Berg vs. Ferg: Are the Argos or Als in a better position for 2019?

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’s question: Which non-playoff team, the Argos or Alouettes, is closer to contending in 2019?

TORONTO — The season can’t end soon enough if you’re a fan of the Toronto Argonauts or Montreal Alouettes.

Yet despite being eliminated, both teams have something to play for over the final three weeks of the season — and it’s more than just pride. The next few weeks give the respective coaching staffs and front offices a head start on the 2019 season. That means filling in a few of the blanks and answering some of the many questions going into the off-season.

It starts at quarterback, where the Alouettes must be wondering whether Johnny Manziel‘s return next season as the starting quarterback is a certainty. Considering what the Als surrendered to acquire Manziel this season, and the progress he’s made the last month or so, one would expect the team will give him a full off-season and training camp as the team’s starting quarterback to take the next step.

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The Argos also have their questions behind centre. The team can no longer bank on Ricky Ray, who could opt to retire after missing most of the 2018 season with a neck injury. James Franklin is the only quarterback under contract next season, but he’s struggled to become the franchise quarterback many envisioned, starting just five games and sharing time with McLeod Bethel-Thompson.

Both clubs have also had questions on defence. Rich Stubler unexpectedly took over the Als when Kahlil Carter exited before the start of the season, while Argos defensive coordinator Mike Archer struggled to get results in his first season on the job.

The Argos and Als have some highly-talented building blocks to work with, but there’s a long way to go in the journey back to playoff contention. Which team is closer? Pat Steinberg and Marshall Ferguson debate in the latest Berg vs. Ferg.

FERG (10-8): NEVER COUNT OUT MARC TRESTMAN

Marshall Ferguson, CFL.ca
@TSN_Marsh

The Toronto Argonauts are closer to the 2019 Grey Cup Playoffs than the Montreal Alouettes because Toronto has Marc Trestman.

It’s that simple to me.

You could add in that the double blue offensive line is more stable than Montreal, or there is a more cohesive unit of veterans on defence, but for me it just comes down to coaching.

The quarterback position really is a toss up at this point for both Montreal and Toronto which doesn’t help either side’s argument for the 2019 Grey Cup chase since the quarterback will probably determine how realistic a potential 2019 turnaround can be. With that said, I would take Trestman and James Franklin – who is under contract for next year – over Mike Sherman and Johnny Manziel just because it seems like the safer pick.

2018 was nothing if not a struggle for Manziel and until I see legitimate progress, I have to think Trestman having a full off-season to shape James Franklin’s game and develop his skill-set to fit an offensive system is more likely to have success over the long haul than Manziel and Sherman piecing together a roster from week-to-week in hopes of climbing the large mountain in front of them to get back to the playoffs.

The Argos weren’t far off this year. They had an injury at the worst possible position with the worst timing in the season. 2019 can only be better and I believe their playoff-reaching ceiling is higher than the 2019 Alouettes.

BERG (8-10): THERE’S A FIRM FOUNDATION IN MONTREAL

Pat Steinberg, CFL.ca
@Fan960Steinberg

There’s no doubt this has been a disappointing and frustrating season in Montreal. But the future is actually quite bright for the Alouettes and they’re a team I wouldn’t be sleeping on in 2019. With a quarterback who is getting better each and every outing and a solid core of players to build around, next year shapes up to be a really nice bounce back year.

If you’ve listened to the CFL Fantasy Podcast, you’d know that I’ve been somewhat of a skeptic of Johnny Manziel’s. But I’ll be the first to admit how many strides he’s taken in a very short period of time. It’s to the point now where I’m really excited to see how many more steps this guy has to take. Knowing how unique a trait Manziel’s raw athletic ability is, and knowing how much he’s grown in 2018, I’m fascinated to see what he might look like next year with a full offseason to get ready.

In that same vein, I’m really excited to see what William Stanback can do in 2019. Since taking over the reins as Montreal’s starting tailback, Stanback has been consistent and effective, if not spectacular. The more the Alouettes improve their passing attack, the more this benefits Stanback.

Let’s not mince words: Montreal has struggled to score this year. Because they’ve struggled moving the ball through the air for a vast majority of the season, a guy like Stanback hasn’t put up gaudy numbers, much like Tyrell Sutton prior to being traded. But with a progressing Manziel and a dangerous receiver like BJ Cunningham, there’s potential for Stanback to be part of a much more well-rounded offence next season.

Finally, let’s not forget about how far this defence has come this season. Branden Dozier is having a ridiculous year at safety and leads a secondary with playmakers like Tommie Campbell and Dominique Ellis in tow. With Henoc Muamba anchoring the middle of the field, you can see how the Als have brought their points against average down dramatically in the last six or seven games.

We have no idea what kind of moves Montreal will make this off-season, but the foundation is there to build a decent group around. I like their core of players heading into 2019, and I’m very curious to see what this team is all about next season. I don’t think I could have said that during the first half of this season.

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.