CFL Preview: Optimism on and off the field for Argonauts

The Toronto Argonauts enter the 2016 season in a new home and plenty to be excited about, both on and off the field.

Top Storylines

Stubler's return Highly-respected CFL defensive coordinator Rich Stubler is back in Toronto for a third time. Stubler, 66, and his intricate schemes instantly make one of the CFL's more inconsistent defences better. Stubler's attention to detail will expand the abilities of veteran Argos like Ricky Foley, Cory Greenwood and Jermaine Gabriel, as well as improve those new to double blue, like Justin Hickman and Bryan Hall. Former Stamps defensive back Keon Raymond is a longtime Stubler disciple, and will likely be a coach on the field, too.

Follow-up act Last season, there was no doubt which team had the most exciting, young receiving corps: Diontae Spencer, Tori Gurley, Vidal Hazelton and Kevin Elliott became instant hits in the CFL, combining for over 2,700 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. Head coach Scott Milanovich will hope the quartet are both smarter (after a full season in Toronto’s playbook) and wiser (after some on-field and locker-room disciplinary issues), as they're poised to become the CFL’s best receiving corps. The real diamond among the four could be Spencer: The Argos let Chad Owens walk in free agency because they feel Spencer can become their next receiving and kick returning dynamo.

Who’s ready behind Ricky? Under Milanovich, the Argos are now a conveyor belt of CFL quarterback talent. Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris grew quickly in Milanovich’s system, and now Toronto will hope to groom Logan Kilgore, Cody Fajardo, or possibly returning project Mitchell Gale, into the Argos next great, young pivot. This season, the Argos enjoy depth – international and national – at most positions, but there is no clear answer if 36-year-old Ricky Ray suffers another injury this year. 

Additions and Subtractions

+ SAM LB Keon Raymond At 33, Raymond may not be as durable as he once was, but he’s a leader. Alongside returning defensive coordinator Stubler, Raymond should inspire Toronto’s defence.

- QB Trevor Harris Despite some late season hiccups, Harris led the league in touchdown passes (33). Now Toronto has to develop another young quarterback.

Canadian Content

Despite the defection of outstanding defensive tackle Cleyon Laing to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Toronto still boasts an impressive group of Canadians on D. Jermaine Gabriel is widely regarded as one of the CFL’s top safeties and Cory Greenwood, if healthy, is rock solid at linebacker. Veteran DB Matt Black and third-year LB Thomas Miles, who made seven starts in 2015, have proven to be capable replacements should either of those starters go down.

In the trenches, Ricky Foley and his 56 career sacks return at defensive end. Meanwhile, sophomore tackle Daryl Waud looks to build on his impressive rookie season as he steps into the position vacated by Laing. Former Tiger-Cat and Stampeder Brian Bulcke missed the 2015 season due to injury but should provide the Boatmen with another proven commodity in the D-Line rotation.

Offensively, injuries will delay the 2016 debuts of star slotback Andre Durie and highly touted rookie receiver Brian Jones, but the Argonauts remain well positioned in terms of their National talent. Perennial all-star Josh Bourke was acquired from Montreal via free agency and will combine with fellow Canadian Chris Van Zeyl to give Toronto one of the CFL’s best OT tandems, regardless of nationality. Guard Tyler Holmes is the only other established homegrown starter on the offensive line. With former Saskatchewan Roughrider Cory Watman and 2015 first-rounder Sean McEwen both joining the fold, and 2013 first round pick Matt Sewell and the ageless Wayne Smith providing the required depth, the Double Blue could line up with five Nationals up front, if necessary.

That said, given all of their homegrown options on defence, the more likely scenario will see them start three or four Canadian O-Linemen for the time being while they allow McEwen and 2016 draftees D.J. Sackey and Jamal Campbell to develop.

At receiver, the dynamic Anthony Coombs looks to fill the void created by Durie’s absence, with intriguing rookies Llevi Noel and Malcolm Williams also in the mix.

In the kicking game, Canuck Lirim Hajrullahu looks to rebound from a rocky 2015 after being signed from Winnipeg to replace the departed American Swayze Waters.

Impact Imports

There's a lot to be excited about in Argoland this year, with perhaps the best news being the return of a healthy Ray under centre to lead Toronto’s offence.

Ray has struggled through various injuries the past three seasons but has returned to full health this year, and more importantly, has looked like his old self in Argos’ training camp. His old self of course being the Grey Cup-winning leader he was his first season in Toronto; the QB who gives your team a chance to win no matter the roster around him.

Ray’s return to health is a plus as well with Harris signing in Ottawa this season. There was no guarantee lightning would strike thrice for the Argos if Ray wasn't ready to go to start the season after Harris and Collaros before him stepped up to replace the veteran.

Ray is greeted in his return with one of the top receiving corps in the league that includes Spencer, Hazelton, Gurley, and Elliott looking for solid follow-up acts after their impressive rookie debuts.

Brandon Whitaker is the unquestioned incumbent at running back after fan favourite Chad Kackert was released in training camp.

Veteran free agent acquisition Raymond will be one of the leaders on defence, bringing his two Division All-Star nods with him to reunite Stubler and solidify the ever-important SAM linebacker position.

The team will also have a new infusion of American talent along the defensive line by way of the QEW. Three former Tiger-Cats adversaries in Hickman, Hall, and Bulcke joined the Boatman in free agency. Hickman never quite found his groove again after returning from a stint in the NFL two years ago, but the 30-year-old does have double digit sack potential.

Who to Watch: Owens is now in Hamilton because Toronto sees Diontae Spencer, 24, as their next receiving and kick returning dual treat, carrying on the tradition of dynamic Argo returners like Owens, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, and Bashir Levingston.

Season Outlook

The Argos can claim to be the deepest team in the East, especially when it comes to Canadians. But who will emerge as Toronto’s quarterback if Ray gets injured again? The Argos developed Collaros and Harris, so is one of Kilgore, Fajardo or Gale the next in line?