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

[Argo57]

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.

Well said.
Hopefully this discussion resumes after we see how things shake out in the playoffs.

["Issues"Mcgee]

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!!!!

I couldn't help but laugh when the panel brought it up. I immediately thought of this discussion.

[kellynjk]

I couldn't help but laugh when the panel brought it up. I immediately thought of this discussion.

Me too - ha! I thought well maybe they are looking for content on the Argofans website or they just figure JerryM raises some interesting questions!!!

[kellynjk]

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.

Totally agree!

[paulwoods13]

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).

No arguments about those being great multi-year teams, but IMO the discussion is and should be about single-season performance. We are not talking about the 2022-23 Argos, or the 2023-2027 Argos, but about this year's team. The 1996 and 1997 Argos had many common elements, as did the 1978-82 Eskimos, but they also had lineup changes every season. IMO the 1997 Argos were a much stronger team than the 1996 Argos, even though they had identical records.

[OV Argo]

No arguments about those being great multi-year teams, but IMO the discussion is and should be about single-season performance. We are not talking about the 2022-23 Argos, or the 2023-2027 Argos, but about this year's team. The 1996 and 1997 Argos had many common elements, as did the 1978-82 Eskimos, but they also had lineup changes every season. IMO the 1997 Argos were a much stronger team than the 1996 Argos, even though they had identical records.

Ok, so I'd go with the 68 Ottawa Rough Riders, 84 Bombers, 82 EE, & 97 Argos as single best single season teams - all GC winners and each team loaded with all-star or HOF type talent - and these twin factors are the best markers IMO.

If it was just about measuring wins in total on the season, then this 16 & 2 team if it wins the East & GC would be 18 & 2 in total, and thus gets the award ? I just don't see this Argo team (especially with some key players out with injury/whatever) as anywhere near as proven talented as those teams I list above.

[ArgoRavi]

Ok, so I'd go with the 68 Ottawa Rough Riders, 84 Bombers, 82 EE, & 97 Argos as single best single season teams - all GC winners and each team loaded with all-star or HOF type talent - and these twin factors are the best markers IMO.

If it was just about measuring wins in total on the season, then this 16 & 2 team if it wins the East & GC would be 18 & 2 in total, and thus gets the award ? I just don't see this Argo team (especially with some key players out with injury/whatever) as anywhere near as proven talented as those teams I list above.

Doesn't this make what the Argos have done (so far) this year even more impressive?

One thing I will say unequivocally is that this is the deepest team I have ever seen in Canadian professional football, regardless of what happens in the post-season. Of course, roster size is much larger today than it was back in the 1980s or 1990s but it's still amazing to see how deep this Argos team is.

[OV Argo]

Doesn't this make what the Argos have done (so far) this year even more impressive?

One thing I will say unequivocally is that this is the deepest team I have ever seen in Canadian professional football, regardless of what happens in the post-season. Of course, roster size is much larger today than it was back in the 1980s or 1990s but it's still amazing to see how deep this Argos team is.

This Argo coaching staff is just far superior to those on most other teams in the league IMO; and that, much more than talent or depth on the roster, is what makes them league best, IMO. The factor of coaching smarts: game plans, play-book & calling, adjustments AND roster selection/deployment - is just not appreciated enough for the game of football, IMO. Dinwiddie & Mace, and co. over-match/dominate all other teams (except maybe the Bombers) in football smarts.

[ArgoFan1]

As good as the Argos are, I have to say that the rest of the league has just not been very good this season. Aside from Winnipeg and B.C. the rest of the teams were really bad. Amazing the depth on this Argo team though. The real season begins in two weeks and then we'll see if they are contenders for the best Argo team ever.

[bluto]

Please lock this thread... JFC

Pardon the self-quote.

I hereby rescind my prior outrage at the thread topic.

We've done 16-2 and now face 2 do-or-die games. If we win both, then yes it is the single greatest season in CFL history.

That's what is on offer here. A season for the ages. My stress level will be sky high from here until our final snap is played out.

[ArgoRavi]

As good as the Argos are, I have to say that the rest of the league has just not been very good this season. Aside from Winnipeg and B.C. the rest of the teams were really bad. Amazing the depth on this Argo team though. The real season begins in two weeks and then we'll see if they are contenders for the best Argo team ever.

Will pointed out recently that this season is not dissimilar to 1983. Toronto, BC, and Winnipeg were the only winning teams in the league that year with Ottawa, Edmonton, and Calgary all coming in at .500. The Argos faced 5-10-1 Hamilton in the East Final in what was, arguably, the greatest game ever played.

[Will]

Please avoid starting these stupid threads in future.

[ArgoGabe22]

Please avoid starting these stupid threads in future.

Or Chad is going to the NFL

[jerrym]

The question has been answered.

[jerrym]

Please avoid starting these stupid threads in future.

It was question that provoked a discussion. I stand by the right to ask provocative questions, as long as they are not insulting anyone.

[ArgoGabe22]

So what’s a better season? 2023 unbelievable season record and cleaning up on the player awards or just winning the damn thing in 2022 regardless of what happened in the season?

[Argo57]

Winning the championship is all that matters, especially when going 16-2 in the regular season.
I didn’t feel any sense of moral victory walking out of BMO last weekend.

[kellynjk]

But I had more fun watching the games this season than last season. So although we won the Grey Cup last year, with the exception of the Eastern Final this season, for me personally it was more fun to watch the Argos!! The depth and the talent of the team this year was outstanding and even though they won 16 games, many of the games were very competitive and really fun matches to watch!

[paulwoods13]

I personally had way more fun in 2022. This year was absurdly stress-free, which means way too little emotion was generated or needed. And winning the Grey Cup after some of the early-season turmoil last year was about as satisfying as it gets, for me at least.

[Stevoman]

The Argos have been historically boom and then bust. If it wasn't for Terry Baker having a bad game in 97, the Argos could have very realistically lost the Eastern Final that year too and then still lose a lot of their talent to free agency afterwards. That team was loaded with talent but needed a little luck as well but they were the only team in my lifetime to follow a championship season with another strong performance. For me, it was huge for the Argos to have an excellent season following a Grey Cup win. 1992 and 2018 were especially bad seasons following a championship. 2005 was good as was 2013 but the Argos went from good to great after last year's win. Obviously the Grey Cup is even better but I was just so happy to see them become a way better team this year. I agree that they didn't face enough adversity along the way and Kelly came unglued when it mattered most. We'll see if he has the mental toughness in the future.