DON LANDRY – Argonauts.ca Columnist
MISSISSAUGA – We hear it time and time again in football. The little things can make a world of difference.
Not that the big things can’t or don’t. They certainly do. Chad Owens’ 402 yard performance and Ahmad Carroll’s 37 yard interception return for a touchdown were big things. So big they got the attention of the CFL and led to those two being named players of the week.
Among those and other spectacular showings from both the Argos and Ticats in a splendid Labour Day afternoon of football, a couple of more quiet, unassuming performances helped the Argos storm back for a 33-30 victory.
Receivers Mike Bradwell and Spencer Watt each hauled in 6 passes, Bradwell for 45 yards and Watt for 61. That’s 12 receptions for a total of 106 yards, catches and yardage that helped lessen the blow when receiver Andre Durie went down on the first series of the day, and was lost for the balance of the game.
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“That’s always encouraging when a guy steps up for somebody that’s gone down,” said head coach Scott Milanovich. “They did a good job.”
With Durie limping around at the team’s walk through on Wednesday, there is at least the possibility if not probability, that Watt and Bradwell will need to reprise their roles in Saturday’s rematch in Toronto. Durie’s strained quadriceps had Milanovich saying the Canadian speedster’s status is listed as day to day, for now.
For Bradwell, the Labour Day adjustments meant heading to the inside receiver spot. For Watt, it meant a return to action, after losing his wideout position to Bradwell a couple of games ago.
“It was satisfying but there are still some things in our game – our offence and my game in particular that I need to improve on like blocking and helping stretch the defence so some other players can get open,” said the soft-spoken Watt.
Although he was running familiar routes in a familiar area – the wide side or “field” receiver position – he did have to shake off a bit of rust, having been used for spot duty in the previous two games.
“All year I’ve been playing at field wideout so there wasn’t too much to worry about,” the 23 year old native of North Vancouver offered. “It wasn’t too stressful but I’d have liked a few more reps at practice. It would have helped.”
Bradwell, the Toronto native who just turned 25 in July, had a more difficult transition to make. It’s different to roam the wide open spaces usually afforded a flanker as opposed to the gridiron gridlock that faces a slot on most plays.
“It’s a bit of an adjustment (although) I’ve played slot a bit in the CFL before and in university,” said Bradwell.
“It was an adjustment just to hear the plays at that position and there’s little nuances about that,” he continued. “That’s the tough part of it. But I feel like I came in and did a pretty good job.”
Milanovich was pleased.
“Mike had to move to a different position which is part of his value, his intelligence. He’s able to do that and it’s not easy,” said the coach. “Spencer came in and had his best game of the year and did a number of things.”
“It was satisfying,” said Bradwell, of his increased workload. Previously this season, he’d been held to just 2 catches. “You pride yourself on being able to step in at the position they want you to and do the job. I was happy with my game, I didn’t play a perfect game at all and the offence certainly didn’t play a perfect game, but we were definitely happy to pull out the win.”
Regular Argos observers will know that neither Bradwell nor Watt are fragile thoroughbreds, displaying their willingness to get caught up in the rough stuff on special teams. Each has two special teams tackles in 2012. A noted wedge buster, Bradwell was named special teams player of the year in his first year of football at Leaside High School. Perhaps, then, it is little surprise that he is not only okay with the turbulent existence of a slotback, he actually welcomes it.
“I like playing on the inside and being in on the action,” he said, enthusiastically. “You’ve got to come in on protection a little bit and bang heads with some of those guys. I like that part of the game, it’s fun.”
Will the fun and prosperity continue for both Bradwell and Watt this Saturday? First of all, it depends a little on the health of Durie. If he’s able to play, then one of the two will start at wide receiver, the other will start on the sidelines. Beyond that, defensive adjustments on the part of the TiCats will dictate a lot.
“We’ll get through some film and see how their defence was (aligned) and where the holes were and they’ll (the coaches) fit me in at the best spot to execute some plays,” surmised Watt. “I’m sure they’re watching film and they’ll try and throw in some wrinkles in this short week,” he said of the Tabbies.
It’s legendary. No one needs to be reminded of the high octane emotions that run wild and free during a Labour Day game in Hamilton. But, does that carry over to the return match in Toronto?
“There’s definitely some animosity that’s built up from that first game,” began Bradwell. “That was a chippy game. We just watched the film. And you kinda do get fired up to play these guys again, especially when you see some of the shots they were taking. You want to get back out there and get in a fight with them again.”
Are ya sayin’ the TiCats were dirty, Mike?
“It’s just regular football,” he answered. But you know when you’re playing them the next week you can get your revenge right away.”
“We’re excited about it. I love these back to backs.”