What were the biggest differences you noticed from this year’s camp compared to last year and previous years?
Obie: We’re more of a veteran team than we’ve been previously, even the new players we acquired have been in the league and have experience. This year we were able to pick and choose a little more.
Which position was the most fun to watch?
Obie: I think we had tremendous competition at DB and receiver. I think those areas were definitely fun to watch. I think we’ve discovered someone that can do the punt returns for us, which player that is just remains to be seen.
The team will make final roster decisions on Thursday afternoon. How tough will those decisions be?
Obie: They’re tough because we’re going to have some good football players we won’t be able to keep. We’ll have 42 on the active roster, four on the inactive, seven on the practice squad plus some players on the injured list.
What are your overall thoughts on last Sunday’s pre-season win over Winnipeg?
Obie: I thought we played well. I thought we moved the ball with our veteran receivers in the game better than last week at Toronto. I thought there was more chemistry and continuity, and if you look at the stats we were well over 500 yards of offence so that bodes well going into the first game.
We ran the ball consistently with DeAndra’ (Cobb) and Demetris (Summers), they both ran the ball with authority and had some success. There were positive signs from the guys up front on defence and our secondary was playing aggressively so it was encouraging.
Which player has been the biggest surprise to this point?
Obie: Will Heyward has come in and really played well, better than what we’d hoped so he was a pleasant surprise.
Finally, it’s still very, very early, but what is your feeling about this team?
Obie: I’ve been optimistic every year. I’m optimistic about us having a winning record this season.
We have a big challenge with the Grey Cup champions down the road in Montreal, so we have to knock them off their perch in order for us to get to the Grey Cup. We need to win enough games to get us into a good playoff position in terms of home-field advantage.
