Blue Bombers Comments Rile Up Argos

When the Argos play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday for the East Division final, the boos may be louder than ever for one member of the opposition.

Winnipeg wide receiver Milt Stegall told reporters Toronto is filled with know-nothing fans when it comes to the CFL and that people here aren’t even aware of what the league is.

While the Argo players – besides Damon Allen and U.S. import Ricky Williams – may not exactly be household names and they pale to coverage given to the Leafs, the team has made an impact on Toronto. And it’s also an historic one. The team was founded in 1873 making them the longest surviving sports franchise in North America.

Argo president Keith Pelley laughs off Stegall’s comments, noting there were over 38,000 fans at the most recent game against the Als on Saturday, and they seemed to know who the Argos and the CFL were. 

“I know that the Argo fans on Sunday will give Milt a rude awakening when he arrives, and maybe the boo-birds will be out,” he urges. 

“He’s obviously a legend. You know what Milt also said? I think he said earlier that he didn’t even want to play a home game in Winnipeg because it was a little chilly.”

He promises those cold winds won’t be blowing at the Rogers Centre, as fans heat up the atmosphere under the closed dome.

Pinball Clemons was also quick to defend his beloved city.

“I think this is the best city in the entire world, and let’s just come out and show that and give him a little lovely and affection,” he said.

As for the contest itself? The division semi-final is expected to be a big battle, but Pelley is confident the Boatmen will row to victory.

“I think we fare up pretty well against the Bombers,” he relates. “Their quarterback Kevin Glenn is back from an injury. Milt Stegall is a Hall of Fame legend receiver …

“They beat us twice out of three times in the regular season but it really comes down to who wants it more … We need our 13th man, which is the fans, so we’re counting on them coming down on Sunday. But we’re going to have to make some big plays to beat them and it starts the road to the Grey Cup.”

But the Argos have some big concerns.

Their offence has been struggling all season and was unimpressive in the last two regular season games. The team ranks seventh in points scored (16.7 per game), rushing (89 yards per game) and last in passing (216 yards per game).

Damon Allen, who won the outstanding player award last year, has only managed to complete 59 percent of his passes and threw almost as many interceptions (11) as T.D.s (12).  

He also missed six weeks after breaking his finger in the season opener against Hamilton.

But Glenn was injured in a game against B.C. last week, and while he intends to play, his ankle problem could prove an advantage for the home side.

Winnipeg’s defence is also tough to beat. It boasts a terrific front line led by defensive tackle Dave Brown.

What the Argos lack in scoring punch they make up on defence. The team ranked first in pass defence (225 yards per game) and fewest points allowed (18.5 points per game) but last against the run (135 yards per game).