There is no doubt the Toronto Argonauts need a major fix. Say what you will, but the CFL needs Toronto and after a pair of miserable seasons that saw the team win just seven games in the last two seasons, they are in need of a major overhaul.
The Argos had hoped Bart Andrus could provide them with a spark, but that spark turned into an out of control wildfire that had the team in a huge state of disarray at season's end. Now that Andrus is gone, here is a three point plan to get the Argos back on the track to respectability.
1. Hire George Cortez as coach. The Argos need an offensive mind with CFL experience to lead them in 2010 in beyond. The Calgary offensive co-ordinator knows what is needed to succeed and would be a perfect choice to guide the Argos as they start their rebuilding effort.
2. Sign free agent running back Joffrey Reynolds. Reynolds isn't showing sign of slowing down. He is arguably the best all-around running back in the CFL. Chances are the Stampeders will keep him, but Toronto should do everything they can to lure the running back to Toronto. Having Cortez as his head coach might influence the decision and make it easier for Reynolds to wear blue and not red.
3. Needing someone with that Pinball Clemons charisma to help sell tickets, head back to Calgary and make a trade that would bring Henry Burris to Toronto. Say what you want about Burris Rider fans, but there is no more charismatic player in this league and having him play in the CFL's largest market would draw credibility and would sell tickets. Toronto could send Jamal Robertson in what would have to be a big package to make this deal happen. Having Cortez as his head coach would mean Henry wouldn't have to learn a new scheme and having Reynolds in the backfield would make the transition easier as well.
Hey, I realize this is probably never going to happen, but I throw it out there. Such a scenario would be a huge plus for the Argonauts and a huge plus for the CFL. Toronto doesn't need to be a Grey Cup contender every year, but the Alouettes do need some competition in the East and this would certainly give that. It would also definitely increase the profile of the Argos in the Toronto sporting community.
If for some reason this happens, just remember where you read it first.
9 comments:
Mitch, it will have to cost Toronto far more then a 35 year old RB for an elite QB....
I could see Cortez coaching and Reynolds going via free agency, but there is no way Calgary is trading Hank. Who would replace him?
Chris G
Ted Y:
The wrong button was pushed when it came to approving or disapproving your comment. Can you pls resend as it was good. Sorry about that!
Mitch
You can never say never in the CFL, but while I could see Cortez coaching and the Argos breaking the bank for Reynolds, I can't see them getting Burris. Besides Robertson(which Calgary may not need because of Summers and Cornish), what do they give back. They don't have a quarterback Calgary can have and there really is no marquee player on that team.
I think Lefko is right. Tillman is off to Toronto and it will happen once his court case is over. It will be up to Eric to decide the plan of action to make Toronto respectable, but his work will be cut out for him.
Alan
Having those three leave Calgary would make it a helluva lot easier to repeat as WD champs in 2010.
However, i don't think Calgary is prepared to let either player leave whether it be by trade, free agency, whatever.
Randy
They need an Offensive mind on TO, and I think Cortez would fit that bill well. Toronto though needs to start young, with some young diamonds in the rough from the college ranks. Ham. tried the FA route for years and they floundered. Only when they had a good mix of young and old did they turn it around.
Hell, even T.O. tried the old overpriced QB route when they took Joseph. That didn't end well for them.
Little Johnny
Sorry Mitch, my earlier comments just came off the top of my head so I don't think I could repost word for word. Basically all I was saying is that I disagreed, or at least questioned your thoughts about Henry being the most charismatic player in the CFL. I don't find him to be charismatic at all, in fact, rather the contrary.
Burris will be the first to point fingers and deflect blame after losing. Rob V,Rod P, and yourself all sing his praises, but I'm not seeing it. I don't know the guy apart from his actions on the field and in interviews. He comes across as arrogant and pouty depending on if it's before the game or after.
In regards to Toronto, I don't think there is any one player or group of players that could turn around or raise the identity of the Argos & the CFL for that matter in Toronto. Pinball was the closest they have ever been to a marketable identity there and he wasn't able to get it done. Toronto will always put the Leafs, the Jays & even the Raptors ahead of the Argos. Ted.Y
If this came to fruition, it would mean we wouldn't hate Calgary as much. On the other hand, it would provide something when Toronto comes to town because no one really hates the Argos and the crowd seems somewhat dead when they are here.
Paul
Have you stopped writing for the Riders to give free advice to the Argos? This is a very interesting scenario that you paint and one that could happen. As someone said before, this is the CFL!
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