Frank Zicarelli's review of the first half of the season

[ArgoRavi]

Lots of interesting stuff here although the one point that grabs my attention is the lack of money being made available for football operations, as has been suggested on this forum: http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/25/give-argos-a-failing-grade-at-seasons-halfway-mark

[AngeloV]

Lots of interesting stuff here although the one point that grabs my attention is the lack of money being made available for football operations, as has been suggested on this forum: http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/25/give-argos-a-failing-grade-at-seasons-halfway-mark

Obviously Milanovich's fault.

[Gill The Thrill]

Lots of interesting stuff here although the one point that grabs my attention is the lack of money being made available for football operations, as has been suggested on this forum: http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/25/give-argos-a-failing-grade-at-seasons-halfway-mark

Not as much money for football operations, yet they still raised ticket prices despite this, and we wonder why attendance has been atrocious. Perhaps Toronto football fans are smarter than the organization thought they were?

Ziccarelli gets some flak from some knowitalls on here, but his mid season report is bang on. The Argos are a bad club with holes on all sides of the ball. Dwight Anderson and Shea Emry have been awful as the veteran anchors on defence. I saw Anderson waive an arm at a ball way above his head and totally out of zone to make a play. He was basically in no-man's land on one TD Saturday. Emry has missed tackles and looked very ordinary at best, certainly not providing leadership. The tackling might as well be done by cardboard cut-outs with some of the effort I saw from some guys on defence. A lack of talent is one thing, but a lack of effort and fundamentals is terrible to watch. This Brendan Smith at DB and punt returns was also sub-par. You must hold onto the football especially when your team had got some momentum going. That unforced fumble was poor concentration and a pure lack of fundamental skill. It lead to an Edmonton TD and virtually ended the game after the Argos had got to within a TD. It's the type of thing that's happened time and time again.

[AngeloV]

Funny how McCune never received much love from some posters and everyone thought that Emery was an upgrade. I think his influence is definitely missed on D.

[R.J]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a> coaches have moved into Downsview.Team staff begun to move. However,hearing players will meet&amp;practice at Hershey Centre this wk <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/statuses/503991885304963072">August 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCLions?src=hash">#BCLions</a> offer free tix 2fans, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a> lost another member of office staff &amp; will ostensibly have no marketing department by mid-Sept <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/statuses/503992589226635264">August 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>To clarify: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a> marketing director has resigned to pursue another opportunity. Hearing marketing budget had been trimmed this season <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/statuses/504021554850971648">August 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ArgoRavi]

I am assuming that the marketing director that has resigned is Carlos Ferreira: http://www.argonauts.ca/page/front-office-football-operations

All we can hope at this point is that this could be some kind of sign that MLSE will soon take over.

[Qman]

come'on every one was complaining about the argos marketing this season. Then they can their marketing people and then people complain their not spending on marketing.

[doubleblue]

Funny how McCune never received much love from some posters and everyone thought that Emery was an upgrade. I think his influence is definitely missed on D.

If anybody thought Emry was an upgrade over McCune it would be because he is a ratio buster and somewhat younger. But I would agree that he hasn't played like he did in Montreal. Could be concussions have made him wary.

[AngeloV]

come'on every one was complaining about the argos marketing this season. Then they can their marketing people and then people complain their not spending on marketing.

Actually, most of us have been complaining about the lack of money put into marketing. It's difficult to grade the people doing the job if the resources aren't there.

[paulwoods13]

First the team whacked its head of ticketing. Then the VP comms. Now the marketing guy has apparently chosen to leave.

So we have lost three of the most important positions from a business/revenue standpoint. Is it any wonder the boat is listing badly?

I don't know the ticket guy, but I know that a big part of his responsibility was group sales. I bet those are way down this year.

I have met and worked a little with Beth Waldman and Carlos Ferreira (who presumably has departed altho I haven't seen confirmation). I can tell you that they did everything they could to keep things moving in the right direction for the org. My perception (and to be clear I am speaking only for myself as an observer, not on their behalf) is that they were hamstrung by a lack of funds and lack of support from the top. As I said several weeks ago, I hope to hell Mark Cohon is working feverishly behind the scenes to sort out this mess.

[QBall]

Zicarelli is spot on. While I have full confidence in the Argos finishing first in the east (more to do with my belief that the rest of the east won't win more than three games each) in my heart of hearts I have a feeling we'll be looking at a West vs West Grey Cup this year <sigh>.

[Neely2005]

Obviously Milanovich's fault.

So people aren't allowed to have a different opinion than you?

[Wobbler]

I don't think Angelo's quip impaired your ability to express yourself, Neely.

[Argocister]

First the team whacked its head of ticketing. Then the VP comms. Now the marketing guy has apparently chosen to leave.


I...........

And when I look at this .... things are changing, so of course some can see the writing on the wall that the job may be changed or you may be out a job, so may as well fend for yourself. In organizations, when change is brewing, the group gets restless and nervous. Some will be let go, some will find another position. Lets face it change is needed. ........ as an aside, I know the Argos recently hired someone (not a high position i dont think).... so it musn't be all doom and gloom.

Unless someone has more information than these 2 positions becoming vacant, I consider it change is happening ... of course I am the optimist.

[AngeloV]

So people aren't allowed to have a different opinion than you?

I never said that. But now you're implying that I can't disagree with what some others think. Maybe we would all be happy to go back to the Gary Etcheverry or Rich Stubler head coaching days? Milanovich IMO has done a fine job considering the lack of money the team is allowed to spend. I'm just saying that if there is anger to be had here, it should be on the one unwilling to spend to the cap and not the coach and GM who's hands are tied.

[Neely2005]

I don't think Angelo's quip impaired your ability to express yourself, Neely.

I was referring to the other Thread where he went off on someone else for suggesting that Milanovich isn't a good coach. I'm pretty sure that's what he was commenting about.


I never said that. But now you're implying that I can't disagree with what some others think. Maybe we would all be happy to go back to the Gary Etcheverry or Rich Stubler head coaching days? Milanovich IMO has done a fine job considering the lack of money the team is allowed to spend. I'm just saying that if there is anger to be had here, it should be on the one unwilling to spend to the cap and not the coach and GM who's hands are tied.

You can have whatever opinion that you want and for the most part I agree with you about our coach. However after half a season and last year's playoffs I can certainly see how some people might have a different opinion, which they of course are entitled to. In fact judging by the results in that time period it seems more than legitimate to question the coach.

In the other Thread you made it seem like it was unreasonable to disagree with your opinion of our coach and then you threw another little dig in, in this Thread.

[AngeloV]

I stand by what I said. Anybody that blames Milanovich for the teams poor start despite the rash of injuries, coaching staff departures, and an unwillingness on the part of ownership to provide the resources that puts them on equal footing with other teams, either has no clue what they are talking about, or is making a knee jerk reaction.

It's not like I called the poster by a derogatory name or anything. I just said that he doesn't have a clue in this instance. That was my opinion.

[Double Dare]

I stand by what I said. Anybody that blames Milanovich for the teams poor start despite the rash of injuries, coaching staff departures, and an unwillingness on the part of ownership to provide the resources that puts them on equal footing with other teams, either has no clue what they are talking about, or is making a knee jerk reaction.

It's not like I called the poster by a derogatory name or anything. I just said that he doesn't have a clue in this instance. That was my opinion.

Ya, that's not a personal attack at all ... ha, ha that's funny. "Clueless I" still thinks Milanovich is a useless tool.

[AngeloV]

Ya, that's not a personal attack at all ... ha, ha that's funny. "Clueless I" still thinks Milanovich is a useless tool.

And you are entitled to that opinion...as wrong as it may be.

[Double Dare]

And you are entitled to that opinion

Thank you Argo god. You actually have no other choice but to read my opinions.

[Neely2005]

I stand by what I said. Anybody that blames Milanovich for the teams poor start despite the rash of injuries, coaching staff departures, and an unwillingness on the part of ownership to provide the resources that puts them on equal footing with other teams, either has no clue what they are talking about, or is making a knee jerk reaction.

It's not like I called the poster by a derogatory name or anything. I just said that he doesn't have a clue in this instance. That was my opinion.

How is calling someone clueless not derogatory?

[Neely2005]

And you are entitled to that opinion...as wrong as it may be.

Wow. Thanks for proving my point.

[argolio]

How is calling someone clueless not derogatory?Depends if one thinks a person's specific opinion is clueless or the person in general.

[Wobbler]

Can we end the bickering, please? I think "clueless", while derogatory, falls into the category of acceptably derogatory. We're allowed to needle each other to a certain extent. But please try to include actual content when you post, everyone.

[Blue90]

Not as much money for football operations, yet they still raised ticket prices despite this, and we wonder why attendance has been atrocious. Perhaps Toronto football fans are smarter than the organization thought they were?

Ziccarelli gets some flak from some knowitalls on here, but his mid season report is bang on. The Argos are a bad club with holes on all sides of the ball. Dwight Anderson and Shea Emry have been awful as the veteran anchors on defence. I saw Anderson waive an arm at a ball way above his head and totally out of zone to make a play. He was basically in no-man's land on one TD Saturday. Emry has missed tackles and looked very ordinary at best, certainly not providing leadership. The tackling might as well be done by cardboard cut-outs with some of the effort I saw from some guys on defence. A lack of talent is one thing, but a lack of effort and fundamentals is terrible to watch. This Brendan Smith at DB and punt returns was also sub-par. You must hold onto the football especially when your team had got some momentum going. That unforced fumble was poor concentration and a pure lack of fundamental skill. It lead to an Edmonton TD and virtually ended the game after the Argos had got to within a TD. It's the type of thing that's happened time and time again.

Great post ! I agree 100% with you, especially about Emry. I would give up almost anybody on this team to get a MLB like the Lions' Elimimian.

This team especially the defence, is playing terrible and uninspired. Contrast our defence to say BC or Edmonton and the difference is like night and day.

[gilthethrill]

Great post ! I agree 100% with you, especially about Emry. I would give up almost anybody on this team to get a MLB like the Lions' Elimimian.

This team especially the defence, is playing terrible and uninspired. Contrast our defence to say BC or Edmonton and the difference is like night and day.

Is this the same Argo D that is 2nd in the league in qb sacks? I believe they are ranked 3rd in the CFL. After a slow start, as others have stated, Tim Burke has this unit improving each week. They played well in Edmonton, forcing 3 first quarter fumbles, recovering 2 of them. To me, that is not uninspired.

[Blue90]

Is this the same Argo D that is 2nd in the league in qb sacks? I believe they are ranked 3rd in the CFL. After a slow start, as others have stated, Tim Burke has this unit improving each week. They played well in Edmonton, forcing 3 first quarter fumbles, recovering 2 of them. To me, that is not uninspired.
Yes, same defence that allowed 74 points scored in the last two games. Couldn't handle the backup Quarterbacks from BC and Edmonton.

[Will]

Weren't 21 of 41 Edmonton points set up by Ricky Ray INT's? Also, the defense played well against BC for 3 quarters when again some of those points were set up by either offensive turnovers or brutal special teams coverage. Even 14 of 21 points surrendered against Winnipeg were as a result of offensive and special teams blunders.

[AngeloV]

Yes, same defence that allowed 74 points scored in the last two games. Couldn't handle the backup Quarterbacks from BC and Edmonton.

Thanks for helping to defend my stance on your first posting.

Shall we go over how those 74 points were scored?

BC game:
Punt return and penalty starting drive on Argos 8 yard line for a TD (hardly the fault of the defence)
FG following a fumble at the 55 yard line
Interception return for a TD (again hardly the fault of the defence)
Held the "back up QB to 14 of 25 for 208 (way better than the league average)

of the 33 points B.C scored, 17 directly the result of offence or ST issues. I don't know about you, but I'll take 16 points a game for the defence anytime.

Edmonton game:
2 defensive TD's by the Esks
1 TD following an INt on the Argos 48.
1 FG following a fumbled punt return


of the 41 points, that's 24 that you can't pin on the defence. Again 17 points they are directly responsible for. Take it any day.

And since you brought up that they couldn't handle the back up QB's..lets take a closer look.
B.C--Held the "back up QB to 14 of 25 for 208 (way better than the league average)
Edm--Held the "back-up" QB to 15 of 28 for 178 with 2 picks (also pretty good and way below the league average).

And I guess to factor in the fact that they played 3 games in 11 days wouldn't be suitable for you either.

So let me ask you a question you asked me...DO YOU EVEN WATCH THE GAMES? Or do you just look at the final score and get a pre determined judgement of what goes wrong?

[Wobbler]

It's easy to be harder on the defense than the offense. After all, when we complete a pass or pull off a nice run, it's because the play was well designed and executed! When the other team does the exact same thing, it's because our guy was out of position, or missed a tackle, or just plain sucks.

[argonaut11xx]

I have a question for Angelo V....

While I agree that coach scott is a good YOUNG coach, ...my question is WHY since 2012, have the Argonauts had such a difficult time making half time adjustments?

It appears to me that this has been the BIGGEST weakness of the staff since coach scott took over, please explain....

[AngeloV]

I have a question for Angelo V....

While I agree that coach scott is a good YOUNG coach, ...my question is WHY since 2012, have the Argonauts had such a difficult time making half time adjustments?

It appears to me that this has been the BIGGEST weakness of the staff since coach scott took over, please explain....

He seemed to make good half time adjustments last game, but he can't catch a punt now, can he?

[argonaut11xx]

He seemed to make good half time adjustments last game, but he can't catch a punt now, can he?

The Argo's LOST...not good enough...and are you actually saying that coach scott is good at making these adjustments?...

Seriously, i do AGREE, last game was the BEST effort that i've watched since 2012, in the Argo coaching staff attempting to make half time adjustments, and basically the Argo's still got the CRAP beaten out of them in the 4th quarter.

As a fan your happy with that?

[Blue90]

Thanks for helping to defend my stance on your first posting.

Shall we go over how those 74 points were scored?

BC game:
Punt return and penalty starting drive on Argos 8 yard line for a TD (hardly the fault of the defence)
FG following a fumble at the 55 yard line
Interception return for a TD (again hardly the fault of the defence)
Held the "back up QB to 14 of 25 for 208 (way better than the league average)

of the 33 points B.C scored, 17 directly the result of offence or ST issues. I don't know about you, but I'll take 16 points a game for the defence anytime.

Edmonton game:
2 defensive TD's by the Esks
1 TD following an INt on the Argos 48.
1 FG following a fumbled punt return


of the 41 points, that's 24 that you can't pin on the defence. Again 17 points they are directly responsible for. Take it any day.

And since you brought up that they couldn't handle the back up QB's..lets take a closer look.
B.C--Held the "back up QB to 14 of 25 for 208 (way better than the league average)
Edm--Held the "back-up" QB to 15 of 28 for 178 with 2 picks (also pretty good and way below the league average).

And I guess to factor in the fact that they played 3 games in 11 days wouldn't be suitable for you either.

So let me ask you a question you asked me...DO YOU EVEN WATCH THE GAMES? Or do you just look at the final score and get a pre determined judgement of what goes wrong?

No, I don't watch the games. I just like to taunt you and get a reaction!

[Argo57]

Can't disagree with anything that Ziccarelli wrote in his article. I think we have a pretty good head coach in Milanovich, is he perfect....no has he made mistakes yes absolutely.
When Milanovich arrived a couple of years back he was able to surround himself with an excellent coaching staff (McAdoo, Jones, Maas, and holdovers O'Shea and Steinauer) all top notch football coaches in their own right. Pieces were added in 2012 to an already decent core (Ball, McCune, Isaac, Carroll, Horne, McCollough) on D and (Kackert, Inman) etc on O, many of the personnel moves due to shrewd moves by Chris Jones.
2013 cracks started to show, retirements, questionable personnel moves coaches starting to move on and perhaps some arrogance set in (particularly involving Jones) who seemed to think he could assemble any young talent and impart his brilliant schemes to compensate. Fast forward to 2014, Jones leaves and poaches some of our staff, O'Shea leaves etc.
When the remaining core of our staff left heading into 2014 I did in fact wonder if Milanovich was part of the issue but as time has passed and more facts leak out as to how this organization is being run I don't believe it is him at all, these coaches saw the writing on the wall and escaped in time from the gong show that our Argonauts seem to have become.
I feel bad for Milanovich who I do believe is a quality head coach and also for Jim Barker who I have met on a couple of occasions and by all accounts is a very decent man and very well respected in the football business, these guys surely deserve better than what they have had to endure this season, Milanovich has done his best to rebuild his staff but IMO it is not at the level it was in 2012.
My concern is if this organization continues to rot from the inside out we will lose our Head Coach and GM after this season, under this scenario who in their right mind would want to come here to replace them, not sure??
Milanovich has looked disillusioned on the sidelines at times this season which in itself is a troubling sign, but probably more indicative of what is happening behind the scenes.
Pretty depressing when you think about it!!

[Wobbler]

I find it hard to be too distressed about the team when we're in first place in our division despite a ridiculous series of injuries to all of our good receivers. Ironically, the only guy who has stayed "healthy" is Watt, who has been suffering a strange long-term injury that limits his practice time.

Does anyone really think that we won't play in the Eastern final this year?

[argonaut11xx]

Does anyone really think that we won't play in the Eastern final this year?

"WE"..are just fan's...(except for AngeloV, he is coach, GM, and all 12 players)..haha

The Argo's should not only HOST the final, but they should win the eastern final. Last season was a complete FAILURE, losing to an inferior Ti-Cats team. This year the Argo's (or "WE"), are the only legitimate team in the eastern division. Anything but a Grey Cup Birth is another failure. (on all levels)

[AngeloV]

"WE"..are just fan's...(except for AngeloV, he is coach, GM, and all 12 players)..haha



Coming from you this means so much to me. Never been a GM, but I have played high level of football and coached a couple of years of high school ball.

[argonaut11xx]

Coming from you this means so much to me.

I can feel the LOVE...hahaha...

Hey...we will always have the 1982 eastern final in the rain....and our numerous Holloway jersey's....

[argolio]

I have a question for Angelo V....

While I agree that coach scott is a good YOUNG coach, ...my question is WHY since 2012, have the Argonauts had such a difficult time making half time adjustments?

It appears to me that this has been the BIGGEST weakness of the staff since coach scott took over, please explain....How quickly they forget 2013....

June 28 vs Hamilton. Trailed 31-25 at the half, won 39-34
September 8 at Montreal. Trailed 16-5, won 37-30.
September 14 at Saskatchewan. Trailed 20-12, won 31-29.
September 21 at Calgary. Trailed 18-15, won 33-27.
September 28 at Edmonton. Trailed 15-1, won 34-22.

And how much of that was "adjustments" versus just playing better?

[argolio]

Anything but a Grey Cup Birth is another failure. (on all levels)Should we hope for a boy or a girl?

[ArgoRavi]

While I agree that coach scott is a good YOUNG coach, ...my question is WHY since 2012, have the Argonauts had such a difficult time making half time adjustments?

It appears to me that this has been the BIGGEST weakness of the staff since coach scott took over, please explain....

I haven't noticed the Argos having a particular problem making halftime adjustments since 2012. They won the Grey Cup that year and finished 11-7 last season. In fact, they tended to be a better second half team than first half team last year, especially during that four game winning streak on the road. One can always "cherry-pick" particular games where they didn't have as good of a second half but I would suggest that hasn't been the norm during Milanovich's tenure with the team.

[argonaut11xx]

I think coach scott is the best young coach in the cfl.....

i also think his biggest weakness is making adjustments DURING a game...(especially at the half)

He may be too confident in his abilities, and this is why he tends not to adapt, as a more veteran coach would?????

[Double Dare]

Young Scott's (ha, ha) locker room pep talks are awe-inspiring! Zzzzzz.

[Argocister]

Should we hope for a boy or a girl?

Interesting ..... Last Grey I heard was Murphy's.... One of his triplets about 6 years ago I think . :)

[argolio]

Young Scott's (ha, ha) locker room pep talks are awe-inspiring! Zzzzzz.Other than someone like Pinball, they're all the same.