Say whatever you will about Andrew Harris (and you have) he is the storyline heading into this game.
Not because sports writers, pod casters, journalists, radio and television personalities made him the storyline. No. Andrew Harris is the storyline because he is a two-time, back-to-back, Grey Cup champion, with Winnipeg now playing for Toronto. He is the storyline because he said he wanted to come to Winnipeg to win Grey Cups…and he did. He is the storyline, because in 2019 he won both the MVP and Most Valuable Canadian (the first time a player had done so). He is the storyline because he left Winnipeg feeling “unwanted” and now faces his old team.
Andrew Harris has moved on, geographically, but has he completely moved on?
Andrew Harris will say he has moved on emotionally as well. But that is not the Harris we know. That is not the Harris that came back from suspension, sat on the stationary bike, and with the TSN camera on him gave a shush motion with his finger to his lips after a big play! It is not the Andrew Harris that rallied his team with the chant, “You got my back?” to a response of “We got your back!” It is not the Andrew Harris that after winning the Grey Cup and two awards (mentioned above) used some choice words and said, “this is for the haters.” No. Andrew Harris moving on, is not the Andrew Harris we know. He believes he plays best with a chip on his shoulder. I don’t believe he is not using that to his advantage this game.
All of these could be storylines, but will not be.
McRae is in and will be utilized similarly to the Demski role — running back/receiver hybrid. 🇨🇦receiver Brendan O’Leary-Orange is a big body with a lot of natural ability. I expect a good dose of McRae on the inside with BOLO working on the outside. More today at 3pm. https://t.co/QxySx2ZZzr
Not because Darrin Bauming missed the mark! No way. He is right on with his reporting.
Rather, there is a lot that is going to get lost in this game and the lead up because of Andrew Harris.
*Winnipeg’s amazing defence that has only allowed one touchdown in three games. A defence that has only allowed 12 points in the second half, with only 6 points in all the fourth quarters, will be somewhat lost.
*Brendon O’Leary-Orange, his first start with family and friends in attendance will be lost.
*Nic Demski on the 6 game injured list will be lost.
*The importance of the play of both Gray and Kolankowski will not get the attention it deserves.
*The fact that Zach Collaros lives in the area around Toronto will be lost.
*The outstanding play of Deatrick Nichols will be overshadowed.
*The work of Oliveira and Augustine will mostly be mentioned in comparison to Andrew Harris.
*If McCrae gets any substantial touches at running back, you can be sure it will be mentioned that he got those touches due to lack of performance from Oliveira and Augustine. That will most certainly lead to a conversation including…you guessed it, Andrew Harris.
Even if Andrew Harris gets injured (and I sure hope it does not happen) he will be the storyline. If that happens, fans will come out and say that it was the right decision to move on from Andrew Harris.
There is so much more that could be the storyline for this game, but the storyline is Andrew Harris.
It will be interesting to see if there are more Andrew Harris jerseys worn by Bomber fans (as I know some have made the trip) or by Argo fans.
For your post game analysis make sure to head over to the Bonfire Sports website, where you can find all their social media links.
Action begins at 7:30 CST (6:30 in Manitoba).
What did I get right? What did I get wrong? Let me know in the comments.
