The Rouge takes a look at each team and poses their biggest question heading into the off-season. Today, the Toronto Argonauts.
Seemingly every year, in every sports league, the same question is asked about the championship team. Is this the beginning of a dynasty? History proves that is almost never the case, so with the Toronto Argonauts, let's stop short of using the "D" word and instead ask: are the Argonauts set up to maintain their 2012 success?
With Ricky Ray leading the offence behind centre, and Chad Owens heading an impressive receiving corps – not to mention his special teams prowess – the offence looks in good shape for the foreseeable future.
Even Chad Kackert, after his impressive playoffs run and Grey Cup MVP, looks poised to join the elite running backs in the CFL. Kackert is a free agent this off-season but reports indicate the Argos plan to try and re-sign him.
Toronto defence was solid this season as well. The Chris Jones-led unit looks to have a good shot as maintaining success in the future, too.
But the trouble with a talented coordinator is sooner or later another team is going to want him as their head coach.
And while the Argos peaked at absolutely the right time by playing their best football in the playoffs and winning the last five games they played overall, they were still just a .500 team in the regular season.
You need only look at this year's BC Lions squad for an example of a defending champion who played well all year only to get bested by a hotter team when the games really mattered. In an eight-team league, it seems everyone has a chance.
Heading into the off-season, the Rouge asks: Can the Argos expect to maintain their success next season – and will there be another parade down Yonge Street a year from now?
As always, it's Your! Call.
