Dinwiddie expects Collaros to play in Grey Cup, focused on Argonauts
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Toronto Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie isn’t focusing on Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros’ status for their Grey Cup matchup but is prepared to face him.
Coverage of 109th Grey Cup begins Sunday Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on TSN3, TSN.ca and the TSN App.
The CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Player injured his ankle during the Blue Bombers’ 28-20 victory over the BC Lions in the Western Conference final and could not finish the game.
“I find it hard to believe that [Collaros] is not going to be playing,” said Dinwiddie during media availability on Thursday. “Is he going to be limited if his ankle is that bad? Probably, [but] I just know in this game he’s too tough not to give it a shot and see if he can play.”
Dinwiddie is more focused on what the Argonauts do best. During the regular season, the Argonauts' defence was among the best in the league, ranking in the top three in points allowed, completions allowed, touchdowns allowed, and interceptions.
“Our secondary has gotten a lot of interceptions this year,” said Dinwiddie. “They’ve taken advantage of errant passes and bad decisions by the quarterback. I think that’s been our best skill set as far as that group."
Offensively, Dinwiddie singled out his receiving core as their strength this season. The Argonauts receivers were in the top three this season in points per game, receptions, total receiving yards, yards after a catch, and receiving touchdowns.
Additionally, wide receiver and Most Outstanding Canadian nominee Kurleigh Gittens Jr. was sixth in the CFL with 1,101 receiving yards and tied for 10th with five touchdown catches.
“I think our receiving core has been lights out this year,” said Dinwiddie. You look at what [Gittens Jr.] has done [and] what Davaris [Daniels] has done but all five guys have done a great job.”