Argos Sign OL Andrew Jones

[Argoholics]

I think this is start of an all Canadian line for us, which is something I feel allows for greater ratio flexibility on the defence and potentially in the receiving core, if you don't have top tiered Canucks for one or two receiver spots. We don't have that high end Canadian receiver, at this point.

[Area 51]

I think this is start of an all Canadian line for us, which is something I feel allows for greater ratio flexibility on the defence and potentially in the receiving core, if you don't have top tiered Canucks for one or two receiver spots. We don't have that high end Canadian receiver, at this point.

You won't find a better Canadian receiver than Durie. If you'd rather call him a slotback or a running back that's fine - - bottom line is Durie catches the ball and other than maybe Fantuz I can't think of a NI pass catcher I'd rather have.

[paulwoods13]

You won't find a better Canadian receiver than Durie. If you'd rather call him a slotback or a running back that's fine - - bottom line is Durie catches the ball and other than maybe Fantuz I can't think of a NI pass catcher I'd rather have.

I agree completely -- Durie is definitely "high end."

[OV Argo]

Argos hoping Jones can turn out like Van Zeyl? - former Mac D-lineman who made the transition to O-line in the CFL and ends up a starter; Jones at least has some CFL roster experience with BC but i don't think he saw much playing time at all for them on offence; hopefully he can compete well in TC; BC fans think he will be an Argo starter? - not sure what they base this on - seems a stretch that he would beat out some others the Argos already have on the interior O-line (like Gagne-Marcoux, St-Pierre, Eppelle) but maybe.

O-line should be another area of real, tough TC competition for playing time in Argo TC; i really hope Tyler Holmes shows up in Argoland for TC; there is also the possibility that the Argos could use their first draft pick (#9 overall i think?) on an O-Lineman from what seems like a good crop there this coming draft; or even a later round pick on one; like to see them get a proven, accomplished player at a specific O-Line spot they might target, rather than hoping some "projects" - like Jones or Eppelle or Reinders will be good as OGs; Western's huge, all-star OG Matt Norman, or Mac's all-star OG Medeiros will probably still be available at # 9 or maybe even in the later rounds where the Argos still hold some picks (Heenan and Pastzor - 2 top rated OGs for this draft will probably either draw some NFL interest or else be early first round CFL picks ?).


And as far as Durie - i think he's been excellent for the Argo O, and hopefully gets even more opportunity in the future; made the transition from star CIS tailback to receiver in the CFL very nicely; his RB skills are evident when he gets the ball, but is showing nice hands too; but to suggest he is 2nd only to Fantuz as a CFL NI receiver is a rather questionable, myopic, perhaps homer type comment IMO - but maybe some observers here watch mostly just the Argos and don't pay much attention to other CFL teams - which feature the likes of Watson, Stala, Bagg, Getzlaf, Gore, Foster, Forzani, Arthur in their receiving corps'.

[ArgoRavi]

And as far as Durie - i think he's been excellent for the Argo O, and hopefully gets even more opportunity in the future; made the transition from star CIS tailback to receiver in the CFL very nicely; his RB skills are evident when he gets the ball, but is showing nice hands too; but to suggest he is 2nd only to Fantuz as a CFL NI receiver is a rather questionable, myopic, perhaps homer type comment IMO - but maybe some observers here watch mostly just the Argos and don't pay much attention to other CFL teams - which feature the likes of Watson, Stala, Bagg, Getzlaf, Gore, Foster, Forzani, Arthur in their receiving corps'.

If I had a choice between Durie and any of those receivers besides Fantuz, I would take Durie. I think that he can be a better playmaker than any of those guys with an all-star QB and smart offence. Maybe I am just being a homer - btw, I have no problem with any of those fine receivers - but I like the skillset which Durie brings and I believe that he has the potential to be a more productive player than any of those other guys.

[Will]

I also like the skill set that Durie brings and the dual threat that he can present as both a running back and receiver, however I don't think I'd lump him in as an elite NI receiver just yet. He's certainly made the best out of an uncertain situation at QB. With stability returning to the QB position he is now in the best position to show just how good of a receiver he can be. Remember that Durie missed some games last season and I worked out that his pace (if he stayed healthy) was something closer to 800 or 900 yards. I think that with Ray at QB he can take that next step and go over 1,000-yards. That's when we can start having discussions as to where he ranks amongst NI receivers.

There were rumours that Claremont had signed with us yesterday but those were wrong.

I'm not sure what Clermont could add at this point besides some veteran depth.

[paulwoods13]

I also like the skill set that Durie brings and the dual threat that he can present as both a running back and receiver, however I don't think I'd lump him in as an elite NI receiver just yet. He's certainly made the best out of an uncertain situation at QB. With stability returning to the QB position he is now in the best position to show just how good of a receiver he can be. Remember that Durie missed some games last season and I worked out that his pace (if he stayed healthy) was something closer to 800 or 900 yards. I think that with Ray at QB he can take that next step and go over 1,000-yards. That's when we can start having discussions as to where he ranks amongst NI receivers.

1,000 yards is only 11 yards per game more than 800 yards over a season. Only two NI receivers topped 800 yards last season -- Getzlaf and Gore. Durie was fifth among NI receivers despite his injury problems and a terrible offensive system with no one who could play QB. So I think we can start having those discussions right now, actually.

[AngeloV]

I think this is start of an all Canadian line for us, which is something I feel allows for greater ratio flexibility on the defence and potentially in the receiving core, if you don't have top tiered Canucks for one or two receiver spots. We don't have that high end Canadian receiver, at this point.

I wouldn't be too sure about that. It's difficult to get great depth (if injuries should happen) with an all Canadian o-line. I would expect an import (likely Coughman) at left tackle still. The key is to have a starting quality lineman or two as back-ups. Not an easy task if you go strictly non import.