Argos 1974-1981

[Will]

The dark ages.

Watching the September 6, 1977 game against Montreal the other day that Argos won 20-14. The 1977 team has been discussed before, and the front four was relentless against Joe Barnes and Ray Nettles was awesome.

Not having been alive for that period, my impression has always been that Argos between 1974-1981 had a good defense but the offence was so bad that it kept the team down. Is that too simplistic a statement, does it have elements of truth?

[paulwoods13]

I can't really speak to 1974-76, but I think it's fair to say that only the 1977 defence really distinguishes itself among the later years. 1980 had a decent front four and some good DBs, but 1977 was way above all the other years.

[AngeloV]

1981 was a horrible season overall, but that season could have been completely different if the Argos had a few bounces go their way to start the season. I remember the Argos losing a lot of heartbreakers early that year, and in looking at the scores, it brings back memories. They lost 4 of their first 5 games by 3 or less points, and I remember them being in position to win all 4 of those games late. Game 4 was a regrettable drubbing in Ivor Wynne, but the others were all such tough losses. Unfortunately they were never able to rebound, and the team just went all downhill from there, eventually bringing in Dan Manucci, the former Bills back up to play QB.

I believe Terry Greer tore up his knee in that horrible loss to Hamilton as well, and missed the rest of the season.