Toronto Argonauts: Scott Milanovich Relaxed Ahead of Season Opener

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The moment Toronto Argonauts fans have been waiting for is finally here, as they kick off their season at home to the Edmonton Eskimos. And by home, we mean on the road, in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

I appreciate the attempts to promote the Argos opening game as a way to expand the reach of the CFL into Northern Alberta. As Senior Vice President of Business Operations, David Bedford, said: “(It is) one of the key economic areas of our country.”

However, this doesn’t change the fact that the Double Blue will be at a disadvantage. As Scott Milanovich told the media: “It just feels like a road game to us. I don’t know that any of our players are treating it like a home game.”

Fresh off signing his contact extension, the Argos head coach appeared relaxed, despite the unusual circumstances surrounding his team’s “home” opener. It helps that he has dealt with a lot of uncertainty since coming to Toronto: “I’m used to it.”

Jun 26, 2014; Toronto Argonauts quarterback Trevor Harris poses for a photo. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Milanovich also has the benefit of being able to relay his own experience of playing on the road, to his players: “I was in NFL Europe, where every game was a road game. It’s not a big deal to us.

“We’re used to playing on the road. This one’s a unique one for sure, but our guys are focused on the job at hand.”

If anything, there is likely to be more worries concerning who lines up behind centre, with Ricky Ray set to miss at least six games. It is imperative that Trevor Harris keeps the team above water during the absence of Toronto’s star quarterback.

The biggest issue with Harris, is his inexperience, which Milanovich discussed with the media: “He’s probably inexperienced in terms of starts. (However), in terms of his knowledge of the offence, what he’s done the last three years, he has gotten playing time.

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“He’s not like a normal backup, I don’t think, that comes in very green. Trevor is highly intelligent, phenomenal the way he prepares himself, even when he’s not the starter.”

For what it’s worth, the 29-year old has been productive in his limited action. In three years for the Argonauts, Harris has completed 62.8% of his passes for 705 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception.

Certainly, Milanovich has no concerns: “The fact this is his team right now, I don’t think that weighs too heavily on him. I think he embraces that.”

In many ways, Harris represents how many changes there have been on what is a young roster, which Milanovich acknowledged: “We have a lot of new starters…how quickly do they pick it up, how quickly do they adjust?”

The 42-year old went on to say: “There’s talent there and there’s potential there…but potential means you haven’t accomplished anything yet. That’s why we’re underdogs going into this game, but we’ve got to turn that potential into talent.”

Finally, Milanovich was asked if he was happy with where the team is at, heading into their opening game: “Yes I am, I’m really pleased. Like I said, I think we have a lot of potential.

“We just need to prove we can play, and we can do it when the lights come on. We’ll find that out (on Saturday).”

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