Dave Chidley/CFL.ca
Berg vs. Ferg returns for another season on CFL.ca as columnists Pat Steinberg and Marshall Ferguson debate over some of the league’s most contentious storylines. This week they talk about the Argos’ surprising and convincing Week 1 win over Hamilton.
In sports, it’s hard not to exaggerate wins and losses, especially those of the one-sided variety. Toronto’s Week 1 win over Hamilton was just that — a convincing victory, maybe even more convincing than the score would suggest.
The thing is, that’s not what fans or prognosticators were expecting on Sunday at BMO Field. Going into 2017, the Tabbies were considered a leading contender for the CFL East Division. The Argos? Let’s just say some fans had written them off when they were still without a coach and GM in the middle of February.
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That notion was still reflected, even after the team added Jim Popp and Marc Trestman, by the pick trends going into the CFL’s opening weekend. But in the end, the Argos flipped the script.
The question: How far should we look into the Argos’ dominant season-opening win?
On one hand, there’s something to be said for getting too over the moon after a big win, especially this early in the season on a one-game sample size. On the other, it’s impossible to ignore the surgical precision with which 37-year-old Ricky Ray operated under his new offensive-minded head coach.
Are you buying the Argos’ early success? That’s the question for Berg and Ferg this week on CFL.ca.
| BERG VS. FERG: LAST WEEK’S RESULTS |
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RESULTS Steinberg – 1,322 (74%) Ferguson – 465 (26%) |
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FERG (1-2): AGGRESSION, LEADERSHIP DESCRIBE NEW-LOOK ARGOS
Marshall Ferguson, CFL.ca
@TSN_Marsh
When trying to decide whether or not a team is for real in the Canadian Football League there are a myriad of factors you could weigh. To me it comes down to three things.
The head coach, the quarterback and the defensive philosophy.
In Toronto’s 32-15 win over the Tiger-Cats on Sunday, I saw all three of those boxes get checked.
Does that mean the Argos are a playoff lock or my Grey Cup contender? Simply put, no, for now.
One week is not enough time to win over several years of defunct decision-making and sub par performances but it is enough to raise an eyebrow or two around the CFL.
First, the coach. Marc Trestman has changed things. That’s not a shot at Scott Milanovich, who was an incredibly capable bench boss himself. It’s just different now. The offence has more motion, the future hall of fame quarterback looks more comfortable than ever and the weapons surrounding him seem to have welcomed not only a new era of Argos football but a renewed sense of aerial aggression for their 37-year-old quarterback.
The Argos were the fifth-most aggressive team though the air in Week 1 with an average of 10.7 yards in the air per pass before hitting a receiver’s hands. This might not seem important but compared to last season – which I don’t have data for – I’m betting it’s a noticeable jump.
Add that to the insane completion percentage of Ray in Week 1 and you get a man who passed for five bills — something I’m not sure he’ll do again this season or ever but the results should remain, which make Toronto a dangerous team to play against on any down or distance.
Finally, the defensive philosophy. Corey Chamblin is back in the CFL and Week 1 sent a strong message. He can get home with just four rushers or he can heat you up with the best of them. Regardless, he established an aggressive identity.
Aggression, leadership, playmaking ability. Not words I would have associated with the Argos over the last five seasons, but they accurately define Week 1. The question now is whether they define weeks 2-20.
My gut says yes.
BERG (2-1): TOO EARLY TO GO ALL IN ON ARGOS
Pat Steinberg, CFL.ca
@Fan960Steinberg
It’s too early to go all in on the Argos
I loved watching Ricky Ray, S.J. Green and the Toronto Argonauts light it up to finish off Week 1 of the CFL season. Toronto looked formidable offensively and new coordinator Corey Chamblin had things dialed up defensively. But it’s just Week 1 and, for a few different reasons, it’s far too early to say this team is for real.
First and foremost, Ricky Ray needs to stay healthy. Not including last week, Ray has started just 11 games over the last two seasons and the Argos aren’t contenders without him at the helm. I’m not saying Ray is injury prone or bound to miss extended time again, but he’s 37 and hasn’t played a full season since 2014. As such, until Ray plays the whole season, there’s going to be a little uncertainty for me.
It’s early days under a new coaching staff, too. While I fully believe Marc Trestman is a CFL savant, sometimes it can take some time for everything and everyone to get on the same page. Yes, things looked to be hitting on all cylinders on Sunday, but that’s one game. I still think there’s the potential for some growing pains in year one under a new coaching and football staff.
Finally, I think the Argos face some stiff competition in the East Division. Ottawa won the Grey Cup last year and looks to be a formidable challenge once again. Montreal is much improved, especially on the offensive side of the ball, and I can’t see them wallowing at just seven wins for a second straight year. And, despite their week one loss to Toronto, the Tiger-Cats shouldn’t be overlooked with some of the game breakers they boast. Separating from the East Division pack is not going to be easy this year.
I like the way things are trending in Toronto. I think they’ve got the right head coach in place, they’ve got some really nice weapons on offence and they looked really good to kick off the season. But the 2017 season is still in its infancy and there is still so much on the table. As such, I think it’s a little early to say the Argos are a true contender. But I sure do like the way they started.
DON’T SIT ON THE FENCE!
While both sides are pretty convincing, someone’s got to take it. Whose argument convinced you the most?
You can vote for this week’s winner both on CFL.ca and Twitter. Meanwhile, continue the conversation by tweeting @Fan960Steinberg and @TSN_Marsh.
The winner will be revealed in the following week’s Berg vs. Ferg.
