ARGOS AT ESKIMOS

Is Ricky ready? Ricky Ray was poor in the pre-season, completing eight of 15 passes for 99 yards and two interceptions. Head coach Scott Milanovich said Ray looked “great” in practice, and is recognizing all his receiving options in a new progression offence. Injuries to slotback Andrie Durie and receiver Maurice Mann could give non-import Spencer Watt, and rookie Dontrelle Inman more exposure, but Ray needs to make his throws. Toronto will do little in 2012 if Ray struggles.

Showing their teeth The pressure created by Toronto defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones’s man-to-man defence has to come from the Argos defensive line. Rookie defensive tackles Joseph Cohen and Armond Armstead pleased coaches in the preseason, and Kevin Huntley is eager to return to his 2010 form when he had 41 tackles and nine sacks. Defensive ends Ricky Foley and Ejiro Kuale, who has moved from linebacker, and Ronald Flemons need to disrupt Edmonton quarterback Steven Jyles off the edge.

A big test for the secondary Last season Edmonton slotback Fred Stamps (1,153 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches) and receiver Adarius Bowman (1,153 receiving yards and four touchdown catches) were a dangerous tandem. Add 6-foot-6 free agent Gregg Carr, and speedy rookie Shamawd Chambers. That means Toronto veteran safety Jordan Younger will have to keep a new defensive secondary — where he is the only returning starter — organized.