I figured that he deserves his own Thread. Let's start with this:
Fajardo must start for Argos:
http://m.torontosun.com/2017/08/12/f...tart-for-argos
I figured that he deserves his own Thread. Let's start with this:
Fajardo must start for Argos:
http://m.torontosun.com/2017/08/12/f...tart-for-argos
I'll point out the glaring error in Frank's article.
Hebert WAS flagged for his head to head hit on Fajardo's run late in the game.
As for Fajardo starting, I thought he should have started the Montreal game.
As stated by many on this forum already, a mobile QB brings an added dimension to an offence that could use some variety and creativity. IMO, Matthews brings none of that, and he doesn't have enough experience to see the field like Ray does.
Fajardo doesn't have the experience either, but his mobility and creativity make up for it - at least in the short term.
I also thought Fajardo should have started and should start the next game if Ray is not ready. However, although the Argo ground game came to life with Cody in their, teams will now make adjustments to contain his running, although with his strength he should have some success. Fajardo also needs to start sliding feet first at least some of the time or he will start being targeted a la Hebert.
He obviously had trouble picking out secondary receivers when under pressure except when scrambling to avoid the rush gave him considerable time to do so, meaning he has long way to go in his development. His footwork was also thrown off when pressed.
In other words, like many young QBs, he often doesn't look comfortable passing when defenders are anywhere near him, but his mobility helps offset this to some extent. He reminds me of Kerry Joseph, who also ran with power, had a good arm but often had poor footwork limiting his accuracy. His success long-term depends on how well he can overcome his shortcomings.
I agree that Cody should start the next game if Ricky Ray is not 100%. Jeff Matthews showed me nothing in pre-season, and his having slightly more CFL experience has little value when he is a mobile as a piece of furniture, especially with the issues we have had with the O line. Fajardo's run ability creates intriguing play calling possibilities, with run-pass options. However, my knock against Cody is that he reverts to the run as his first default instead of trying to find secondary receivers open downfield. It has to be impressed upon him that he is a QB first, and a runner only if necessary. Mind you, he threw for over 9,000 yards in college, so I know he can do it. With lots of practice reps, and good coaching, I believe he can fill in until Ricky returns, and give us a better chance to win than Matthews.
I was hoping from more from Matthews. He looked very uncomfortable in there. As if watching the hits Ray took made him just want to get rid of the ball ASAP. Never threatened down field (I believe his longest attempt was on a 12 yard out to the SJ which was incomplete). At this point, Fajardo is the only option IMO after Ray.
It's us vs the rest of the country
Hogan was just on TSN1150 Hamilton. Said Ricky threw today and yesterday but doesn't know how much and doesn't know if he will start.
Also said he wasn't impressed with either QB in the Als game, but Cody was able to use his feet to make some things happen. Did not like what he saw from the first half with Mathews
The answer on Cody's been sitting in my inbox all dayI was just too busy to read it. In my regular email from the Argos, after saying Ray practised with the first team on Tuesday it says "If Ray remains injured, dual threat Cody Fajardo will have another opportunity to display his dynamic style of play after leading the team to 229 yards of offence in the 2nd half last week."
That's very complimentary and answers who starts behind Ray.
Excellent news
Good grief. How many aliases are you going to use, "argopete"?
It's us vs the rest of the country
I think that even if Ray is back to starting this week (which I sincerely hope is the case) that a package for Fajardo should be implemented into regular games as a change of pace. I really think that bringing him in for a few series (like the wildcat offence) could help the Argos disrupt how the defenders typically play against them.
Thoughts on bringing in Mitchell Gale over Matthews? He has experience in the system (Milanovich's version), and though he's more of a pocket passer, he's wiling to use his feet when he needs to. He also would give them someone with a bit more experience for one of the backups.
I've concluded that QB apprenticeships, at least in the CFL, are too long. So I'd much prefer to see Prukop / Bethel-Thompson accelerated, as opposed to retreading a career backup.
I was kind of hoping Trestman would pull Ricky in the 4th for Cody or give Prukop a few reps. SJ Green also took a hard hit in the 4th quarter when maybe he should have been replaced for safety sake.
Apparently that isn't Trestman's style, but with Ray you are simply playing with fire. I would have pulled him after 3 quarters personally.
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