Cody Fajardo

[Neely2005]

I figured that he deserves his own Thread. Let's start with this:

Fajardo must start for Argos:

http://m.torontosun.com/2017/08/12/fajardo-must-start-for-argos

[PullTogether73]

I'll point out the glaring error in Frank's article.
Hebert WAS flagged for his head to head hit on Fajardo's run late in the game.

As for Fajardo starting, I thought he should have started the Montreal game.
As stated by many on this forum already, a mobile QB brings an added dimension to an offence that could use some variety and creativity. IMO, Matthews brings none of that, and he doesn't have enough experience to see the field like Ray does.

Fajardo doesn't have the experience either, but his mobility and creativity make up for it - at least in the short term.

[jerrym]

I also thought Fajardo should have started and should start the next game if Ray is not ready. However, although the Argo ground game came to life with Cody in their, teams will now make adjustments to contain his running, although with his strength he should have some success. Fajardo also needs to start sliding feet first at least some of the time or he will start being targeted a la Hebert.
He obviously had trouble picking out secondary receivers when under pressure except when scrambling to avoid the rush gave him considerable time to do so, meaning he has long way to go in his development. His footwork was also thrown off when pressed.
In other words, like many young QBs, he often doesn't look comfortable passing when defenders are anywhere near him, but his mobility helps offset this to some extent. He reminds me of Kerry Joseph, who also ran with power, had a good arm but often had poor footwork limiting his accuracy. His success long-term depends on how well he can overcome his shortcomings.

[doubleblue]

I figured that he deserves his own Thread. Let's start with this:

Fajardo must start for Argos:

http://m.torontosun.com/2017/08/12/fajardo-must-start-for-argos

I'm on the band wagon. Mathews disappointed. Cody's threat to run opened up some running room for Whitaker and those two ill timed penalties cost him a couple of TD's.

[RB957]

I agree that Cody should start the next game if Ricky Ray is not 100%. Jeff Matthews showed me nothing in pre-season, and his having slightly more CFL experience has little value when he is a mobile as a piece of furniture, especially with the issues we have had with the O line. Fajardo's run ability creates intriguing play calling possibilities, with run-pass options. However, my knock against Cody is that he reverts to the run as his first default instead of trying to find secondary receivers open downfield. It has to be impressed upon him that he is a QB first, and a runner only if necessary. Mind you, he threw for over 9,000 yards in college, so I know he can do it. With lots of practice reps, and good coaching, I believe he can fill in until Ricky returns, and give us a better chance to win than Matthews.

[AngeloV]

I agree that Cody should start the next game if Ricky Ray is not 100%. Jeff Matthews showed me nothing in pre-season, and his having slightly more CFL experience has little value when he is a mobile as a piece of furniture, especially with the issues we have had with the O line. Fajardo's run ability creates intriguing play calling possibilities, with run-pass options. However, my knock against Cody is that he reverts to the run as his first default instead of trying to find secondary receivers open downfield. It has to be impressed upon him that he is a QB first, and a runner only if necessary. Mind you, he threw for over 9,000 yards in college, so I know he can do it. With lots of practice reps, and good coaching, I believe he can fill in until Ricky returns, and give us a better chance to win than Matthews.

I was hoping from more from Matthews. He looked very uncomfortable in there. As if watching the hits Ray took made him just want to get rid of the ball ASAP. Never threatened down field (I believe his longest attempt was on a 12 yard out to the SJ which was incomplete). At this point, Fajardo is the only option IMO after Ray.

[Argofan_1000]

Hogan was just on TSN1150 Hamilton. Said Ricky threw today and yesterday but doesn't know how much and doesn't know if he will start.

Also said he wasn't impressed with either QB in the Als game, but Cody was able to use his feet to make some things happen. Did not like what he saw from the first half with Mathews

[argopete]

The answer on Cody's been sitting in my inbox all day I was just too busy to read it. In my regular email from the Argos, after saying Ray practised with the first team on Tuesday it says "If Ray remains injured, dual threat Cody Fajardo will have another opportunity to display his dynamic style of play after leading the team to 229 yards of offence in the 2nd half last week."

That's very complimentary and answers who starts behind Ray.


Excellent news

[Wobbler]

Good grief. How many aliases are you going to use, "argopete"?

[AngeloV]

Good grief. How many aliases are you going to use, "argopete"?

At least there was some sort of evolution here. Starting with a different letter of the alphabet. This has been brought to you by the letters S and P. And by the number 3. Or is that 4? Someone should contact the team security. I think Cody has a stalker.

[argopete]

Good grief. How many aliases are you going to use, "argopete"?

I have more friends than this board has members, truth be told, dont mean to be mean, sorry, just had that item sent to me, was sharing it, now back to blocking this site for my sanity

[Stevoman]

I think that even if Ray is back to starting this week (which I sincerely hope is the case) that a package for Fajardo should be implemented into regular games as a change of pace. I really think that bringing him in for a few series (like the wildcat offence) could help the Argos disrupt how the defenders typically play against them.

[AngeloV]

I think that even if Ray is back to starting this week (which I sincerely hope is the case) that a package for Fajardo should be implemented into regular games as a change of pace. I really think that bringing him in for a few series (like the wildcat offence) could help the Argos disrupt how the defenders typically play against them.

I can live with that. Also gives him valuable, meaningful playing time.

[Skinny G]

Thoughts on bringing in Mitchell Gale over Matthews? He has experience in the system (Milanovich's version), and though he's more of a pocket passer, he's wiling to use his feet when he needs to. He also would give them someone with a bit more experience for one of the backups.

[Neely2005]

I think that even if Ray is back to starting this week (which I sincerely hope is the case) that a package for Fajardo should be implemented into regular games as a change of pace. I really think that bringing him in for a few series (like the wildcat offence) could help the Argos disrupt how the defenders typically play against them.

It's a great idea but I'll be surprised if Fajardo sees any regular reps today. (Aside from short yardage situations)

[gilthethrill]

Thoughts on bringing in Mitchell Gale over Matthews? He has experience in the system (Milanovich's version), and though he's more of a pocket passer, he's wiling to use his feet when he needs to. He also would give them someone with a bit more experience for one of the backups.

If anyone is going to replace or get ahead of Matthews on the depth chart I think it will be either Prukop or Bethel-Thompson.

[AngeloV]

Thoughts on bringing in Mitchell Gale over Matthews? He has experience in the system (Milanovich's version), and though he's more of a pocket passer, he's wiling to use his feet when he needs to. He also would give them someone with a bit more experience for one of the backups.

I suggested that to my buddy last week. It would be a good get, as long as you see him strictly as a back up. He's the type of QB that can give you a quick spark, but I don't think he has the consistency to be a true starter.

[Argo]

I've concluded that QB apprenticeships, at least in the CFL, are too long. So I'd much prefer to see Prukop / Bethel-Thompson accelerated, as opposed to retreading a career backup.

[doubleblue]

I was kind of hoping Trestman would pull Ricky in the 4th for Cody or give Prukop a few reps. SJ Green also took a hard hit in the 4th quarter when maybe he should have been replaced for safety sake.

[Will]

Apparently that isn't Trestman's style, but with Ray you are simply playing with fire. I would have pulled him after 3 quarters personally.

[gilthethrill]

I was kind of hoping Trestman would pull Ricky in the 4th for Cody or give Prukop a few reps. SJ Green also took a hard hit in the 4th quarter when maybe he should have been replaced for safety sake.

I think Prukop was exhausted from playing on the cover team. He made an outstanding open field tackle in the 3rd quarter if I am not mistaken.

[ArgoZ]

I think Prukop was exhausted from playing on the cover team. He made an outstanding open field tackle in the 3rd quarter if I am not mistaken.

The kid is fun to watch. I kept my eye on him all game. Plays hard, not afraid of contact and is usually the first downfield, even after beating blocks. A fan behind me asked "who is this guy, wow" when he made that tackle. I had to turn around and tell him "our 3rd string QB". He couldn't believe it.

[timlb01]

I was kind of hoping Trestman would pull Ricky in the 4th for Cody or give Prukop a few reps. SJ Green also took a hard hit in the 4th quarter when maybe he should have been replaced for safety sake.

I was disappointed that this did not happen as well.

[jerrym]

If Ray does not have a significant injury and Trestman continues to use Ray throughout games and even in garbage time causing Fajardo to get almost none or no playing time other than QB sneaks, the question becomes will Fajardo be willing to resign with the Argos or will he look for another team with a more promising playing-time situation for a backup.

[argolio]

Maybe this says something about what the Argos think of Fajardo.

[jerrym]

Maybe this says something about what the Argos think of Fajardo.

I don't know what Trestman thinks of Fajardo, but since Trestman got burned once by substituting a backup for Calvillo in Montreal in the dying minutes he has always maintained that a CFL game can change in complexion so quickly that it is better to not risk substituting in a backup. However, with a 35-6 lead, the risk is so low (and one even has time to put Ray back in if necessary with a still comfortable lead) as to be almost non-existent. Considering Ray has played 10, 17, 3, and 9 games between 2013 and 2016 and missed 1 1/2 games this year, this approach is risky in itself.