Five storylines

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/07/2011 (5241 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A handful of storylines to watch for when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Toronto Argonauts tonight:

1. Chemistry in the Bombers attack — does it exist?

After a week of uncertainty, this much we know: SB Terrence Edwards says he’ll play; WR Greg Carr looks doubtful.

If he can’t go, his import spot will be filled by rookie Clarence Denmark, who makes his CFL debut.

Canadian WR Aaron Hargreaves, who lost his starting job last week, replaces rookie WR Kito Poblah (who is on nine-game injured reserve).

That means rookie SB Jade Etienne will dress for his first pro outing.

“I’m sure there will be a little bit of nerves for them,” said QB Buck Pierce.

New faces are an adjustment for everyone — especially the quarterback.

2. How do you solve a problem like Chad Owens?

The Bombers will attempt to slow Owens, the Toronto kick returner who had 2,701 return yards in 2010, in this fashion: Keep in coverage lanes; make a tackle when given the chance; and get to the football ASAP.

But there’s a better way: Long drives.

“If you don’t punt the ball — he doesn’t have a lot of opportunities,” Bombers coach Paul LaPolice said.

Look for Winnipeg to employ the same coverage strategy against the Argos as they did against Hamilton: Boot it short, bounce the ball, and force the safe play.

3. Alive and kicking

Bombers K Justin Palardy went 26-of-30 from field goal range in 2010, and hit both of his tries (from 39 and 34 yards) last week.

Argos K Noel Prefontaine was 27-for-32 a season ago and hit all three of his attempts against Calgary in the season opener.

With many expecting a defensive, low-scoring affair (the over/under for the game is set at about 47 points), the most important people on the field tonight could be the guys in charge of splitting the uprights.

4. Mr. Lemon’s Opus

The belief across the country is that to beat the Argos, you force QB Cleo Lemon to beat you with his arm. He is the weak link, the experts scream.

But he is still the starting quarterback in Toronto and still has the confidence of coach Jim Barker.

If he can take care of the football, Lemon believes he can carry the Argos to another level this summer.

“If I can make the right reads and get the ball out on time… we’re a tough team to beat,” he said.

5. Can the Bombers do the party a favour?

Forget about going 2-0 for the first time since 2003.

With a new stadium scheduled to open in 2012, Winnipeg kicks off its final tour of Canad Inns Stadium tonight. In a season celebrating the history of the old park, opening night will carry a lot of emotion for some long-time patrons clad in Blue and Gold.

Can the Blue and Gold, in their sharp retro jerseys, rise to the occasion?

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca