Should we give Declan Cross a bigger role in 2018?

[Argo]

I see no reason to employ an expensive receiver at the wide-side WR spot. No team throws much to that position -- pretty well every throw there is deep, just based on how far he is from the QB; increased risk of picks. Those guys are mostly used to clear space underneath and block downfield. Williams can handle that, with Noel maybe working in more as well.

I doubt that that Bob Hayes, for example, induced more interceptions. A genuine speed merchant will gain separation, expand the space in play and demand respect, whatever play is called. Sometimes, of course, the CB will require help, further benefiting the offence.

[OV Argo]

The Argos also removed Green, Posey, Edwards and Williams at times, and very occasionally used Jackson instead of a slotback. They seemed to have a lot of different receiver packages this season.

Yep - a decent sign of some diversity on offence; that. plus the use of an H-back (Cross) and a bit more run game to a very good RB in Wilder.

[AngeloV]

I doubt that that Bob Hayes, for example, induced more interceptions. A genuine speed merchant will gain separation, expand the space in play and demand respect, whatever play is called. Sometimes, of course, the CB will require help, further benefiting the offence.

LOL. Can we try using a reference of less than 50 years ago? Teams loaded 7 guys in the box back then so all Hayes ever saw was 1 on 1 coverage.

[Wobbler]

They have different roles and positions. The Argos shuttled Cross and Coombs (and Ralph when he replaced Coombs due to injury) in and out mostly based on the formation. Cross was always in when there were double tight ends, with either J Campbell or (after he was injured) Watman/Kolankowski. Cross was also often in as a single TE/H-back. Coombs was almost always in when there were five receivers and one RB. Very rarely were Coombs and Cross on the field at the same time. At least, that was my unscientific view at the home games where I could watch personnel deployment.

Thanks, Paul.

[Argo]

LOL. Can we try using a reference of less than 50 years ago? Teams loaded 7 guys in the box back then so all Hayes ever saw was 1 on 1 coverage.

Hayes immediately came to mind, given my age, and he is a good (if classic) example. In any case, the Argos would in all likelihood be a better and more dangerous team with a speed merchant WR. Particularly with the QB voted by his peers as most accurate in the league.

[edit: while not a sprinter, I certainly wouldn't mind seeing free agent WR Vidal Hazelton return to the Argos.]

[ArgoRavi]

The Argos also removed Green, Posey, Edwards and Williams at times, and very occasionally used Jackson instead of a slotback. They seemed to have a lot of different receiver packages this season.

Yes, they did demonstrate much diversity in their offensive attack.

[AngeloV]

Hayes immediately came to mind, given my age, and he is a good (if classic) example. In any case, the Argos would in all likelihood be a better and more dangerous team with a speed merchant WR. Particularly with the QB voted by his peers as most accurate in the league.

[edit: while not a sprinter, I certainly wouldn't mind seeing free agent WR Vidal Hazelton return to the Argos.]

I have no desire to ever see Hazelton return to the Argos. I'm fine with Ralph, Williams and Noel. If you absolutely must have a speedy guy at field side WR, sign Spencer Watt. At least none of those guys have rocked the boat.

[paulwoods13]

In any case, the Argos would in all likelihood be a better and more dangerous team with a speed merchant WR.

Who could argue that point? But what I said was I didn't want to use an expensive receiver at the wide-side spot. I'd rather save cap space for positions that are going to be more integral to success. Even if Bob Hayes was resurrected and signed with the Argos, that spot likely would have the fewest targets per game. Speed wideouts like Williams (last year) and Banks (this year) are too expensive, IMO.

[ArgoGabe22]

Chris Williams should become available but I think his best before date has passed.

[REAL]

If Coombs is healthy, he should always start. If Wilder is healthy, he should always start. I'm not suggesting that Cross is better than those guys, but I really like the way he catches the ball and what he does with it. How should we use him next year?

Think he is capable of playing at any of the inside receiver spots and can be used there once in a while for a change of pace and keeping the defence off balance.

[Argo]

Think he is capable of playing at any of the inside receiver spots and can be used there once in a while for a change of pace and keeping the defence off balance.

I still haven't watched Grey Cup 105, so I don't know what's what with Coombs' 0 receptions - when I expected that he might be a key factor in the game. Regardless: no Cross, no Grey Cup victory. That is obvious just from watching the game highlights.

[Argo]

I have no desire to ever see Hazelton return to the Argos. I'm fine with Ralph, Williams and Noel. If you absolutely must have a speedy guy at field side WR, sign Spencer Watt. At least none of those guys have rocked the boat.

We must agree to disagree. As for the accusation of "rocking the boat" (1) Evidence (other than Milanovich thrashing deck chairs on the Titanic) ? (2) Even if true, it's ancient history given exemplary behaviour in Edmonton, and show me the person that hasn't ever needed a second chance.

[bluto]

I'll say they used him just right this season. If you use him more, it may actually take away from his effectiveness as he would be keyed in on more by the opposing teams. I love the way he plays though. Great team first guy.

Exactly that. He works well because he's a ghost. A Pearl Harbor attack.

[AngeloV]

We must agree to disagree. As for the accusation of "rocking the boat" (1) Evidence (other than Milanovich thrashing deck chairs on the Titanic) ? (2) Even if true, it's ancient history given exemplary behaviour in Edmonton, and show me the person that hasn't ever needed a second chance.

I agree that we must agree to disagree. Been there, done that. Argos were a true team this year. I don't even want to take a chance on bringing in (my words) a headcase like Hazelton.

[1971GreyCup]

I'd trust Coach Trestman to make that call. Never seen a better group of players put together than the 2017 Argos.

[OV Argo]

I'd trust Coach Trestman to make that call. Never seen a better group of players put together than the 2017 Argos.

OK - i guess you mean in terms of chemistry or team cohesion ?

Cause surely you're not suggesting that was a "better group of players" or team than say the 96/97 Argos; or the 91, 83 or 71 teams that went to the GC ? Compare the regular season records for one thing.

[Wobbler]

OV, why aren't you still basking in the surprising glory of our amazing GC win? I am, and it's really nice.

[OV Argo]

OV, why aren't you still basking in the surprising glory of our amazing GC win? I am, and it's really nice.

Oh, but i am.

You want me to call that Argo team the best all-time though? - sorry, no can do.

[1971GreyCup]

OK - i guess you mean in terms of chemistry or team cohesion ?

Cause surely you're not suggesting that was a "better group of players" or team than say the 96/97 Argos; or the 91, 83 or 71 teams that went to the GC ? Compare the regular season records for one thing.

Yes, that's fair to say. Team chemistry top to bottom!

[Mightygoose]

Re-signed through the 2020 season.

https://www.argonauts.ca/2017/12/21/...act-extension/

Edit: Whoops