CFL: Milanovich Bringing Fighting Attitude to Argonauts

Al Dannity | Updated May 16, 2012

The questions just keep on coming for Scott Milanovich as he prepares for his rookie year as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts. Al Dannity says the direct approach being applied by the Argos’ coach could have major benefits in the season ahead.

Taking on the burden In order to get the best out of the Argos in 2012, Scott Milanovich is looking to set a personal example. With no definite starters on either side of the ball, with the exception of quarterback Ricky Ray, the Argonauts need strong leadership from the sidelines. That’s what they appear to be getting as Milanovich has elected to take on all of the offensive play calling duties for the Argos this season. With the team lacking an offensive coordinator, this wasn’t a wholly surprising move. It is however a signal that this will be Milanovich’s team in his vision.

“As of right now, it’s an offence I know better than anyone else. I know this offence inside and out and we’ll see what happens after this year,” said Milanovich in a conference call on Tuesday. The Argos coach is looking to transplant a complex set of ideals from his days as offensive coordinator with the Als. To do this he’s going to need players to buy into his vision. There are already positive signs in that regard.

A mini-step in the right direction The Argonauts showed a huge turnaround in attitude at mini-camp in April. Coaches reprimanded players for ball security issues on the first day of training camp but it was the players that took on the load afterwards, scolding each other for making mistakes. “There is a real sense of leadership from some of the veterans that have been around this organization that are just hungry to win, and I think they are buying everything we are selling to them right now,” said Milanovich.

Questions to answer The adjustment in attitude from the Argonauts is a big positive but there are still major positional questions for Toronto’s head coach to answer. Finding a No. 1 receiver is the top priority but duties at all the skill positions need to be refined. There is also the lingering question about how to allocate the mandatory seven Canadian starter slots. There’s talk of possibly going with an all-Canadian offensive line. That could put pressure on both the linemen and Ray to deliver big time in order to free up space at skill positions. We won’t know any answers until the first ball is snapped but for now, the Argos at least have their heads in the right place.

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