It appears the Toronto Argonauts years of wandering in the desert are over. After a 2009 campaign where the team averaged 1 win per head coach (3 of each), the Argos returned to the playoffs in 2010 before losing to the eventual Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes. While the Argos still finished 2010 with an even record (9-9), it was considered a success. 2012 is the year the Argos want to not only make the Grey Cup final, but hoist the mug on home turf. If that is the case, 2011 needs to be another improvement year. Will it?
Much of that question lies on the offensive side of the ball. Historically speaking, the Argos have always been exceptional on defense, even in their lean years of late. The core of the defense is returning with Ricky Foley, Ronald Flemons and Kevin Huntley up front and Jorden Younger, Kevin Eiben and Willie Pile anchoring the secondary (the latter two finishing in the top five in CFL tackles in 2010). Given that what anyone has done in the past they can do again, I fear for quarterbacks lining up across from the double blue.
Another constant for the Argos has been their special teams. Whether it was Dominic Dorsey in 2008 or Chad Owens last year returning kicks or Justin Medlock in 2009 or Noel Prefontaine booting them, the Argos special teams has been solid throughout. In fact, numerous Argo players, including Dorsey and Owens have been named Special Teams player of the year. With Ownes and Prefontaine returning, it seems the Argos' Special Teams are set to get it on in 2011.
Which leaves the offense. The lone bright spot of this offense in 2010 was Cory Boyd who finished a mere 37 yards behind Winnipeg's Fred Reid for tops in the CFL. Both men were over 100 yards away from their nearest competitor. There's no doubt what Boyd did in Toronto was impressive. Especially considering the passing game was virtually non-existent. Teams knew Boyd would be running, they just couldn't do anything about it. This year, the Argos have four brand new Wide Receivers on the line, all young kids. What will they do when the opening kickoff flies? Therein lies the key to the Argo's season. Jermaine Copeland is healthy this year and will no doubt be called upon to help out along with speedster Andre Durie. But the Argo receivers need to have a big year for the Boatmen to sail into the finals.
Finally, Cleo Lemon was sometimes sour, sometimes sweet at the helm in 2010. In 2011 preseason he managed not one turnover (interception, fumble or turnover on downs). Second and third down conversions for the Argos has historically been an issue. Not since Damon Allen moved the chains with his legs have the Double Blue been able to convert. But now that Cleo Lemon is taking leadership on the field and seems to have found his way, it appears the offense could be ready to set sail.
It's often been said "offense wins you games, but defense wins championships." The Argos have the championship winning calibre defense but the offense has been the weak link of late. It all starts with the pivot behind center. If the preseason is any indication, Cleo Lemon is ready to lead the Argos to the promised land. Cory Boyd should follow him but if the Wide Receivers do remains to be seen. With reigning Special Teams player of the year, Chad Owens tracking down punts, and veteran Noel Prefontaine delivering them, the Special Teams should take care of themselves.
Before camp, Jim Barker recognized compared to this time last year, the Argonauts, in many ways are a lot further ahead. I have to agree, but a word of caution: don't expect a Grey Cup in 2011. Having said that, if the Toronto Argonauts' goal is to win it at home in 2012, the ship is right on schedule.
Written by:
