Toronto Argonauts: Takeaways from pre-season games

The Toronto Argonauts training camp has come and gone with the team finishing their two-game exhibition schedule at 1-1.

While the score of the games don't matter as much, it remains an important tool for team evaluators to judge the roster. Safe to say there were encouraging signs but also some details that needed to be ironed out.

After the Argos first pre-season game in Montreal that ended in a loss Ryan Dinwiddie laid out a challenge. He wanted to see more out of the younger players who were pushing for an opportunity to make the team, especially on defence where most of the starters did not play.

"Some of our young players are going to have to step up to the plate and prove that they’re going to make us a better team," Dinwiddie said after the game. "We’ll get our veterans playing so I think we’ll be more fluid and more consistent. We’ve got another install and we’re looking at some new concepts, so these younger guys, they’ve got to pick it up, or if we find they can’t play and execute maybe we’ll bring in some new guys. There are always guys we can bring in.”

In their pre-season finale against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Argonauts showed more of what you should expect from them this season.

The offence was able to move the chains but they saw two promising drives end in field goals early on. The Argos offence would eventually get on the board with Dukes showing off his scrambling ability as he got free for a five-yard score.

For the defence, turning the ball over remains an key component and that was on display against Hamilton. The defence put the offence in a great spot for their first touchdown of the game after Jared Brinkman scooped up a fumbled snap by Tiger-Cats quarterback Taylor Powell.

Their second turnover of the game came off an interception by Tyshon Blackburn which set up the offence with a chance to put up points late in the final minute of the first half.

One thing the Argos really struggled with in the two pre-season game was executing a big pass play. The longest pass against Montreal went for 24 yards to Jordan Byrd but against Hamilton they were finally able to break through.

Bryan Scott was able to find Kevin Mital along the sidelines and the rookie was able to brush off a tackle, remain inbounds and took the ball to the endzone for an 82-yard scoring play.

For Scott, that play was crucial as he needed to show that he could deliver a big play when called upon.

"I think Bryan is a confident guy but I think once you start making plays on the field it definitely builds confidence," Dinwiddie said after the Argonauts win over Hamilton.

Mital is another player who benefitted from the pre-season showcase after the Argos made him the fifth overall pick in the 2024 CFL Draft. The former Laval receiver has some stiff competition for playing time this season, especially with Canadians like Dejon Brissett, Tommy Nield, and Richie Sidani on the roster.

Mital had a late start to camp because of an injury but Dinwiddie credited his ability to pick things up quickly.

"He's taking big steps and is going to be a great player as he continues to grow in the system," said Dinwiddie. "We got to work on some of his route techniques but those things will come. Arrows are up for him and we'll package him and get him on the field."

Mital admits that while he wasn't thrilled with his performance in the pre-season opener but admits that it helped him build some confidence. He has spent some extra time working with receivers coach Pete Costanza but also appreciates the different ways the Argos have tried to use him.

With training camp over, Mital admits that he can't wait to see what comes next.

"Feels great to be getting ready for the season opener. I got to figure out where I am going to live quickly so that I can just focus on the football," Mital said.

When it comes to the kick return game, the Argos rotated a few players in that role against Hamilton including BJ Byrd, Deonta McMahon, and Jordan Byrd. Janarion Grant was signed late in training camp and likely sees the bulk of the duty after BJ Byrd and Jordan Byrd were cut.

For the fourth straight year, the Argos were back at the University of Guelph and it's easy to see why the team enjoys holding training camp there.

Not only are the facilities among the best in U Sports but the location also allows the team to keep the focus on football. It's not like the players can get away with a quick drive to Toronto if they want to go for a night out.

In previous years, training camp was held at York University which was certainly convenient for many reasons especially or media and fans who wanted to attend. However, that idea of being able to get on transit to the city was something players had pointed out in the past as an easy distraction.

However, it's hard to not appreciate the intimate atmosphere at Alumni Stadium during the pre-season game especially on a Friday night.

After the game, it was nice to see fans getting the chance to interact with players, including some getting a pizza slice or two to enjoy. This is what makes the CFL unique and why fans remain adamant that it continues to get support.