November 15, 2015: Toronto Argonauts vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats

[R.J]

I only recall the Steve Simmons article saying the Argonauts should have gone with Harris.

[Fumblitis]

I only recall the Steve Simmons article saying the Argonauts should have gone with Harris.

http://m.torontosun.com/2015/11/15/a...east-semifinal

This is the article.

[ArgoGabe22]

I only recall the Steve Simmons article saying the Argonauts should have gone with Harris.

I too only recall Simmons. And I have read multiple articles agreeing with going with Ray, even for next season. Most agree that they should try re-signing both as mentioned by others. (FYI I know argotom is the OP to this topic)

If the Argos can sign only one quarterback, it has to be (Ricky) Ray. They’re hosting the Grey Cup, they’re moving into a new stadium, and it’s the first year with brand new ownership. Gotta go with the proven guy.

[paulwoods13]

If there are a "good number" of print reporters saying Harris should be the QB next year, I'd love to see links supporting this. I saw some wondering who it will be given the FA situation, but no one suggesting it has to be Harris. Not even Zicarelli.

As I was saying . . .

[Argo]

Feel free to disagree... if not both (TC competition would be ideal), then I would sign Harris and use the savings to further improve the team around him.

[AngeloV]

Feel free to disagree... if not both (TC competition would be ideal), then I would sign Harris and use the savings to further improve the team around him.

and if Harris turns out to be a 1 year (14 game) wonder, then what?

[Scooter McCray]

and if Harris turns out to be a 1 year (14 game) wonder, then what?

I hope that new ownership really tries to keep both QBs. We will likely need them both next year to make a strong GC run. Given that Braley has not been spending to the salary cap I would like to see the new ownership spend to the cap and go over to make up for the last few years and demonstrate they are going for it next year. Nothing crazy but in the CFL spending over by $500,000 can buy you a lot.

[paulwoods13]

Up to, yes. Over, no. Big penalties including draft choices, which are key to being and staying a contender.

[Scooter McCray]

If draft choices are penalty I agree - don't go over. If it was just a cash penalty, spend over. They need to combine their marketing, game day efforts with a strong team on the field to re-connect with fan base in what will be a busy sports year in Toronto.

[AngeloV]

Good thing is that they are likely well under the cap for 2015, so they can use the added cap space as signing bonuses in order to try and re-sign some of their own FA's this year, and that would not count against next years cap. That can be an ace in the hole to try and sign both QB's.

[paulwoods13]

Good thing is that they are likely well under the cap for 2015, so they can use the added cap space as signing bonuses in order to try and re-sign some of their own FA's this year, and that would not count against next years cap. That can be an ace in the hole to try and sign both QB's.

Yes, except the new owners don't officially take over until Dec. 31. I don't know if you can spend against 2015 cap if the actual payment is in 2016. I would hope they would not be impeded by Braley, i.e. even though sale is not official Barker would be allowed to operate to the new owners' specifications in December. Guess we'll see.

[Argo]

and if Harris turns out to be a 1 year (14 game) wonder, then what?

I think you'd probably agree that we have a pretty good idea of his talent (and apparent durability) and what he needs to improve upon. A decent - certainly not superior - team had some success with Harris distributing the ball.
Next year's team can be expected to be better, as can the schedule. So I don't believe Harris represents any more of a risk than Ray; although, to be sure, we don't know how well either will play next year.

[Stevoman]

Been a busy week and first chance to post. My thoughts on the game, and it pains me to say this, is that Austin was the better coach and out coached Milanovich for the win. Taking their quarterback out for a series and then re-inserting him and going back to their first quarter package of plays caught the Argos off guard and they were too slow to react. Congratulations to Hamilton (I feel dirty for saying that!)...

[gilthethrill]

Been a busy week and first chance to post. My thoughts on the game, and it pains me to say this, is that Austin was the better coach and out coached Milanovich for the win. Taking their quarterback out for a series and then re-inserting him and going back to their first quarter package of plays caught the Argos off guard and they were too slow to react. Congratulations to Hamilton (I feel dirty for saying that!)...

Austin won the coin toss, that was key to victory not his coaching. He got lucky on a couple miscues by the Argos. The run package Milanovich installed with McPherson was great coaching. I hope Ottawa sacks the life out of that stiff Masoli.

[argotom]

Austin won the coin toss, that was key to victory not his coaching. He got lucky on a couple miscues by the Argos. The run package Milanovich installed with McPherson was great coaching. I hope Ottawa sacks the life out of that stiff Masoli.

Yes it was gill, I was calling for a package for Harris but this clearly surprised me and no doubt the Cats with McPherson.
Several teams have done that pretty much all year long.
Go RedBlacks.

[Double Dare]

The run package Milanovich installed with McPherson was great coaching.

... but he didn't stick with it ... therefore bad coaching on his part.

[1971GreyCup]

Austin won the coin toss, that was key to victory not his coaching. He got lucky on a couple miscues by the Argos. The run package Milanovich installed with McPherson was great coaching. I hope Ottawa sacks the life out of that stiff Masoli.

It is amazing how lucky good coaches are. I do know when things weren't working for the Ticats on Sunday they adjusted and then things worked for them. Same thing happened least, Eastern Final. Both times we didn't adjust - same results.

I call that good coaching. No one questions Kent's success as a HC.

[AngeloV]

I think you'd probably agree that we have a pretty good idea of his talent (and apparent durability) and what he needs to improve upon. A decent - certainly not superior - team had some success with Harris distributing the ball.
Next year's team can be expected to be better, as can the schedule. So I don't believe Harris represents any more of a risk than Ray; although, to be sure, we don't know how well either will play next year.

I have no problem with Harris. In fact, I rather like him. Just no sure he will ever be an elite QB. He hit a wall this year, no doubt, but there have to be questions about whether or not it was a mental issue, or if opposing coordinators just figured him out.

I also truly believe Ray will be 100% next year, and believe he can be great for another 3 years if he decides to stay in the game that long.

[AngeloV]

... but he didn't stick with it ... therefore bad coaching on his part.

No, it was designed to kill the clock going into the wind. Hand they been going into the wind in the 3rd quarter, rather than the 4th, I guarantee he would have stuck with it. Once Owusu-Ansah fell and the Cats put up a major into the wind, all plans had to change. You can't run that offence playing from behind, because as successful as it was to kill time into the wind, it didn't put any points on the board.

[1argoholic]

Gotta love a db who can't back peddle or turn. I couldn't believe he face planted on that play. To me that was the game.

Austin is a dick! I never liked him as a player and I sure don't like his piss poor attitude as a coach. I'll take Milanovich over that miserable whining tool. If Ottawa wins you'll see suck boy whining all game.