The Ottawa REDBLACKS will look to turn the quality play of their first two weeks into their first victory of the season on Saturday night at TD Place, where they will host the Toronto Argonauts – their first test against a divisional opponent this season.
The REDBLACKS (0-1-1) traded offensive punches with the high-octane Calgary Stampeders over two weeks to begin the 2017 campaign, while the Argos (1-1) have shown early glimpses of a rebirth under new head coach Marc Trestman.
“Calgary’s in the rearview mirror,” said Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell. “We’d like to have better results, but it’s a sign of how close games are going to be — you really need to be on-point and limit mistakes.”
Storylines
Hungry Football Teams — Both teams feel they could have earned more from their first two weeks of play, and will be raring to go on Saturday night at TD Place. Add in the extra fuel of the Battle of Ontario, and there’s little doubt that the hits will be hard, the blocks aggressive, and the football of the smash-mouth variety.
New REDBLACKS Redemption Tour — It’s no secret that a number of former Argos are now strapping on the pads — and grabbing headlines — for Rick Campbell’s REDBLACKS; in addition to receiver and premium return man Diontae Spencer, defensive back A.J. Jefferson will also slide into the lineup to face his former double-blue team. Spencer confirmed there were chirps thrown throughout the week, and it will be fun to watch former teammates go head-to-head.
Student vs Teacher — Though the three years (2012-14) star Ottawa pivot Trevor Harris spent backing up Argos quarterback Ricky Ray in Toronto seem long ago, it’s still an intriguing storyline. Harris now leads the league in net yards (890) and second-down efficiency (50%) and is undoubtedly an elite quarterback in the CFL. Ray, meanwhile, has had a mixed bag, putting in a 500-yard all-world performance in Week 1 before a return to Earth in Toronto’s Week-2 loss. Tasty quarterback matchup, indeed.
Scouting the Opposition
The Argos are once again led by Ray, ever the wily, accurate veteran on offence, while a host of athletic international receivers offer the 37 year-old different options.
Beyond big names like former Alouette S.J. Green and Texas A&M product Jeff Fuller, Toronto boasts the league’s two top receivers through Week 2 in DeVier Posey (218 rec yds, 1 TD) and Armanti Edwards (209 rec yds, 1 TD).
Dual-threat running back Brandon Whitaker, who rushed for 1,000 yards in 2016, is expected to return to the visitor lineup on Saturday after sitting out Toronto’s loss to BC last week.
On the defensive line, newcomer Victor Butler has registered a league-high four sacks in two games, while ex-REDBLACK Cleyon Laing has a pair to his name. Factor in known chatterbox Shawn Lemon and his two sacks, and the revamped Argo D-line is formidable.
In the Toronto secondary, former Hamilton Ticats Johnny Sears and Cassius Vaughn have each hauled in an interception early in their double-blue careers.
What They’re Saying
“They’re a good team, they have a lot of weapons. We know it’s a big divisional game for both teams. It’s an important game for us at home. We expect them to be at their best and us to be at our best.” — Head Coach Rick Campbell
“I’ve been getting text messages from a lot of those guys, a lot of smack talk. I’m really excited to play them again. I know they’re pumped up, they want to come and get the W. We’re playing at home and can’t let that happen.” — Receiver Diontae Spencer
“Ricky Ray trusts his guys, as he should; they’ve got a great receiving core — Jeff Fuller, SJ Green, the list goes on and on. Ray knows what he’s doing; he’s been in the league for a while, and we have to try and contain him and that potent offence.” — Linebacker Taylor Reed
“They’re going to bring different looks in terms of pressure fronts from Calgary. They rally down and force you to get (yards-after-catch). We have to be good at getting YAC, and when there’s holes, we gotta make plays.” — Receiver Brad Sinopoli
GAME INFO
Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. Toronto Argonauts
Week 3 – July 8, 2017
Kickoff – 7:00 p.m. ET | TD Place
Tickets – Click here
BROADCAST INFO
TV (EN): TSN | TSN GO | TSN.ca/LIVE
TV (FR): RDS TV
TV (Int’l): ESPN 3 | BT (UK and Ireland)
Radio (EN): TSN 1200 | TSN1200.ca
Radio (FR): FM 104,7 Outaouais | FM1047.ca
Radio (Satellite): Sirius XM Canada Channel 167 (EN) and 174 (FR)
Fewer than 2000 tickets remain for Saturday’s clash with the Argonauts. Tickets are available by clicking here, calling 613.232.6767 X1 or visit The Box Office at TD Place.
