DANIELE FRANCESCHI – ARGOS ADMIRALS INSIDER
TORONTO – A fresh start is on the horizon for the Double Blue.
Following a dismal 2014 campaign, the Boatmen are ready to re-tool their roster in pursuit of a Grey Cup in 2015.
In a nutshell, the Argonauts’ 2014 season was one filled with heartbreak, misfortune and uncertainty. Although Scott Milanovich’s group failed to qualify for the postseason, the Argos displayed tremendous character, overcoming a disappointing 1-4 start only to finish one victory shy of first place in the East Division.
Offensively, despite an influx of injuries at the receiver position, the Argonauts ranked in the top-third of 12 statistical categories, including most points scored, most touchdowns scored, and most plays from scrimmage.
At the helm of their potent offence was veteran signal caller Ricky Ray, who enjoyed yet another productive season in 2014. The 35-year-old Happy Camp, California native registered a CFL-best 4,595 yards passing and also tallied a league-high 28 touchdown passes.
Aside from negotiating contract renewals with pending free agents, general manager Jim Barker will be presented with the daunting task of improving the team’s youthful defence, a unit that, in 2014, ranked in the bottom-third of 17 defensive categories.
As a matter of fact, re-tooling the defence may very well be the number one offseason priority for Barker and company.
Bottom line, the Double Blue defence wasn’t good enough this past season. First-year coordinator Tim Burke will continue to work on implementing his brash, ball-hawking mentality next season after watching his defensive unit struggle with inconsistency in 2014.
The Argonauts attempted to subsidize their lack of depth along the defensive line by installing a plethora of blitz packages. Unfortunately for the Boatmen, this particular schematic adjustment didn’t yield satisfactory results.
Consequently, this poses the question: What is the identity of this Argonaut defence?
Sure, the “Killer Bees” mantra is great, but if the Argonauts are to take the next step and resurface as Grey Cup contenders in 2015, it is imperative that Burke takes charge of his defence and employs a comprehensive, multi-faceted defensive scheme.
With free agency set to begin in February, now is the time for the Argonauts to establish a long-term strategic plan, one that will likely include a “wish list” denoting potential free agent targets.
Ideally, the Boatmen would like to acquire a reliable, shutdown cornerback and add some much-needed depth within their front seven.
All in all, this Argo defence possesses immense upside. From Jermaine Gabriel to Tristan Okpalaugo, the Boatmen are equipped with many young, up-and-coming defensive stars.
Nevertheless, we must be mindful of the fact that a championship-calibre defence cannot not be constructed overnight. It’s a strenuous process, and anyone who thinks otherwise is just being ignorant.
In all likelihood, the Argonauts’ brain trust will be very active this off-season.
With 2014 now in the rear-view mirror, the Double Blue can finally look ahead to a healthy and prosperous new year.
Fingers crossed, of course.
To every member of Argos Nation, I offer you my sincerest holiday wishes.
2014 has been a blast and I’m sure 2015 will be even better.
Happy New Year!