D-line Rotation:
Before final cuts were made last week, there were still 12 defensive linemen in camp: a testament to the Argos’ depth at the position. This week the Argonauts bolstered their unit with yet another stud pass rusher, signing former Blue Bomber Jason Vega. Vega joins defensive ends Ricky Foley, Tristan Okpalaugo, and Martez Wilson on the depth chart, giving the Argonauts no shortage of options when they need to get pressure on the quarterback. Keep an eye out this week against the Edmonton Eskimos to see how the rotation shakes out with so much talent available to defensive coordinator Casey Creehan.
Anthony Coombs:
When the Argonauts traded up to the third overall pick in the 2014 CFL Draft, the man they picked – RB/SB Anthony Coombs – was described by head coach Scott Milanovich as a once-in-a-generation type player. The former Manitoba Bison showed flashes of brilliance last year, but his rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury that saw him miss the final 14 games of the season. This year, Coombs is back and fully healthy, and he’ll be expected to be a difference maker for the Argos offence.
Secondary:
The Argos entered training camp with question marks in the secondary, as it appears that only one starter from 2014 – national safety Jermaine Gabriel – will reprise his starting role this season. If the preseason was any indication, however, Argos’ fans have nothing to fear in 2015 despite the group’s youth, as rookie defensive backs Devin Smith, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, and A.J. Jefferson all grabbed interceptions in Toronto’s victory over the Montreal Alouettes. There’s no guarantee as to whether that performance will continue over an 18-game regular season, but if it does, opposing quarterbacks will be in for a rough season.
Return Game:
When SB Chad Owens stopped returning punts and kickoffs in 2014, Toronto’s return game suffered. This season Toronto has brought in an array of speedsters, while also giving an opportunity to some returning veterans. Diontae Spencer set school records at McNeese State and had a short stint with the St. Louis Rams of the NFL before arriving in Toronto. The Argos are hoping that the diminutive returner and receiver can make an impact in the return game similar to Brandon Banks in Hamilton. Also getting return reps in practice are DB A.J. Jefferson and RB/SB Anthony Coombs, so expect the position to be an open competition in the early stages of the season.
Proven Veterans:
The Argonauts enter the 2015 season after a tremendous roster turnover, and boast the highest number of new starters of any CFL team. In an attempt to minimize the growing pains and mitigate the risk, the Argonauts have added several proven veterans to the roster in the days following camp. WR Dave Stala enters his 13th CFL season and first in Toronto, where he’ll be leaned on as a mentor to the receiving corps and special teams units. The Argonauts also brought in a pair of veteran running backs in Chad Kackert and Brandon Whitaker after the loss of Curtis Steele to injury. Two other familiar faces, LB Brandon Isaac and DL Ricky Foley, will also return to the Argonauts, and look to help Toronto regain their championship form from 2012: the last season that both suited up in Double Blue.