By Canadian Press

Burris still looking to silence critics one year after winning MOP award

Jul 29, 2016 | 2:30 PM

OTTAWA — Even after almost 20 years of accolades and milestones, Henry Burris still feels the need to silence his critics.

The Ottawa Redblacks veteran quarterback will make his return Sunday as the Redblacks host the Toronto Argonauts in a battle for first in the East Division.

Burris missed the last four games after injuring his pinky finger on his throwing hand during the third quarter of Ottawa’s season opener. During his absence Trevor Harris took over and was outstanding in leading the Redblacks to a 3-1-1 record.

He was leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns before he was injured in the opening minutes of last week’s 30-29 loss to Saskatchewan.

The Redblacks say Burris’s early return from the six-game injured list has nothing to do with Harris’ injury, but the timing has led to many questions despite the fact Burris says he’s ready to go.

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Some question whether Burris, a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player and the 2008 Grey Cup MVP, can perform as well as Harris.

“It does fuel the fire,” said Burris. “I understand why a guy like Tom Brady has the fire he does, I share that same sentiment with him because no matter what you’ve been able to do in this game people always say for some reason you can’t do it.”

Burris was named the Most Outstanding Player last season, looked solid in training camp and was off to a great start in the opening game in Edmonton before he was injured, he feels people continue to question his ability.

“People are looking at me waiting for me to struggle and fail. The thing is with me I don’t even pay attention to it honestly and it’s not warranted. The people that I know, know the game and the people that are in my corner they give me the truth…That’s why I’m thankful I have the right people in my corner because regardless of who you are you’re always going to have your naysayers and people that are against you.

“I’ll let everybody else talk about that because right now I’m just focused on coming out here and giving this team the best chance to be successful come game day.”

Despite saying he doesn’t pay attention to the criticism Burris clearly was annoyed by the questions as he posted a tweet to the TSN football panel with the hash tag “What if he struggles”.

Coaches and teammates have full confidence in Burris and believe the questions will fuel Burris’ competitive spirit.

“I feel like everywhere he’s been there’s been some sort of controversy,” said WR Brad Sinopoli. “I feel like he’s been fighting this stuff his whole career, but he’s been doing this for 20 years so I don’t think he needs any extra motivation. I think he’s just excited to play.”

These two teams seem to bring out the best in each other and the Redblacks have no doubt Sunday’s game will be a battle. Ottawa won the first match-up 30-20.

“We’ve got to have our ‘A’ game because we know they’re going to bring theirs,” said offensive lineman J’Michael Deane. “They have a great front four on defence and a good offence that’s productive.”

The Argonauts (3-2-0) will have their own questions to deal with at QB, as Logan Kilgore will get the start with Ricky Ray sidelined by a knee injury.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press