The Toronto Argonauts enter the 2016 season with a new home and a high level of optimism surrounding the club’s immediate and long-term future. Rich Stubler’s return to Toronto for a third time is expected to make a significant difference on the defensive side of the football and the offense shouldn’t miss a beat with Ricky Ray leading the way under center. BMO Field will be the home of the 104th Grey Cup and the Argonauts are focused on doing what it takes to play in that game in front of their fans.
Team Strengths
Ray should be one of the better quarterbacks in the CFL once again if he can stay healthy. Head coach Scott Milanovich believes another full year with his playbook will help the offense reach another level in addition to one of the most exciting groups of young receivers in the league. Tori Gurley and Vidal Hazelton both had more than 790 receiving yards last year and should do better with a more accurate quarterback. Gurley is an absolute stud but Diontae Spencer could be a good bet to make the biggest impact both as a receiver and kick return man. Stubler brings with him a wealth of experience and one of the better systems in the CFL so the Toronto defense could be on the rise this season.
Team Weaknesses
The biggest question mark for the Argonauts will once again be the durability of Ray and whether or not they can contend if he gets hurt following Trevor Harris’ exit. Remember Ray was hurt last year and that opened the door for backup Harris to lead the CFL in passing touchdowns (33). Harris was also third in the league in passing yards (4,354). However, he’s moved on to the Ottawa Redblacks this year, which means there’s less depth should Ray go down. The good news is that Ray – for the most part – has been very durable.
Ray is set to turn 37 in October, so it isn’t likely that he will have any easier of a time staying healthy and playing every single game. Logan Kilgore and Cody Fajardo are both unproven backups and Toronto will not want to have to turn to either one for an extended period of time this season. The Argos also have a hole to address at special teams after letting Chad Owens get away but they should be just fine with Spencer filling the void.
One area where the Argos need to get better is running the football. Brandon Whitaker was fourth in the CFL in rushing with 636 yards on the ground, but he had just three rushing touchdowns. A solid running game will help take the pressure off of Ray and company.
Team X-Factor
Ray’s health is the obvious X-Factor for Toronto heading in to this season but he isn’t the only important piece that needs to stay healthy and perform at a high level for them to contend in the East. The Argonauts brought in 33-year-old linebacker Keon Raymond to set the tone for their defense and while he might not be as durable as he once was he is a proven leader and capable playmaker. Stubler’s system should produce an immediate positive impact but the real X-Factor will be whether or not Raymond can stay healthy and provide the Toronto defense with a consistent spark and leadership at the second level.
Outlook
It won’t take long for us to get our first look at the biggest rivalry in the East as the Argonauts open the season at home against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at the newly renovated BMO Field. It could very well provide our first gander at what to expect this year as Hamilton and Toronto are the two favorites to win their division. Look for a healthy Ray and an improved defense to help the Argonauts contend for an East division crown with a potential rematch against the Tiger-Cats down the road in the Eastern Final.
Pick: Second place in Eastern division. A potential Eastern Final showdown with Hamilton could determine Grey Cup fate.
