Are the 2023 Argos the Greatest of All Time in the CFL

[jerrym]

Are the 2023 Argos the Greatest of All Time in the CFL? The only competition they have, IMO, are the 1996-97 Argos and the 1978-1982 five consecutive times Grey Cup winning Eskimos.

[kellynjk]

I would say the 1996-97 Argos were a better team. Plus the Edmonton Eskimos in the 1978-82 period were so dominant for so long, so they were a pretty exceptional team. So while I think the 2023 Argos team has been impressive, I don't think they are the greatest of all time.

[Argo57]

Are the 2023 Argos the Greatest of All Time in the CFL? The only competition they have, IMO, are the 1996-97 Argos and the 1978-1982 five consecutive times Grey Cup winning Eskimos.

Lets see what happens in November before having this discussion, hard to argue against an Edmonton team that won 5 straight Grey Cup Championships.

[Will]

Did Leo Cahill in 1969 not teach you anything, Jerry?

[Joe Barnes]

Are the 2023 Argos the Greatest of All Time in the CFL? The only competition they have, IMO, are the 1996-97 Argos and the 1978-1982 five consecutive times Grey Cup winning Eskimos.

Don't jinx them!! They have not won anything, yet!!!

["Issues"Mcgee]

There will be plenty of time to talk goats after the farm is shut down for winter.

[jerrym]

Did Leo Cahill in 1969 not teach you anything, Jerry?

I just stated my opinion. Unlike Leo, I did not invoke God's wrath.

[ArgoRavi]

If they go on to win the Grey Cup, then a serious conversation will be in order as to if they are the best ever. Still lots of work to do though and the nightmare scenario that happened in 1988 still keeps me awake at night.

[Will]

If they go on to win the Grey Cup, then a serious conversation will be in order as to if they are the best ever. Still lots of work to do though and the nightmare scenario that happened in 1988 still keeps me awake at night.

Or the 2016 Stampeders, or the 2019 Tiger-Cats, or the 2022 Blue Bombers.

[ArgoRavi]

Or the 2016 Stampeders, or the 2019 Tiger-Cats, or the 2022 Blue Bombers.

At least all of those teams made it to the Grey Cup. Losing a divisional final at home is the worst thing IMO.

[Will]

At least all of those teams made it to the Grey Cup. Losing a divisional final at home is the worst thing IMO.

But, I've provided them as examples of teams that have won at least 15 games without winning the championship.

[Argo57]

But, I've provided them as examples of teams that have won at least 15 games without winning the championship.

I suspect the players and fans of those teams take little to no solace in their regular season success after losing in the championship game.

["Issues"Mcgee]

When a team isn't successful in November, the regular season doesn't mean much.

Winning the Grey Cup will help keep the Argos players and coaching staff together. It is crucial for maintaining the momentum in ticket sales and TV views.

I'm not sure why this is a discussion right now. You can't fully evaluate how successful this season is until you see how it influences the future.

[Argo57]

When a team isn't successful in November, the regular season doesn't mean much.

Winning the Grey Cup will help keep the Argos players and coaching staff together. It is crucial for maintaining the momentum in ticket sales and TV views.

I'm not sure why this is a discussion right now. You can't fully evaluate how successful this season is until you see how it influences the future.

I agree, this is a discussion we should be having after the playoffs conclude.

[bluto]

Please lock this thread... JFC

[kellynjk]

Well the TSN panel just had the same discussion - that if the Argos win tonight and go on to win the Grey Cup, are they the greatest team ever???!! I guess we'll wait and see what happens. Up to now, the best team I ever saw was the 1997 Argos with Flutie at quarterback and such depth on the whole team - very impressive!!!!

[jerrym]

In going 16-2, which only the 1989 Eskimos were able to do, the Argos have taken another step towards arguably being the best team ever. Whether they are or not, I don't think I have ever seen a team with so much depth, just about everywhere, except at QB, where several good teams have had very good, experienced duos.

[Will]

The Argos are 1-0, and are looking to go 1-0 again in the Eastern Final.

[paulwoods13]

The list of "greatest team" candidates IMO includes the 1948 Stampeders (12-0-0, 15 total wins), the 1961 Blue Bombers (13-3-0, 16 total wins), the 1981 Edmonton Eskimos (14-1-1, 16 total wins), the 1995 Baltimore Stallions (15-3, 18 total wins) and the 1996 and 1997 Argonauts (15-3, 17 total wins). It IMO does not include the 1989 Eskimos (16-2, one playoff loss) or several 15-win teams that lost either a division final or the Grey Cup. To be in the conversation of greatest ever, the Argonauts absolutely must win their next two games. If they do, they will join the ranks listed above; where they would fit in that group is hard to say at this point.

[OV Argo]

Lots of factors to consider in all-time great team conversation: reg. season record + play-off results; quality of opposition faced; and overall roster talent = single season & career all-stars, stat leaders, MOPs etc.

The 84 Bombers only finished 2nd in the West (with a 11-4-1 record) but destroyed all comers in the play-offs : 35 point margin in the West semi; took out the 1st place Lions in the West final by 17 points; and won the GC by 30 points. Their roster also included a very large number of all-stars and CFL career greats.

The 68/69 Ottawa Rough Riders were back to back GC winners and also had a big amount of all-star, league leader, talent. Had to play 2 game total points East finals back then, and beat the Argos handily in total points both seasons.

96/97 Argos and the Esks 5 year dynasty teams have to be considered up there of course (and the EE GC 82 victory restored some lustre lost (IMO) by barely scraping by a 5-11 Ottawa team in the GC before).


And IF this Argo team was heading into the play-offs with Muamba at MLB, both of Daniel & Amos at D-half, Gittens at receiver, and Andrew Harris healthy to play a 1-2 punch role with AJO, that is a ton of talent added to a very good team even without them. Let's wait and see what transpires in the play-offs, and the maybe victories and margins there.