5 Yards Off The Ball: Argos Travel Ottawa

Two weeks ago these two Ontario rivals met under the lights at BMO Field. The REDBLACKS won the battle of the Professor (Ricky Ray) and the Student (Trevor Harris). Tonight the Double Blue invade TD Place without the Professor against Henry Burris, who hasn’t been a student in almost 2 decades. Logan Kilgore will lead the Toronto Argonauts aerial attack in his first major test as the new student.

The Potential

Logan Kilgore is just the next in a line of Quarterbacks to learn under the Professor Ricky Ray, Marcus Brady and Scott Milanovich. This trio has churned out 2 bonafide stars in Zach Collaros in Hamilton and Trevor Harris in Ottawa. Most recently Mitchell Gale took the reins in Saskatchewan in the absence of Darian Durant.

I’ve liked him since we got him and hopefully he’ll show why – Coach Milanovich

The potential of Kilgore has been speculated to be a contributing factor in why Trevor Harris is now in the Nation’s Capital. There will definitely be some mistakes, but, now is the time for Kilgore to show the fans that the pre-season wasn’t just a flash in the pan and that he is the right man for the job.

The Stubler Way

We know that no matter who is behind centre for the REDBLACKS, they will churn out yards. With four 1 thousand yard receivers last year their passing game is just a machine. Rich Stubler’s defences have always had the moniker “Bend, But Don’t Break.” If they can keep their gains between the 20s, the BLUEBLUES will have a chance.

YAC-ITY-YAC

Yards after Catch. The Argonauts need and need to prevent YAC yards. On the Offensive side of the ball it’s imperative to help out the QB in his first start to boost his confidence. The Milanovich offence relies heavily on the short pass so YAC yards are crucial to its success.

We need to tackle better than we did the last time we played them – Shawn Lemon

Making that first tackle is major factor in limiting YAC yards. Receivers like Chris Williams need only to break 1 tackle to spring a big gain. Ellingson, Jackson and Sinopoli make their living off making people miss. They are going to catch footballs, but the Argos D needs to needs to limit what they do after they catch the ball.

Protect the House

It’s a belaboured point to say the least, but giving the QB time to see the field and make his reads is such an important part of the Offensive lines job that it can’t be said enough. Kilgore is making his first start of his career. Most often in a QBs first start, you’ll see a lot of quick high percentage passes, but there will be times, he needs to read the defense and push the ball down field. The O-Line will need to give him the extra second a young QB will need to make those reads. Giving him the time will boost confidence and in turn allow for better play.

Ice Cream Time

During Training Camp, the Argos offered up Ice Cream to the team at the end of practice if Lirim Hajrullahu was perfect o his field goal challenge. When Ice Cream was on the line, he never missed.

“For the ice cream!!”

How to make friends 101: @Lirim_70 is now 2/2 on the post-practice FG 🍦 challenge… pic.twitter.com/yO8snsy1qY

— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) June 3, 2016

 

Lirim started the season perfect going 5 to 5 in his first 2 games, then 6 for 7 in BC but missed his 2 attempts since. When Hajrallahu is on he is unstoppable. It’s Ice Cream Time.

Ottawa is a tough place to play. Kickoff is 7:30 PM ET on TV TSN 1, 3, 4 and 5 and on radio TSN1050