2010-2019 Argos Analysis: Introduction

[Will]

Introduction

Up until 2007, the 2000’s were a relatively successful decade for the Toronto Argonauts. The Argos missed the playoffs in 2000 and 2001 before losing in the Eastern Final to the Montreal Alouettes in both 2002 and 2003. This period was tumultuous off the field as the Canadian Football League took over the Argonauts in the 2003 season.

The Argonauts were sold to the partnership duo of David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski in time for the 2004 season, and it appeared that the ownership change would reap instant benefits for the Argonauts as they finished the 2004 season with a 10-7-1 record under head coach Mike “Pinball” Clemons before defeating Montreal in the East Final and beating the B.C Lions 27-19 in the 2004 Grey Cup. Average attendance at SkyDome, which was well below 20,000 for years appeared to be trending in the right direction with crowds upwards of 30,000.

The Argonauts between 2004 and 2007 featured one of the best secondaries in the Canadian Football League led by Orlondo Steinauer, Byron Parker and Kenny Wheaton. A linebacking corps featuring Canadian stars such as Kevin Eiben and Mike O’Shea. The defensive line also featured stars in Jonathan Brown and Eric England. However, aside from 2005, it seemed like the offence was never able to keep things consistent. Early season injuries in 2006 to Damon Allen and 2007 to Michael Bishop meant that the team had to make strong pushes in the second half to finish either first or second in the east. However, playoff success eluded the Argonauts after 2004. Most disappointing was a 19-9 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2007 Eastern Final, a year that Toronto was hosting its first Grey Cup since 1992.

Several key changes were made on and off the field in the 2007-2008 off-season. Pinball stepped down as head coach and was replaced by long-time defensive coordinator Rich Stubler. The decision was also made to acquire Kerry Joseph from the 2007 Grey Cup champ Saskatchewan Roughriders. With a seemingly strong defence and the reigning MOP at QB, all signs appeared to be pointing upward.

However, the blue ribbon defence suddenly collapsed as the Argos allowed over 600 points and a QB controversy between Joseph and Bishop never allowed the offence to get on track. Stubler was fired with the team at 4-6 and was replaced by legendary coach Don Matthews who finished the season at 0-8. The 2009 season was just as bad as the Argos hired inexperienced Bart Andrus. This move was a disaster as the Argos finished 3-15 and dead last in the east.

Finishing the decade off at 7-29, the Argos saw attendance start to decline at SkyDome, but that wasn’t the biggest challenge facing the Argos as they headed into a new decade.

[AngeloV]

Good job Will. Looking forward to the rest of your summary.

[Argo57]

Nice summary, the good, bad and ugly.