How do you replace Ricky Ray? That is a question the Argos have been asking themselves since the 2014 season came to an end, with the Toronto starting QB suffering a concussion and torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. On June 16th the Boatmen put Ricky Ray on the six-game injured list.
Coach Milanovich has stamped Trevor Harris as the starter for now and the foreseeable future. As good as Harris’ performance was in week 20 of last year, he’s not in the same category as Ray; that is how it’s supposed to be.
Harris is not bidding to steal the starting job while Ray is recovering. This is a chance for the Argos to learn what kind of performer Harris is, and for Harris to learn the game under the watchful eyes of the Argos coaching brass and Ricky Ray, who will be in a supporting role mentoring the relatively green Harris.
A team is only as good as its best players. With Ray down to start the year, Trevor Harris doesn’t have to be great, he just has to be good enough. He will have a tremendous supporting cast to help him out. Chad Owens and Andre Durie are tremendous weapons for any QB to have on the field. He will also have Anthony Coombs, who is very dangerous with the ball in his hands, combined with the rule change that will make any passing offence dangerous. Harris should be fine.
The Argonauts have a crucial year ahead of them: this is the last year the double blue will perform in front of fans at the Dome before making the move to a more fan-friendly football stadium at BMO Field for 2016. The Argos squad will have to keep pace with the rest of the CFL East before their true home opener in Toronto on August 8th to keep CFL fans excited in Toronto.
In Regina last year, when Riders QB Darian Durant went down with injury, the club plummeted down the divisional ladder. The whole league was put on notice: have a competent confident back up pivot in place to avoid a potential disaster when the injury bug bites.
Trevor Harris’ performance in the Argos’ week one preseason contest against Winnipeg was critiqued in numerous ways by many people, including Harris himself. This speaks of his leadership ability early on in his career and bodes well for the Argos, who will need leadership and accountability with the absence of Ricky Ray at pivot.
The real test for the Double Blue will be their discipline. Turnovers of course will be another area they need to watch closely. However, taking penalties on the offensive side of the ball can ruin the rhythm a young gun can have on a drive. Turnovers will happen, but the Argos shouldn’t be afraid of Harris making mental errors on the field as he can learn from them in the classroom and on the field.
One final thought. When Ray is healthy and ready to make his return after missing the first third of the year, will he be thrown back into the starters role if Harris has a solid start to the 2015 campaign? I’m sure the Argos would love to have to make such a tough decision; it’s a far better alternative to waiting for Ray to heal while watching the Boatmen sink in the CFL East division.
