Aug
Argos relying on rookies vs Tabbies
Courtesy Toronto Star:
A team that once avoided rookies is now embracing them.
Last season, only rookie linebacker Willie Pile cracked the Toronto Argonauts’ starting defence, a unit that has seen few changes in recent years.
That’s why Argo fans might do a bit of a double-take during Monday’s traditional Labour Day showdown in Hamilton, which will feature something rather non-traditional: three Argo rookies starting in the defensive backfield.
The last time that many rookies started on defence was the meaningless final game of the 2004 season. But Monday’s game is hardly meaningless.
The rookies – Kenny Heatly, Willie Middlebrooks and Jason Shivers – are part of the team’s desire for more speed, size and aggressiveness in an attempt to stop a two-game losing streak and get the defence back on track.
That was part of the reason the Argos bid adieu to veteran safety Orlondo Steinauer, which resulted in Kenny Wheaton moving to safety and opened up spots for Heatly and Shivers.
While few will deny that a defence that ranks last in the league needs changes, there’s also no denying that this many changes in one week can be risky.
Head coach Rich Stubler doesn’t agree with that assessment.
“Even though they’re rookies, they know the system and know the other players,” Stubler said.
Middlebrooks has started from Day One and Heatly has seen considerable playing time. But this will be the first start for Shivers, a former fifth-round NFL draft choice (St. Louis) whose career has been hampered by injuries.
Shivers says he’s not concerned about the possibility the Tiger-Cats might pick on him because of his lack of experience.
“I am a rookie as far as the CFL goes, but in my mind I don’t feel like a rookie,” the 25-year-old former Arizona University standout said. “I feel like a veteran.
“That’s the attitude coach Stubler wants us to have.”
The Argos have had only four workouts since the team sent a shock wave by jettisoning mainstays Steinauer and Michael Bishop, but club veterans say there has been a change in attitude already.
