-on-12 began, Boyd found himself in the middle of the action. The first play was a run by Boyd, then Ricky Ray threw a short pass to him and then it was back to Boyd for another run play. They ran no huddle offence from the get go, which had the defence running around aimlessly at first.
It’s clear these coaches wanted to go back to the high tempo practices after going a few days without practice.
The receiver core had some welcome reinforcements with Andre Durie returning to practice. He had some rust to shake off, but was quick to get going once he found his rhythm. 2011 starting cornerback Sean Smalls was also back in pads. There was also newcomer WR Corey Surrency, who was participating in his first practice as an Argo. He has some catching up to do but seems eager to play.
The second 12-on-12 was once again focused on the run game. This time the first 5 plays were runs, followed by a play action, and then back to the run. Aside from the fact that there is no hitting in practice, Cory Boyd looked dominant.
In skelly, Surrency showed that he’s a quick learner making a great sideline catch. He’s obviously a very athletic player and continued to impress as practice rolled on, making a few deep grabs. Once again Chad Owens looked good, seemingly having only one gear. As soon as he touches the ball he’s full steam ahead down the field, everytime.
After a solid performance returning the ball Wednesday, Chandler Williams was getting reps on the first team at receiver. Rounding out the receiving core was rookie Dontrelle Inman, who after a bit of a disappointing outing on Wednesday night, was back to his productive self.
On defence, a few of the young guns were standouts on Thursday. Defensive Lineman Armond Armstead looked great getting to the backs in the backfield a few times, while 19 year old Jamaan Webb was seeing some time on the first team. Marcus Ball continued to impress, on one play he seemed to be on Ricky Ray as soon as the ball was snapped, a definite sack in a real game situation. A standout from the Hamilton game, Pat Watkins had a solid practice again. He dropped what seemed like a sure interception but was in great position nonetheless. Pacino Horne, who started at cornerback on Wednesday night in Hamilton, got his hands on an end zone bomb by Ray to get the INT.
For those of you wondering who was dawning the oven mitts, the dubious distinction went to Javes Lewis and Raymond Brown. Both repeat offenders.
The second practice consisted of special teams only. A large focus was put on punt blocking. Even coach Mike O’Shea gave it a shot, without pads or a helmet! He was successful and walked away unharmed.
The players will be back on the field early tomorrow morning. This time it is an 8:30 start and it will go until 10:45; it’s the only one on the schedule. Once again it will take place on the upper field of UTM.