TORONTO — For the Toronto Argonauts there is no looking back.

Defending a title is one of the most difficult tasks in pro sports, one that even in a nine-team league is seldom accomplished. Six months after a Cinderella run to the Grey Cup, the Argos are looking check off what’s only happened once since 1997: A repeat.

Just don’t mention it to second-year head coach Marc Trestman.

“Our team can’t go back-to-back, it’s impossible,” Trestman told reporters ahead of camp opening Sunday. “Our organization can but our team can’t. Our players know that.

“It’s impossible to go back-to-back because we’re a different team with different players and different coaches. So we start new.”

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The Argos, who received their Grey Cup rings Friday after winning seven of their last eight games en route to an unexpected Grey Cup Championship last November, are one of nine teams eager to set foot on the field and take advantage of a blank page in 2018.

With fresh air and green grass, the sight of two-a-days is a welcome one for fans, marking the start of a six-month journey towards the 106th Grey Cup in, appropriately, the City of Champions, Edmonton.

However, for many of the players attending camp this week, little time will be afforded to achieve mid-season form. The battle for a starting job and, in many cases, a roster spot, will be heated from the very first step onto the field.

Some teams opened rookie camps on Wednesday, but by Sunday, every team in the CFL will have taken the field. From the quarterback duel in Montreal to the well-known faces in new places, CFL.ca takes a team-by-team look at 2018 training camp:

The transition of power is under way in BC. Can Ed Hervey restore the Lions’ roar in the highly-competitive West?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Farewell tour

The CFL’s all-time coaching wins leader is leaving the Lions’ sideline after this season, beginning the transition of power from Wally Buono to GM Ed Hervey. While Buono has gotten a little more vacation time this off-season, Hervey has been busy trying to improve the club that finished last in the West and missed the playoffs for the first time in two decades.

Big man, big impact

The Lions’ O-line got pushed around last season, allowing the most sacks in the CFL and often struggling to control the line of scrimmage. Ed Hervey made it a priority to beef up both the defensive and offensive lines, but his biggest addition, literally and figuratively, was left tackle Joel Figueroa. The Lions badly missed Jovan Olafioye last year, but the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Figueroa can pick up where Olafioye left off and make the entire O-line better.

The last line of defence

Ed Hervey’s focus on the trenches may have come at a cost, as the Lions go into the season with some legitimate question marks in the secondary. A.J. Jefferson and Garry Peters are projected to play in the defensive backfield after the departure of three key starters in Ronnie Yell, Loucheiz Purifoy and Chandler Fenner. There will be plenty of competition at all DB positions, so keep an eye on what will be a much different-looking unit in 2018.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

For the second time in three years it’s open competition for the starting running back job. Jeremiah Johnson is proven but has some mileage on him at age 31. Meanwhile, Ed Hervey traded for Brandon Rutley from Montreal and signed Travon Van from Edmonton, setting up one of the most intriguing position battles across the league this training camp. The door may be wide open for a new starter in BC.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Brandon Rutley ends up winning the starting running back job. He’s waited patiently in the shadows of Tyrell Sutton in Montreal and now he’s getting an opportunity to become a lead back for the first time in his career.

Reigning Most Outstanding Player Mike Reilly is looking to get the Esks back to the Grey Cup (The Canadian Press)

Mike Reilly’s career season turned into playoff disappointment. Will the Grey Cup hosts steal back the West Division crown?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Protecting the MOP

With the Eskimos’ chances hinging on their reigning Most Outstanding Player, the attention turns to the big men up front. The departure of Joel Figueroa leaves a hole on that unit, and it’ll be interesting to see how Jason Maas juggles his O-line. American Colin Kelly likely moves from right tackle to left, opening a spot on the right side of the line. There’s been speculation Matt O’Donnell could move from his guard spot to right tackle, but the Esks can afford to start two Americans should they choose.

Who will replace Zylstra, Bowman?

Someone is going to catch passes from the 2017 league-leading passer; the question is who? Expect Derel Walker to take on a high-volume role in the Eskimos’ offence, but the competition behind him is one to watch. Bryant Mitchell, Vidal Hazelton, D’haquille Williams, Kenny Stafford and Juron Criner are all competing for playing time, with Mitchell and Williams expected to take on elevated roles. Don’t forget about Nate Behar, who’s looking to start after failing to get on the field a season ago.

Youth movement on defence

Whether it was coincidence or mandate, the Eskimos have gotten quite a bit younger on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive line is deep and talented, with Kwaku Boateng primed for a breakout season and Alex Bazzie looking to prove his status as one of the best pure pass-rushers in the CFL. The Esks will miss Kenny Ladler, Odell Willis and Marcus Howard, but the front-seven is shaping up to be one of the league’s most dynamic.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

Right tackle, receiver and SAM linebacker will bring interesting battles but the most intriguing might be at middle linebacker, where 30-year-old JC Sherritt is looking to bounce back from a season-ending injury. He could be pressured by Korey Jones and Terrance Bullitt, the latter offering significant upside for the Eskimos. The Esks were loyal to Sherritt by bringing him back but he’ll have to earn a job.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Godfrey Onyeka ends up winning a starting job. The versatile defender is behind Arjen Colquhoun on the depth chart, but could potentially push either him or Neil King at safety. Onyeka has shown an ability to adapt quickly to new situations throughout his football career and his elite athleticism makes him a dark horse in Eskimos camp.

There was a case of deja-vu for Bo Levi Mitchell after last year’s Grey Cup loss (The Canadian Press)

It was an eerily similar scene for Bo Levi Mitchell after last year’s Grey Cup. A new year has arrived, but can the Stampeders avoid heartbreak in November?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Shouldering the load

Bo Levi Mitchell was able to battle through a sore shoulder last season, but the Stamps’ franchise pivot says he’s 100 per cent and in the best shape of his career after dropping 20 pounds. That will come as a relief for Calgary fans, who can expect Mitchell to be one of the most productive quarterbacks in the CFL once again.

Moving on

Dave Dickenson never expected to be without Andrew Buckley and Roy Finch, but such is life in the world of pro football. The Stampeders have a lot to bounce back from and focus will be critical — especially after a second straight crushing loss in November. Dickenson says he’ll be showing last year’s Grey Cup game to motivate his team as the Stamps try to get back to the big game for the third year in a row — and this time come away victorious.

Changing of the guard

The Stampeders’ secondary will look much different when it takes the field for the first time on Sunday. Ciante Evans will be tested by the move to Tommie Campbell‘s old spot at boundary corner. Jamar Wall could get a look at SAM linebacker in place of Shaq Richardson. Tunde Adeleke is competing to start at safety. And finally, Patrick Levels and Emanuel Davis are also vying for starting jobs. The Stamps and defensive coordinator DeVone Claybrooks will try to prove just how deep their roster is after some big-name departures.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

While Terry Williams appears to have a leg up on the running back job, the biggest position battle in Calgary may be at right tackle. Spencer Wilson is an option to fill in for the retired Dan Federkeil, but the Stamps could turn to an American at both tackle positions with Derek Dennis, Randy Richards and Justin Renfrow all willing and able.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Reggie Begelton hauls in a starting job. He’s seen as the fourth option behind American receivers Marken Michel, DaVaris Daniels and Kamar Jorden, but Begelton’s youth and upside make him an intriguing option on the Calgary offence. Look for a big camp from the 24-year-old.

Duron Carter had a memorable first year for the Riders, making headlines on and off the field (The Canadian Press)

The Riders made a bold statement in 2017, emerging as a playoff contender. Can Chris Jones cap off an impressive rebuild in Riderville?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

A franchise quarterback?

Get used to hearing all about Zach Collaros over the next couple of weeks. The Riders hope he can be their franchise quarterback, shutting what’s been a revolving door at the position over the last year. Collaros came via trade from Hamilton, and there’s a lot riding on the deal for both the player and the team. While Collaros might be down to his last chance to be a starter, the Riders have to wonder what’s next if things don’t work out.

All aboard

The latest stop for the Jerome Messam train is Saskatoon, where the Canadian running back will work his way into the Riders’ offence this training camp. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound back fits Chris Jones’ need for a hard-running, between-the-tackles runner, while his Canadian passport also makes it possible to start three Americans along the offensive line. Expect Messam to be the Day 1 starter at running back.

Protection is key

Chris Jones is demanding a competitive camp like he always does, but the competitions at boundary corner and left tackle loom largest. Getting the O-line sorted out will be a priority for the Riders, which starts at left tackle where the departed Bruce Campbell‘s position is wide open. If free agent signing Travis Bond starts at right guard, Jones will start three Americans, including someone new on the left side.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

We talked about the left tackle spot, but the boundary corner position vacated by Kacy Rodgers over the off-season is an important one in Chris Jones’ secondary. Veteran corner John Ojo is back in the CFL and fits the bill, but the Riders have brought in plenty of big, physical corners that will push for a job there.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Duron Carter starts out with some more double duty at receiver and defensive back. Chris Jones will continue to lean on his most talented player, who has proven he is not just an elite receiver but possibly the most physically gifted football player in the three-down game. Carter will be tested with a heavy workload.

Hometown running back Andrew Harris is looking to bring a Grey Cup to Winnipeg (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)

It’s Grey Cup or bust in the Manitoba capital. Can the Bombers deliver under the pressure of expectation?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Right hand man

While there’s no uncertainty surrounding the Blue Bombers’ starting quarterback this year, new questions arose when backup quarterback Darian Durant retired the week before camp. Sophomore Alex Ross is considered the front-runner, but Chris Streveler is an intriguing prospect, as is Canadian Zack Mahoney. The importance of this spot is magnified after the Bombers struggled when Matt Nichols went down late last year.

Weekly takeaways

The Bomber defence is trying to cut down passing yardage without sacrificing takeaways, a task that Mike O’Shea has taken upon himself. O’Shea will have more of a say in Richie Hall’s defence, while General Manager Kyle Walters made some tweaks in the defensive secondary that saw the departure of T.J. Heath and the additions of Chandler Fenner and Anthony Gaitor. That unit will have some pretty big wrinkles going into 2018.

Bowman returns

Adarius Bowman has been here before, although it’s been a while. Eight years after leaving the Bombers, Bowman is back in blue and gold following his release from the Edmonton Eskimos. The Bombers’ offence has plenty of weapons in camp, with Andrew Harris, Darvin Adams and Weston Dressler back in the fold and newcomers Kienan LaFrance and Nic Demski also joining the team. Paul LaPolice has to be excited.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

While the middle linebacker position was considered an interesting spot going into camp, the arrival of Adam Bighill may lead to Ian Wild taking over that spot. Whatever happens, another interesting spot will be the middle of the D-line, where Faith Ekakitie is trying to take a big step forward after being used sparingly in his rookie season. Most of the Bombers’ depth chart is booked solid going into camp.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Rashaun Simonise finds himself on the field early in Winnipeg. Many consider him a project, but the Bombers want to start two Canadians at receiver and he’ll have a chance to win a job over Drew Wolitarsky. Simonise spent time with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and has the talent to play right away.

With June Jones and Jeremiah Masoli, the Ticats won six of their last 10 games in 2017 (David Chidley/CFL.ca)

June Jones and Jeremiah Masoli have given the Ticats a new sense of direction. Is last year’s late-season success sustainable?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Manziel mania

Fans that have grown weary of the Johnny Manziel talk over the last year may want to find earplugs. While the speculation has ended after the former college phenom signed with the Ticats on Saturday, the spotlight following Manziel isn’t about to leave. Jeremiah Masoli begins camp as the team’s starting pivot, and deservedly so, but everyone will be fixated on jersey No. 2 as Manziel’s pro football comeback brings him to Hamilton.

Bringing the swagger

June Jones found a new number one sidekick this off-season, recruiting former NFL coach and one of football’s most colourful characters in Jerry Glanville. Don’t let Glanville’s lack of a CFL resume fool you: he’s been busy adding his own swagger to a Ticats defence that struggled throughout 2017. If Glanville can resuscitate Hamilton’s defence like Jones did with the offence, the Ticats could be a force in the tight-knit CFL East.

Well received

The emergence of Jalen Saunders and the transformation of Brandon Banks from kick return specialist to elite receiver has changed the outlook of the Ticats’ receiving corps. Add in the first overall pick in Mark Chapman, who many consider ready to make an immediate impact, and the return of Terrence Toliver, who suffered a season-ending injury in last year’s season-opener, and suddenly receiver is one of the team’s deepest positions. Training camp could bring some heated competition at various receiver positions.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

The Ticats’ trade for the first overall pick came at a cost, as the team was forced to surrender veteran right guard and Canadian Ryan Bomben. The success of that trade won’t likely be determined for several years, but for now, the Ticats have a hole to fill at the guard spot. It could be first-round pick Darius Ciraco, but Landon Rice is slated as the most likely option to step in right away. Braden Schram and recently-signed Mathieu Girard could also be in the mix.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Johnny Manziel ends up being the Ticats’ starting quarterback. Jeremiah Masoli deserves every opportunity to start after going 6-4 as a starter and finishing last season with five straight 300-yard games, but Manziel didn’t sign to be a backup, and there will be significant anticipation from fans, coaches and management to see him in action. The Ticats want to be patient with Manziel but that might be difficult given the hype and anticipation.

Ricky Ray and S.J. Green celebrate after the Argos’ Grey Cup triumph last November (The Canadian Press)

Few could have predicted the Argos’ Cinderella run to the Grey Cup. Was it good timing, or a sign of what’s to come in Toronto?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

Living legend

One of the CFL’s biggest mysteries will remain an enigma, at least early in the season, as James Franklin remains a backup. Ricky Ray is back for another year, in search of an encore after becoming the first starting quarterback to win four Grey Cups. Marc Trestman has made it clear that the only quarterback competition in Toronto will be for the second-string job, as Ray has been named the starter.

Getting a ‘Reed’

The position battles at linebacker could be something to behold in Argos camp, as the team has an abundance of options at the position. It appears Marcus Ball will play SAM, leaving Khalil Bass and Terrence Plummer to battle for the WILL linebacker position and Bear Woods and Taylor Reed in the mix to play MIKE. There’s a chance that both Woods and Reed could start, if the Argos move Reed to WILL, but either way the stakes will be high from the very first whistle in camp.

Going through changes

Marc Trestman’s two right-hand men have departed this off-season as offensive coordinator Marcus Brady and defensive coordinator Corey Chamblin are out. Trestman’s influence along with the addition of Anthony Calvillo should benefit the offence, but there are questions on the defensive side where Chamblin was considered one of the best in the business. New defensive coordinator Mike Archer looks to avoid any regression on that side of the ball.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

The competition for starting boundary receiver will be a big one following the departure of DeVier Posey. You may remember Posey’s long touchdown in the Grey Cup — that play was indicative of what his speed brought to the Argos’ offence. While Armanti Edwards and S.J. Green are solid, the Argos need a third international receiver to become a regular weapon in the offence. Could Brian Tyms be the guy to step in and earn a starting role?

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

One of Reed or Woods gets cut. The Argos signed both players at roughly the same time, and may not have it in their long-term plans to keep both. American middle linebackers can sometimes be expendable, which is part of the reason Woods was cut by Montreal in 2017.

Rick Campbell is looking to coach the REDBLACKS to their third Grey Cup appearance in four years (Chris Hofley/Ottawa REDBLACKS)

Scoring shouldn’t be an issue for one of the CFL’s most prolific offences. Can the REDBLACKS shore up their defence and climb back to the top?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

National defence

After struggling to force turnovers, the REDBLACKS hope that a more aggressive defence led by Noel Thorpe can make a difference in the takeaway department. With a new system and plenty of new faces, including Loucheiz Purifoy, Josh Johnson, Kyries Hebert and A.C. Leonard, there could be a learning curve in the nation’s capital — but Rick Campbell is hoping for long-term gain on that side of the ball.

Just for kicks

The REDBLACKS are already set on an American kicker, now it’s just a matter of who. Richie Leone and Sergio Castillo will battle for the job and with both being international, only one is likely to remain on the roster. Leone is one of the CFL’s best punters and has a massive leg, while Castillo has been solid but is coming off a season-ending knee injury.

In the trenches

Canadian depth on the O-line will make for a competitive camp for the REDBLACKS, with Mark Korte becoming the fifth offensive lineman taken by Ottawa in the first round in six years. With SirVincent Rogers locked in at left tackle, that leaves four spots for Korte, Evan Johnson, Jon Gott, Alex Mateas, Jason Lauzon-Seguin and Nolan MacMillan. Korte and Johnson are likely the odd men out, but the young O-linemen will show up and compete. On the D-line, Daryl Waud and Michael Klassen are competing for a starting role in the middle.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

With Kenny Shaw, Juron Criner and Josh Stangby out, the REDBLACKS will be relying on some new international receivers this year. Greg Ellingson and Diontae Spencer are the only proven Americans going into camp, opening up new opportunities for a cast of international newcomers. Marcel Desjardins and Rick Campbell will try to uncover some diamonds in the rough this camp.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

Dominique Rhymes emerges as a big weapon in the REDBLACKS’ passing attack. He’s been an understudy in that offence, but now he’s the veteran hand following some key off-season departures. He’ll face plenty of competition in camp but should be given every opportunity to step up and earn a prominent role in one of the CFL’s most productive offences.

After a three-win season, Kavis Reed is hoping the rainy days are behind him in Montreal (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

Kavis Reed has improved his team on paper, but one big question remains. Who will quarterback the Montreal Alouettes?

3 THINGS TO WATCH

The million-dollar question

Who will be the Montreal Alouettes’ starting quarterback? That’s one of the biggest questions across the entire league this week, as former NFL pivot Josh Freeman competes with the veteran Drew Willy and young up-and-comer Matt Shiltz. Kavis Reed has made a number of roster upgrades and appears to have a solid team on paper, but it’ll all be for naught if he can’t get production from the QB position.

Back in charge

A late defensive coordinator change does not bode well for the Alouettes, who will now lean on Rich Stubler to lead their defence following the departure of Khalil Carter. History does not favour these types of last-minute changes, but Stubler can draw from a long and successful career as a CFL defensive coordinator. One thing is certain: Stubler has a lot of talent to work with on that side of the ball.

Welcome to Canada

After a long coaching career south of the border, Mike Sherman hopes his success will translate to the three-down game. First-time CFL coaches without past experience have had mixed results. Two recent examples came from the Als, with Marc Trestman thriving and Dan Hawkins lasting merely weeks. Whatever happens, training camp is a crucial time for Sherman. Every minute is valuable in the CFL and the Alouettes’ new coach needs to make the best possible use of the time he spends with his team.

A POSITION BATTLE YOU CAN’T MISS

The QB battle. It’s been said already, but it can’t be stressed enough. The Alouettes could be the surprise team of the CFL this year if someone can step up and answer a question that’s existed since Anthony Calvillo retired in 2013. If not, it’ll probably be more of the same for Kavis Reed and company.

DON’T BE SHOCKED IF…

One of Drew Willy or Josh Freeman gets cut after training camp. The Als like Matt Shiltz for his long-term prospects so he isn’t likely going anywhere, but it’s hard to be sure both Freeman and Willy will stick around. Then again, it wouldn’t hurt Mike Sherman to have an experienced backup plan in case things go wrong. The reality is not much could happen out of Als camp that would come as a shock.