Toronto Argonauts: Abdul Kanneh must return to form in 2019

The Toronto Argonauts have re-signed defensive back Abdul Kanneh and will be hoping he can return to his All-Star form of 2015-16.

The Toronto Argonauts‘ defence in many ways epitomised how poor they were in 2018. They finished last in the CFL in points conceded, while also allowing the most rushing yards.

The pass defence played its part in an extremely disappointing campaign. They gave up the most passing touchdowns and the second-most yards through the air.

New head coach Corey Chamblin is renowned for being a defensive guru, but his reputation will be put to the test this coming season. At least the front office is doing its bit to give him as much help as possible, as evidenced by the re-signing of Bear Woods.

The Double Blue made another move on Friday, which should also improve the defence’s changes of improving in 2019. As reported by The Canadian Press via TSN, the team has re-signed Abdul Kanneh.

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Bringing Kanneh back makes perfect sense, given his undoubted ability. His talent was particularly on display during the 2015 season, when he was with the Ottawa Redlacks.

That season proved to be one for the ages, as the 28-year-old led the CFL with six interceptions. As per Argonanuts.ca, he also had a league-high four forced fumbles and was named as a CFL All-Star.

However, as with Woods, there are questions about Kanneh’s durability. He has only appeared in 15 of a possible 36 regular season games the past two years including eight with the Argos in 2018, after arriving in a trade from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

In theory, the London, England native must be back to somewhere close to full fitness. Otherwise, the Argonauts would not have been so willing to re-sign him.

Regardless, Kanneh’s health will be worth keeping an eye on, as the Double Blue aim to improve their defence. If he can remain on the field, his contribution will be invaluable to a team looking to return to playoff contention.

It also helps that the two-time CFL East All-Star knows what it takes to make it to the big game. He appeared in two consecutive Grey Cups with the Redblacks, helping them win their second appearance in 2016.

In other news, the Argos also re-signed offensive lineman DJ Sackey on Friday. The Mississauga, Ontario native will be looking to improve on a frustrating start to his career, having only played in eight games since being selected in the second round of the 2016 CFL draft.

How important is Kanneh to the Toronto Argonauts’ defence? What kind of form are you predicting for him during the 2019 season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.