Argos swap LB Shea Emry to Sask for DE Ricky Foley

[Argoriffic]

ARGONAUTS BRING HOME DE RICKY FOLEY IN DEAL WITH RIDERS

TORONTO - The Toronto Argonauts have brought home national DE Ricky Foley, who was named Most Valuable Canadian of the 100th Grey Cup as a member of the Double Blue, in a trade with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In exchange, the Argos have sent national LB Shea Emry to Saskatchewan.

http://argonauts.ca/article/argonauts-bring-home-de-ricky-foley-in-deal-with-riders?utm_source=social&utm_medium=hootsuite&utm_campaign=twitter

I guess this means that Cory Greenwood will be the Argo's opening day MLB... or will it be Jones.

Foley should be a good bookend to surprising Okpalaugo.

I know I don't post much, but much of you were complaining that Emry looked like he lost a step during the season. I guess Burke couldn't work his magic with Emry after all.

[gilthethrill]

Emrys play did improve as the season went on, but Greenwood should be able to step in with Jones at MLB. If Foley is allowed to play his game under Burke, this could be a great trade for the Argos who need a pass rusher across from Okapaluogo.

[Argo57]

I love this move, Argonauts are deep at linebacker but have struggled on the D-Line since Foley left.
Foley's issues in Toronto centred around his role in Chris Jones's defensive schemes, Emry for whatever reason never really got on track in Toronto, I would expect Greenwood will be a more than adequate replacement at linebacker!!!!

[Wobbler]

I'm not surprised that we traded Emry, but I wasn't expecting Foley back. This is a nice move, obviously, since we would have had a tough time using both Emry and Greenwood efficiently. I didn't pay any attention to RF last season, but it seems like he had a pretty good year.

[Fumblitis]

Fills a need for both teams.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Can someone please explain why Foley went to Saskatchewan? Was he not resigned for salary cap reasons?

[gilthethrill]

Can someone please explain why Foley went to Saskatchewan? Was he not resigned for salary cap reasons?

I believe Foley left the Argos because he did not like his role in Chris Jones defence. I see Tim Burke letting him loose. Foley, for a pass rusher gets a lot of tackles, which shows be is strong against the run too.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Thanks Gill.

[Will]

Here's hoping that Foley's return to Toronto does not involve you know who reappearing in these parts.

I can only suspect that the Argos have plenty of faith in Greenwood or Jones at MLB as other posters have said.

I am interested to see Foley and the Okpalaugo Lake Monster lining up together.

[gilthethrill]

Mixed reaction to the trade on Rider forum....they seem to like the age difference between the players involved. Good thing is Foley, at age 33 is a fitness freak like Gary Roberts was even at age 40.

[paulwoods13]

I'm not a huge fan of Foley, but this gives us another NAT starter. We dealt from a position of strength -- I expect Greenwood to step in and easily be as good as Emry was last season. Can he be as good as the Emry of 2-3 years ago? We'll see but I think that's a good possibility. And Jones is a hell of LB as well so maybe we will be able to fit both him and Greenwood into the starting lineup. I second argofan87's sentiments re Area 51.

[Wobbler]

If Foley is allowed to play his game under Burke...
In addition to using him almost exclusively as a pass rusher, I believe that Saskatchewan also took him off special teams last year. I think that was a very good idea and one we should adopt.

[doubleblue]

Not surprised Emry was traded but am surprised at Foley coming back to the Argos. I guess all is forgiven. But as a straight football deal it makes the Argo defense better balanced. Three good Canadian starters on defense now with Foley, Greenwood and Gabriel. Makes me wonder if Laing is as good as gone.

[Will]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>1. Jeremy O&#39;Day says this trade came about last night in a conversation between Taman and Barker.</p>&mdash; Jamie Nye (@jamienye) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamienye/status/559104374115676160">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>2. O&#39;Day says priority in deal was to fill a need on defence. The pluses - get a bit younger and Emry&#39;s deal is longer term than Foley&#39;s</p>&mdash; Jamie Nye (@jamienye) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamienye/status/559104815570366464">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>3. Foley was disappointed in the deal when they called him this morning. He&#39;s stated many times how much he enjoyed his time here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Riders?src=hash">#Riders</a></p>&mdash; Jamie Nye (@jamienye) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamienye/status/559105017723228161">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>4. Obviously Emry was the opposite. Excited, through on a green shirt. Clearly going National at MLB but move had nothing to do w/ ratio</p>&mdash; Jamie Nye (@jamienye) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamienye/status/559106367341219841">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[Stevoman]

Wow! Always fun to get some CFL news and this one surprised me! IF we use Foley mainly as a pass rusher, I think it is a great move. I do think Emry would have been better in his 2nd year but he didn't seem to fit in as well as we all would've liked. I think this will motivate Foley to play at home in front of family again!

[AngeloV]

OK, I'm back on Foley's bandwagon.

:D

[Fumblitis]

I'm gonna miss Foley's speed. The man had wheels even at 33.

[gilthethrill]

Not surprised Emry was traded but am surprised at Foley coming back to the Argos. I guess all is forgiven. But as a straight football deal it makes the Argo defense better balanced. Three good Canadian starters on defense now with Foley, Greenwood and Gabriel. Makes me wonder if Laing is as good as gone.

Why would Laing be good as gone? He is a quality interior NI lineman with a year left on his contract. I count 4 solid Canadian starters on Defence.

[LLB997]

not a Foley fan personally but I'd say we won this trade :D

[ArgoRavi]

Foley and Emry are very similar in the sense that both played on successful defences (2012 in Toronto for Foley and 2013 in Montreal for Emry) but neither was happy in their role and left as a result. I can't add much that hasn't already been said here but I do like this trade from the Argos' standpoint as it fills a clear need along the defensive line while the Argos are deep enough in Canadian linebackers where they could afford to part with Emry. Also, I don't see Foley having a problem playing in Burke's defence as he will be allowed to do what he likes to do.

One other thing that I just though of - Emry does have a history of concussions so that does even up the age difference somewhat (along with Foley having started playing football later so he is a "young" 33 anyway).

[1argoholic]

Always loved the heart that Foley played with and I'm glad he's back. NEVER EVER liked Emry who brought his dirty play from Montreal to Toronto. Guy loves to hit late, hit out of bounds and is basically a real tool in my books. Glad he's gone.

I hope they cut Foley loose to be the great pass rusher that he can be. With Jones he was always dropping back into coverage.

Will Foley's bro be back to add some life and character to this site. Never had issues with him.

[paulwoods13]

Why would Laing be good as gone? He is a quality interior NI lineman with a year left on his contract. I count 4 solid Canadian starters on Defence.

I agree, but we need at least one strong backup NAT d-lineman if we are going to start one at DE and one at DT. Hope we draft a DT. Four on D would mean we need to start only one NAT receiver (Durie) and could really gain roster flexibility if we also started Coombs somewhere. Watt seems very unlikely to start (if he even returns).

[OV Argo]

Interesting trade - i guess fills a need for both teams - swap of good NI D players, and both teams have some depth/youth at the position they just traded, so makes sense?
I did like both Okpo and Whiteside at DE last year, so a 3 man platoon with Foley at DE might be nice; and draft a DT (out of a very deep crop this draft) to go with Laing - and the Argos could easily start/play 4 NI on D (2 DL, one LB spot + safety ?)

However, (groan) - Does this mean A5/35 and his one trick pony act will be back posting here with all kinds of snide or pompous put-downs of other posters and pretty well all Canadian players not named Ricky Foley?

[Double Dare]

Foley is a a@@hat.

[gilthethrill]

I agree, but we need at least one strong backup NAT d-lineman if we are going to start one at DE and one at DT. Hope we draft a DT. Four on D would mean we need to start only one NAT receiver (Durie) and could really gain roster flexibility if we also started Coombs somewhere. Watt seems very unlikely to start (if he even returns).

Agreed the Argos could really use a high draft pick for a DL. Could you foresee 2 INT starting on the O-line? I guess a lot hinges on what happens with Holmes.

[argotom]

Both players had off years, as for Foley didn't like him in the time here with the Argos.
I may be one of the few here who is not impressed with Foley, with his best years in BC.
His best before date may have expired.

[Will]

I didn't know that 12 sacks represented an off season.

[argotom]

I didn't know that 12 sacks represented an off season.


Numbers do not always tell a story.
He was not the impact player the Riders were looking for as a rush end, more or less the same scenario last time here.

[Wobbler]

He was not the impact player the Riders were looking for as a rush end
What is your source for this claim? A link would be nice.

[ArgoRavi]

Numbers do not always tell a story.
He was not the impact player the Riders were looking for as a rush end, more or less the same scenario last time here.

I have to disagree with you, AT. Foley was one of Saskatchewan's top defensive players over the last two seasons.

[OV Argo]

I have to disagree with you, AT. Foley was one of Saskatchewan's top defensive players over the last two seasons.

Yep Ravi, agreed; and Foley is IMO maybe the most complete DE in the CFL (i'd go with Chick as best overall though perhaps) - Foley is a good pass rusher but is also the best run-stopping DE in the CFL (check his tackle numbers over the past number of years), and makes D plays forcing & recovering fumbles. I have no clue what argotom has been watching there ???

[Argo57]

Yep Ravi, agreed; and Foley is IMO maybe the most complete DE in the CFL (i'd go with Chick as best overall though perhaps) - Foley is a good pass rusher but is also the best run-stopping DE in the CFL (check his tackle numbers over the past number of years), and makes D plays forcing & recovering fumbles. I have no clue what argotom has been watching there ???

Should be fun watching Foley and Okpalaugo as bookends on the D-Line this season and Greenwood at linebacker, fills a huge need for Toronto.
Nice job by Barker on this one!!

[jerrym]

I have mixed feelings about this trade. There is a very good chance that Greenwood will do a great job of replacing Emry, but does anyone remember an Argo very promising pickup in the past who never worked out (Don't answer this question please - it might give me nightmares as I can remember Argos past all the way back to 1959). Foley can be a top rush end as long as he doesn't let his emotions get the better of him (something that happened in BC too). Emry did get better as the year wore on and has age on his side. Even if Foley has a fine year, how many can there be left in a position where speed is critical? After all, Wally became the winningest coach in CFL history by knowing when to let a star go, usually a year or two before the end so he could get something valuable in return. Nevertheless, moving Emry does fill a hole at rush end and also allows Greenwood to show his stuff.

[ArgoZ]

Interesting trade - i guess fills a need for both teams - swap of good NI D players, and both teams have some depth/youth at the position they just traded, so makes sense?
I did like both Okpo and Whiteside at DE last year, so a 3 man platoon with Foley at DE might be nice; and draft a DT (out of a very deep crop this draft) to go with Laing - and the Argos could easily start/play 4 NI on D (2 DL, one LB spot + safety ?)

However, (groan) - Does this mean A5/35 and his one trick pony act will be back posting here with all kinds of snide or pompous put-downs of other posters and pretty well all Canadian players not named Ricky Foley?

It will be quite easy to pick him out when he makes his first few posts though, let's have a find Area51 contest! It's interesting how the Argos couldn't show Foley the $ to stay, but now pick up his big contract. Foley shouldn't have took shots at the Argos when he left though. Hopefully he plays well under the new system and hard feelings are all in the past.

Emry played decent last year and there is no reason to think he won't this season, or better. It's time for the Greenwood era, he's Barkers guy.

[Argo57]

Numbers do not always tell a story.
He was not the impact player the Riders were looking for as a rush end, more or less the same scenario last time here.

Sometimes numbers do tell the story.
Ricky Foley:12 Sacks, 54 Tackles (2014) Canadian
Aston Whiteside: 2 Sacks, 17 Tackles (2014) American
I'll take that trade off any day of the week.
Regarding Emry his play in Toronto was rather mediocre, he will probably benefit from a change in teams as well.

[doubleblue]

Why would Laing be good as gone? He is a quality interior NI lineman with a year left on his contract. I count 4 solid Canadian starters on Defence.

You are right Gil. Somehow I thought Laing was a FA this year. So two Canadians starters that could rotate with four Imports on the DLine. Greenwood and Jones could rotate some at MLB. With Gabriel and Matt Black at Safety. Black could start at CB IMO in a pinch if needed. But I would think Burke will use three out of those five positions for the defensive ratio on the field which will allow back up and rotation options.

Next job for Jim Barker resign Tyler Holmes.

[gilthethrill]

You are right Gil. Somehow I thought Laing was a FA this year. So two Canadians starters that could rotate with four Imports on the DLine. Greenwood and Jones could rotate some at MLB. With Gabriel and Matt Black at Safety. Black could start at CB IMO in a pinch if needed. But I would think Burke will use three out of those five positions for the defensive ratio on the field which will allow back up and rotation options.

Next job for Jim Barker resign Tyler Holmes.

Initially I thought Laing was a FA as well. Actually I thought you were thinking Laing was a DE. Yes, as for Holmes,he would be a huge signing for Barker. Worst case may be starting two Internationals (Rogers and King) up front?

Foley returning to the Argos is the biggest player acquisition in Toronto sport scene since Ray came here in 2012.

[Argo57]

Initially I thought Laing was a FA as well. Actually I thought you were thinking Laing was a DE. Yes, as for Holmes,he would be a huge signing for Barker. Worst case may be starting two Internationals (Rogers and King) up front?

Foley returning to the Argos is the biggest player acquisition in Toronto sport scene since Ray came here in 2012.

Actually kind of nice to see a good old fashioned player trade in the CFL, keeps it interesting!

[Fumblitis]

Numbers do not always tell a story.
He was not the impact player the Riders were looking for as a rush end, more or less the same scenario last time here.Not an impact player? He chased countless QB's from yards behind and took them down like nothing. A Dlineman and next to no body fat fitness freak. He's got a couple years left yet.

[paulwoods13]

Worst case may be starting two Internationals (Rogers and King) up front?

We can easily play two INTs on the o-line: start three NATs on D, two at receiver and three on the o-line. That would give us eight NAT starters, one more than required but IMO the minimum actually needed to have roster flex in the event of injury. Starting three on D is almost a given now, and if Laing re-signs and we can find an adequate backup d-lineman, there is no reason we could not start four on D, allowing us to use four INT receivers plus an INT RB and Durie/Coombs at SB.

[Will]

Laing isn't a free agent. The way I see it the Argos could potentially start Foley, Laing, Greenwood, Gabriel and Black as Canadians on defense. On offense (assuming that Holmes re-signs) we can start him, Keeping, Van Zeyl and Durie to give us potentially 9 National starters. While, nothing is guaranteed this acquisition could provide the Argos with quite a bit of ratio flexibility.

[Argo57]

Not an impact player? He chased countless QB's from yards behind and took them down like nothing. A Dlineman and next to no body fat fitness freak. He's got a couple years left yet.

Not good enough Fumbilitis!!
A defensive end who chases down quarterbacks and tackles them, only 12 sacks, 54 tackles last season WTF!!
His last game in a Toronto uniform was also an embarrassment to both the Argonauts organization and all us Argofans alike......uhhhhh never mind!!

[Wobbler]

Laing isn't a free agent. The way I see it the Argos could potentially start Foley, Laing, Greenwood, Gabriel and Black as Canadians on defense. On offense (assuming that Holmes re-signs) we can start him, Keeping, Van Zeyl and Durie to give us potentially 9 National starters. While, nothing is guaranteed this acquisition could provide the Argos with quite a bit of ratio flexibility.
Although his health is an issue and we may not bring him back, I think it's fair to say that Watt is also a proven starter. We really do have a lot of options, and little to no ratio concerns.

[OV Argo]

It will be quite easy to pick him out when he makes his first few posts though, let's have a find Area51 contest! It's interesting how the Argos couldn't show Foley the $ to stay, but now pick up his big contract. Foley shouldn't have took shots at the Argos when he left though. Hopefully he plays well under the new system and hard feelings are all in the past.

Emry played decent last year and there is no reason to think he won't this season, or better. It's time for the Greenwood era, he's Barkers guy.

We shall see about Greenwood starting at MLB; the Argos still have Greg Jones though and if there are already 7 other NI starters, then Jones could be the MLB; but Greenwood is a very promising perhaps impact D player; Jones looked fairly impressive at times when he was in last season. Nice to have depth / competition at all positions - i wonder if Greenwood could play OLB with Jones at (MLB) - similar to BC deploying 2 big, very good natural linebackers in (Sol-E & Bighill), with Ware as the cover OLB ?

[ArgoRavi]

It's interesting how the Argos couldn't show Foley the $ to stay, but now pick up his big contract.

I don't recall money being the reason why Foley left Toronto. IIRC, the major reason he left was because he didn't like playing in Chris Jones' defence.

[Al&Kat]

good to see the Argos efforts focusing on the D. As a fan who sat through 8 home games in 2014, it was clear to me that the key to victory every time was scoring over 30 pts because you sure-as-hell knew the Argos were giving up 30 (lone obvious exception, the final game vs Ottawa, but we're talking the RedBlacks people!)
For 2014 the Argo Defence was MIA. Let's see more improvements there please, this is a nice start, good job.
PS I clearly remember chatting with Foley at the 2011 reunion of the 1991 Argos, he was representing the 2011 club (along with Chad Owens & [Flashback] Jermaine Copeland) that day, and Ricky was open and friendly to us fans, appreciated his being there.

[Double Dare]

Foley shouldn't have took shots at the Argos when he left though. Hopefully he plays well under the new system and hard feelings are all in the past.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>3. Foley was disappointed in the deal when they called him this morning. He&#39;s stated many times how much he enjoyed his time here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Riders?src=hash">#Riders</a></p>&mdash; Jamie Nye (@jamienye) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamienye/status/559105017723228161">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[Rich]

I expect Greenwood to step in and easily be as good as Emry was last season.

I'd be very surprised if Greenwood played that poorly. When Emry wasn't caught out of position he was missing tackles. It almost looked sometimes like he was avoiding direct contact -- maybe a post-concussion thing. This trade is an absolute steal for the Argos. Plus, Foley's a colourful Canadian guy who's good with the media and will help with the Argos marketing campaign, if they actually have one this year.

[gilthethrill]

I'd be very surprised if Greenwood played that poorly. When Emry wasn't caught out of position he was missing tackles. It almost looked sometimes like he was avoiding direct contact -- maybe a post-concussion thing. This trade is an absolute steal for the Argos. Plus, Foley's a colourful Canadian guy who's good with the media and will help with the Argos marketing campaign, if they actually have one this year.

Well, whatever "Marketing Campaign" the Argos do employ this season, who ever is running it will be in tough as rumor has it the schedule will be a nightmare yet again due to other sporting events.

[Argo57]

I'd be very surprised if Greenwood played that poorly. When Emry wasn't caught out of position he was missing tackles. It almost looked sometimes like he was avoiding direct contact -- maybe a post-concussion thing. This trade is an absolute steal for the Argos. Plus, Foley's a colourful Canadian guy who's good with the media and will help with the Argos marketing campaign, if they actually have one this year.

I thought Emry threw some nice body checks in 2014, seemed to have issues wrapping guys up, as you stated maybe he was injured??

[doubleblue]

I'd be very surprised if Greenwood played that poorly. When Emry wasn't caught out of position he was missing tackles. It almost looked sometimes like he was avoiding direct contact -- maybe a post-concussion thing. This trade is an absolute steal for the Argos. Plus, Foley's a colourful Canadian guy who's good with the media and will help with the Argos marketing campaign, if they actually have one this year.

I agree with your assessment of Emry. I will be surprised if the Greenwood, Jones and Ware combination isn't better than most of what we saw last year. They may play Greenwood in the middle but he has good speed (4.6 forty I believe) and could play on the outside. I believe Burke was happy with the play of Thomas Miles as a 4th round unheralded rookie last year and they still have Tonye-Tonye who for some reason didn't see the field much last year, played fairly well in 2013 when he has a chance.
I had been wondering how Barker would unload Emry (I think we all knew it was coming) but never thought for a moment it would be for Foley after his last go round here. I was thinking Saskatchewan would be a good fit but thought maybe Getslaf might be the return, and I would have been ok with that move. They have to get some better receivers in here for Ricky than the bunch he had to work with last year.

[mchesher03]

wasn't ricky foley scheduled to be a free agent in February? how does that impact this / if any or am i missing something. Think Foley is a good (re-) addition to the squad, especially one that didn't generate a ton of a pass rush outside of Okpalaugo this past year.

[ArgoRavi]

wasn't ricky foley scheduled to be a free agent in February? how does that impact this / if any or am i missing something.

Saskatchewan had already re-signed Foley to a new contract a few weeks ago.

[ArgoGabe22]

wasn't ricky foley scheduled to be a free agent in February? how does that impact this / if any or am i missing something. Think Foley is a good (re-) addition to the squad, especially one that didn't generate a ton of a pass rush outside of Okpalaugo this past year.

Riders re-signed a few months ago but wasn't reported until recently.

[ArgoRavi]

Foley wrote a nice thank-you letter to Rider fans today: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Thank You... <a href="http://t.co/PDNSbZxxiz">pic.twitter.com/PDNSbZxxiz</a></p>&mdash; Ricky Foley (@Foley4Real) <a href="https://twitter.com/Foley4Real/status/559581139287830529">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He genuinely seemed to enjoy playing in a city where there is so much passion for the sport of Canadian football.

[matthew]

Does this mean the Shea Emry-designed lid will go on sale now?

[AngeloV]

I I believe Burke was happy with the play of Thomas Miles as a 4th round unheralded rookie last year and they still have Tonye-Tonye who for some reason didn't see the field much last year, played fairly well in 2013 when he has a chance.


Don't forget James Yurichuk who had 1 start last season, and was spectacular.

[Argo57]

I would be surprised to se Tonye-Tonye on the roster this season.


Foley wrote a nice thank-you letter to Rider fans today: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Thank You... <a href="http://t.co/PDNSbZxxiz">pic.twitter.com/PDNSbZxxiz</a></p>&mdash; Ricky Foley (@Foley4Real) <a href="https://twitter.com/Foley4Real/status/559581139287830529">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He genuinely seemed to enjoy playing in a city where there is so much passion for the sport of Canadian football.

Must be a unique experience for many players to play in a town where the CFL team is king, but although the Riders attendance figures are greater than the Argonauts, the Argo fans that do show are just as passionate!!
Better days ahead for this organization!!

[Fumblitis]

Must be a unique experience for many players to play in a town where the CFL team is king, but although the Riders attendance figures are greater than the Argonauts, the Argo fans that do show are just as passionate!!
Better days ahead for this organization!!I've been on this forum for awhile now and it may seem like you guys are small in number but the passion for your team is just as intense.

[argotom]

Not an impact player? He chased countless QB's from yards behind and took them down like nothing. A Dlineman and next to no body fat fitness freak. He's got a couple years left yet.


All of you seem to forget he was platooned his last year with the team.
In fact, as my seats are on the Argos side I remember his pouting on the sideline during the home game when it was clear he was not playing every down.

[AngeloV]

All of you seem to forget he was platooned his last year with the team.
In fact, as my seats are on the Argos side I remember his pouting on the sideline during the home game when it was clear he was not playing every down.

What do you mean by he was platooned? Did he only play against left hand QB's or something? Couldn't hit the righties?

Honestly AT, I have no idea what games you are watching. The Argos may have rotated their D line in 2012, but there is no way he only played about half the snaps (which would be what a platooned player would do). There really aren't any D lineman in the league that play every down. Even the Riders last year with Chick, Foley and George, rotated their line.

[Fumblitis]

All of you seem to forget he was platooned his last year with the team.
In fact, as my seats are on the Argos side I remember his pouting on the sideline during the home game when it was clear he was not playing every down.Now is that an indicator of his talent or from being at odds with Chris Jones? He was interviewed on the Green Zone tonight and subtly hinted at a rift between him and Jones during his first stint with the Argos.

[argotom]

What do you mean by he was platooned? Did he only play against left hand QB's or something? Couldn't hit the righties?

Honestly AT, I have no idea what games you are watching. The Argos may have rotated their D line in 2012, but there is no way he only played about half the snaps (which would be what a platooned player would do). There really aren't any D lineman in the league that play every down. Even the Riders last year with Chick, Foley and George, rotated their line.

Back under Chris Jones' system, he was as I recall at odds with the DC and the bottom line was not producing as a rush end.
In 13, he was somewhat ineffective with the Riders but had a better year in 14.
Still though, why would the team have given up on the guy?
Even more curious is why would the Argos want him back?

[Argo57]

Now is that an indicator of his talent or from being at odds with Chris Jones? He was interviewed on the Green Zone tonight and subtly hinted at a rift between him and Jones during his first stint with the Argos.

That is exactly why he left the Argonauts, felt he wasn't utilized properly by Jones, tough argument as they did win the World Championship. From what I hear Jones can be a tough guy to play for.

[ArgoRavi]

I would be surprised to se Tonye-Tonye on the roster this season.

I would be too. He is obviously well down the depth chart.

[Argo57]

Back under Chris Jones' system, he was as I recall at odds with the DC and the bottom line was not producing as a rush end.
In 13, he was somewhat ineffective with the Riders but had a better year in 14.
Still though, why would the team have given up on the guy?
Even more curious is why would the Argos want him back?

I think you know why the Riders "gave up" on Foley, they got a pretty decent Canadian linebacker in return.
Not sure why the Argonauts would want the guy who was the most outstanding Canadian in the 2012 Grey Cup back, quite frankly they never could replace Foley after he left.
Also hard to "produce" when your DC has you dropping into coverages.
Level with us Tom, I picture you laughing your ass off as we all reply to your posts.

[Rich]

Don't forget James Yurichuk who had 1 start last season, and was spectacular.

Yeah, he sure was. He could be a breakout player this year. Hopefully he's earned himself some starting time, at least "platoon" at LB.

How's this for some Canadian talent on defence:

Foley
Laing
Greenwood
Yurichuk
Gabriel
Black

Pretty impressive if you ask me.

[Stouffvillain]

Wow! Tune out for a few days and big things happen.

It makes total sense from an Argos standpoint. As everyone has pointed out here since Greenwood signed linebacker was our deepest spot on the roster with people trying to figure out just how we could use all the talent we had at the position at the same time. Dealing Emry mades the most sense as he would yield the biggest return.

From Ricky Foley's point of view I don't know how happy he would be with the move. He just re-signed with the Riders a few weeks ago, tough to think that he is thrilled with the deal.

The age difference isn't a concern because with only a few years left of Ray it makes sense to try to get the best team around him while he's still performing at a high level.

[doubleblue]

I've been on this forum for awhile now and it may seem like you guys are small in number but the passion for your team is just as intense.

We're small in number but we know it all. lol Just ask us. But any time I want a good laugh I go on the Riders Main Forum. There are some funny guys posting there. (I mean funny in a humorous way of course). On here some are funny in a different way. lol

[OV Argo]

Yeah, he sure was. He could be a breakout player this year. Hopefully he's earned himself some starting time, at least "platoon" at LB.

How's this for some Canadian talent on defence:

Foley
Laing
Greenwood
Yurichuk
Gabriel
Black

Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Yeah, but i still think we will only see 3 or 4 NIs play regularly on defence: Gabriel at S, Foley at DE; Greenwood probably at one LB spot; Laing probably at DT (maybe in a rotation with an import or a yound NI if they draft one). We've talked here before about Matt Black playing corner - and i amongst others i think - believe he could do quite well ; but he is a vet now and they have shown little faith in him as a starter there, and he might be viewed more as a good back-up for all D-backfield spots, particularly at safety; Yurichuck is a vet too and quite capable, but again, has got little playing time = viewed as a good back-up and ST guy; very doubtful they start/play 2 NI linebackers. Too many Canadians starting on defence in the CFL now is enough to make a good ole boy head explode. ;o)

[Fumblitis]

We're small in number but we know it all. lol Just ask us. But any time I want a good laugh I go on the Riders Main Forum. There are some funny guys posting there. (I mean funny in a humorous way of course). On here some are funny in a different way. lolSome on Riderfans.com are funny in a not so humorous way too...the "scratch my head" kinda funny.:sick:

[paulwoods13]

Yeah, but i still think we will only see 3 or 4 NIs play regularly on defence: Gabriel at S, Foley at DE; Greenwood probably at one LB spot; Laing probably at DT (maybe in a rotation with an import or a yound NI if they draft one). We've talked here before about Matt Black playing corner - and i amongst others i think - believe he could do quite well ; but he is a vet now and they have shown little faith in him as a starter there, and he might be viewed more as a good back-up for all D-backfield spots, particularly at safety; Yurichuck is a vet too and quite capable, but again, has got little playing time = viewed as a good back-up and ST guy; very doubtful they start/play 2 NI linebackers. Too many Canadians starting on defence in the CFL now is enough to make a good ole boy head explode. ;o)

I think we will play three for sure, four is possible IF we can land a very solid d-lineman to back up Foley and Laing. I would like to see Black get a shot at CB but I think the one thing really working against him is his height. There are too many tall, dominant receivers these days. I think we're going to increasingly see teams bringing in corners and HBs who stand 6-1 to 6-3.

[AngeloV]

I think the one thing really working against him is his height. There are too many tall, dominant receivers these days. I think we're going to increasingly see teams bringing in corners and HBs who stand 6-1 to 6-3.

I agree with this on the field side, but on the boundary, I think quickness and the ability to read a developing play are more important. You see a lot more bump and run on the field side, which is perhaps why there is more of a need for size there.