The impact of Coombs

[paulwoods13]

I have been writing that I think the Argos' passing game has gone noticeably downhill since he went out of the lineup. I decided to test this theory by looking at Ricky Ray's stats pre- and post- the Coombs injury.

In the eight games Ricky played with Coombs (including one game where Ricky left with an injury and one game where Coombs left with an injury), here are his numbers:

69.9% completions
350 Yds/Gm
8.4 Yds/pass
2.8:1 TD:Int

In the four games since Coombs was injured, here are Ricky's numbers:
70.1% completions
238 Yds/Gm
6.9 Yds/pass
2:1 TD:Int

Worse numbers in three of four categories, and significantly worse in both Yds/Gm and Yds/pass. Some of this could be explained by the fact we have racked up big rushing yards the past two games, and there are no doubt other factors as well. But IMO the circumstantial evidence suggests that Coombs is a key part of this offence. He was averaging five catches and close to 50 yards per game. Those aren't huge numbers, but essentially all of them are gone as we are targeting Ralph about once per game.

[ArgoRavi]

While Ralph is a promising, young receiver, he really doesn't fit that Durie/Coombs position so well. I agree that Coombs has been missed although Wilder's improved rushing has certainly softened the blow. I wonder if Martese Jackson might be able to play that Coombs spot. Of course, that would require some ratio juggling but that could simply involve putting Levi Noel or Malcolm Williams out in Joe Fuller's receiving position rather than Chandler Worthy or Kendall Sanders.

[paulwoods13]

Jackson or Whitaker -- either might be able to replicate Coombs to some extent. With Williams/Ralph/Noel rotating at the Z position. Or, as someone suggested on Twitter, maybe Durie would be able to come back for two months of football. I doubt it, but nice to dream. He couldn't have his old number back, tho!

[RB957]

I don't disagree that the loss of Coombs has had a big impact on the offence. What impressed me about him was his ability to get YAC yards, much like Andre Durie did when he was in his prime. Having said that, I am still concerned that Ricky Ray is not the same. It looks like he has lost something. The pounding he has been subjected to may be taking its toll.

[jerrym]

I was excited when the Argos drafted Coombs as I saw him as a potential star but began to wonder last year whether he would reach that potential. It's unfortunate in this, his breakout year, it was spoiled by a major injury.

[paulwoods13]

I don't disagree that the loss of Coombs has had a big impact on the offence. What impressed me about him was his ability to get YAC yards, much like Andre Durie did when he was in his prime. Having said that, I am still concerned that Ricky Ray is not the same. It looks like he has lost something. The pounding he has been subjected to may be taking its toll.

That seems highly probable, unfortunately. He has been hit far too often this year. If we can keep running the ball successfully, hopefully we can reduce the pressure on the QB down the stretch.

[cfl-cis fan]

I don't disagree that the loss of Coombs has had a big impact on the offence. What impressed me about him was his ability to get YAC yards, much like Andre Durie did when he was in his prime. Having said that, I am still concerned that Ricky Ray is not the same. It looks like he has lost something. The pounding he has been subjected to may be taking its toll.

do'nt know where to find the YAC stats but would be curious to see who the team leaders are based on targets.

[Will]

That seems highly probable, unfortunately. He has been hit far too often this year. If we can keep running the ball successfully, hopefully we can reduce the pressure on the QB down the stretch.

Has anyone had a chance to watch the receivers?

I'd have 2 questions:

(1) If the offence adapting to an injured Ricky (i.e. not as many downfield routes)?
(2) Are the receivers actually getting open?

[paulwoods13]

I've been to only two home games since early August so haven't had a chance to watch closely of late. But earlier in the season I had concerns at times about no one getting open.

[doubleblue]

Has anyone had a chance to watch the receivers?

I'd have 2 questions:

(1) If the offence adapting to an injured Ricky (i.e. not as many downfield routes)?
(2) Are the receivers actually getting open?

Sometimes you just have to give credit to the defenders. There are a lot of good DB's down South to choose from. I was a little surprised how often they had Ricky throw against the Als young corner Mincy Saturday. IMO he is one of the best new corners in the League this year.

[Will]

Ricky did try going deep twice on that first drive, but the Als had good defence on both throws. I think he overthrew S.J on another deep pass, but aside from that we really didn't see him go deep.

[AngeloV]

Ricky did try going deep twice on that first drive, but the Als had good defence on both throws. I think he overthrew S.J on another deep pass, but aside from that we really didn't see him go deep.

I don't think anything of that. Ray has always been the type of QB that throws to his reads. If the deep ball isn't there, he does not throw it. Fact is, Ray has put up very good yardage in the first half of each of the last 2 games. The Argos offence proceeded to play to the score. Edmonton game got a little scary at the end, but I think too much is being made of his overall numbers the past 2 games. His only pick came on a bad deflection off SJ Green against Edmonton, one which the Argos challenged for PI (and lost).

[Wobbler]

Sounds like Coombs will be back pretty soon (http://www.torontosun.com/2017/10/05/argos-qudarius-ford-knows-how-to-catch-air). Frank says he is back in uniform at least.

[jerrym]

Sounds like Coombs will be back pretty soon (http://www.torontosun.com/2017/10/05/argos-qudarius-ford-knows-how-to-catch-air). Frank says he is back in uniform at least.


Great news! We really need him, especially after our loss to the Riders.