Tip of the Tower
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Toronto Argonauts: Health is the key to success for the offence

By David Morassutti

Apr 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Canadian flag is displayed during the anthem of a game between the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Chicago 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Canadian flag is displayed during the anthem of a game between the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Chicago 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a new coach but a familiar name at quarterback, the Toronto Argonauts offence has some intrigue to it but it will need to stay healthy if they want to succeed.

Last season, the Toronto Argonauts offence had its struggles. An injury plagued season for quarterback Ricky Ray left people wondering if the 37-year old would be on the field this season. When Marc Trestman was brought in as the new head coach he did not wait long before announcing that Ray would be the starting quarterback. Gone is Drew Willy after a failed trade that was meant to salvage a lost 2016 season but there is some hope for this group moving forward.

The Argos tied the Montreal Alouettes with 383 points scored last season, that was second last in the entire league, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were the worst scoring 350 points. With only seven rushing touchdowns, the Argos were the only CFL team not to record double digits in rushing touchdowns and ranked sixth in average rushing yards per game with 87. They only hit 37 field goals which was the second worst total last season.

Hopefully with some improvements made and a new perspective under Trestman, the Argos can improve on those numbers. The best way for them to do that is by staying healthy. Given Ray’s past history of injuries and newly acquired SJ Green coming off knee surgery, they cannot afford major injuries. It does not help that J’Michael Deane will miss the opener, along with Brian Jones and Khalil Paden. Devon Wylie is the lone offensive player on the six-game injured list but the Argos have some intriguing players on offence.

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Jimmy Ralph made some plays in preseason that got the attention of coaching staff. Armanti Edwards who was acquired in a trade starts opposite to Green in the slot. DeVier Posey and Jeff Fuller will man the outside receiver position where they will need to make some plays if the Argos cannot establish their run game. Speaking of the game, Brandon Whitaker returns as the starting running back after it looked like the Argos were not interested in bringing him back. Backing him up is James Wilder Jr. who showed some promise in preseason action.

Back as the starting quarterback is Ray who will control the Argos playoff hopes. Newly anointed backup QB Cody Fajardo was around Marcus Brady’s system last season so it was not a surprise to see Trestman name him the backup to Ray. The Argos will need to find a way to protect Ray and make sure that he has a clean pocket to throw in. Ray is one of the most accurate QBs in the league and Trestman could use shorter passes the Ray can get off quickly so that defences will think twice before blitzing.

Next: Can the defence make the team a contender?

Staying healthy will be important for the Argos success just like any other team. With prodigies Zach Collaros and Travis Harris looking to take they teams to the playoffs, the Argos are hoping that Ray can reclaim some former glory.

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