ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO—This week’s game is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated matchups between the Argos and Als in recent memory.
The Argos have had little success against the Als in recent years as the team will look to improve upon their 2-8 record (last 10 games) versus the perennial division champions.
In previous years, the Boatmen might have had a seed of doubt planted into their minds even before taking the field. Generally, the Als were bigger, stronger and faster than they were. They had won big games, had arguably the league’s best Quarterback, and a coaching staff that provided a solid foundation – who wouldn’t be intimidated?
2012, however, sheds a brighter light on this game. Now, instead of hoping to pull out a victory, these Argos want to be mentioned in the same breath as the East Division’s royalty. Friday night is the first step in that direction.
“It’s an important litmus test for us,” stated Argos’ starting QB Ricky Ray after practice on Wednesday. “They have been the cream of the crop in the East Division for so long, and that’s the status that we are trying to get to, so it is really a good test of how far we have come in a short time.”
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For Head Coach Scott Milanovich, who has fielded questions about his first time back in Montreal, he sees it as a big test for his young team, especially considering he knows more than anybody what Montreal can bring to the table.
“They are not a team that loses focus one way or the other, so we expect them to be at their best,” said the first year bench boss. “This is a huge opportunity for us, and the players know that. We have talked all week about the fact that we are playing for first place.”
As of Week 4, the Argos and Alouettes are first or second in 15 out of a possible 25 offensive categories. Calvillo and Ray sit 1-2 in passing yardage, and Andre Durie is third in the CFL in receiving yards – Montreal’s SJ Green and Brandon London are both top 10 in that department. Cory Boyd leads the league in rushing yards, and Brandon Whitaker already has four touchdowns in four games.
All of these numbers add up to the potential for a lot of points to be put up on the Percival Molson Stadium scoreboard. That is unless the Argos defence has something to say about it.
Linebacker Brandon Isaac looks at Friday night as the perfect opportunity for him, and his defensive brethren, to solidify themselves as a force to be reckoned with this season.
“We want to show the CFL that we are the best in the league at what we do, and doing it against an offence like Montreal’s would really make a statement.”
Making that statement won’t come easy, even though the Argos defensive unit sits in first place in six different categories in the CFL.
Montreal’s top three receivers: SJ Green, Jamel Richardson and Brandon London, are all over 6’2” and 200 pounds. For Isaac, who stayed 20 minutes after practice on Wednesday with the defensive backs to work on techniques, he says the game plan is physicality
“We have watched a lot of film on their receivers, and we have taken note of the fact that they do not like when defensive players are physical with them. Knowing that, our intention is to put our hands on them and try to get them feeling uncomfortable early on.”
As far as keeping checks on Calvillo, who is well on his way to another 4,500+ yard season, the defence is appreciative of the fact that they get to practice and prepare against another future hall of famer everyday.
“Going up against Ricky Ray everyday is no easy task,” said Isaac. “He gives us good looks all the time and forces us to be sharp in our coverages. If we’re not, he picks us apart. Calvillo is the same way.”
The Argos travel to Montreal early Thursday morning, and kickoff is slated for 7:30pm on TSN or TSN Radio 1050 on Friday night. Don’t forget to follow along on Twitter throughout the whole game using #ArgosLive.
Toronto’s next home game is Monday, August 6 against the B.C. Lions. Kickoff at 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 416-341-2746 or visiting argonauts.ca