With their quarterback situation in flux, the Toronto Argonauts need another strong season from Arland Bruce III. (Canadian Press)
2007 CFL Preview
Toronto Argonauts
Inept offence still the Argos' Achilles heel
Last Updated Wed., June 27, 2007
Tony Care, CBC Sports
2006 RECORD: 10-8, second in the East. Lost 33-24 to Montreal in the East final
KEY NUMBERS:
Points Allowed: 333 (1st)
TDs Allowed: 29 (1st)
Passing Yds Allowed: 224.7 (1st)
Interceptions: 30 (2nd)
ARRIVALS: QB Mike McMahon, OL Taylor Robertson, RB Jamel White, DL Adriano Belli, T Steve Morley
DEPARTURES: OT Jerome Davis, WR R. Jay Soward, OL Bernard Williams, RB Ricky Williams, QB Spergon Wynn, LB Antonious Bonner, DT Noah Cantor, DB Dave Donaldson, DE Eric England, DB Clifford Ivory, KR Keith Stokes
STRENGTHS:
Secondary The Argos boasted one of the best units in the CFL despite having the worst pass rush (27 sacks) in the league last season. Stalwarts Bryon Parker (8), Jordan Younger (6) and Kahlil Carter (5) ranked in the top six for interceptions, but were more impressive once they get their hands on the football. The trio helped Toronto finish first in the league with 894 interception return yards.
Receiving He may have played with an inept offensive unit, but Arland Bruce proved both electrifying and productive for Toronto in 2006. The six-year veteran finished behind only Geroy Simon the league's most outstanding player with 1,370 yards and topped all receivers by averaging 17.8 yards per catch. Tony Miles was an effective complement to Bruce, catching 53 balls and chipping in with 671 yards.
Linebackers In Kevin Eiben and veteran Mike O'Shea, the Argos have two of the surest tacklers in the league. Eiben (80) and O'Shea (68) not only were among the top tacklers in 2006, but also had to cover for a lack of production by the defensive front. The pair should be enough to offset the loss of Antonious Bonner, who was released by the team in December.
WEAKNESSES:
Offence It's amazing the Argos advanced to the East final while scoring only seven more touchdowns than the lowly Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Toronto's biggest problem in 2006 was its struggles through the air. Despite Bruce's mastery in the open field, the Argos finished last in the CFL with 3,886 net passing yards. Part of that was due to the injury to starting quarterback Damon Allen, who missed five games with a broken finger on his passing hand. Still, backups Michael Bishop and Eric Crouch couldn't give Toronto consistent play when given the chance.
Defensive Line Opposing quarterbacks were free to roam the pocket because the Argos failed to apply much heat up front. Toronto finished dead last with 27 sacks, a direct result of the struggles by the defensive line. Incredibly, Toronto's defensive backs played quite well considering the amount of time they spent covering receivers. The line didn't fair better defending the ground, as running backs torched the Argos for a combined 2,430 yards, the worst in the CFL.
KEY PLAYER:
Arland Bruce With the quarterback situation still up in the air, Bruce will need to at least repeat his stellar performance from last season in order for the team to contend in the East. Bruce's 12 touchdowns showed that he can score from anywhere on the field regardless of who is throwing him the ball. Whether Allen, Bishop, or newcomer Mike McMahon wins the starting job, Bruce should remain the primary target.
OUTLOOK:
"The big question in Toronto will be the quarterback position," says CFL on CBC analyst Sean Millington. "Obviously, Damon Allen is coming back and challenging for the top spot. When he's sharp and is on his game, I don't think there's anybody there that can beat him out. With the Grey Cup in Toronto, I can see this being Damon's last season if he were to have a successful year. But the Argos need a philosophical change on offence in order to take the pressure off their defence."
