Toronto Argonauts: Zach Collaros trade proves team still looking to compete

In trading for veteran QB Zach Collaros, the Toronto Argonauts prove they aren’t ready to punt on this season just yet.

The Toronto Argonauts dominated league headlines yesterday, as they traded for Saskatchewan Roughrider QB Zach Collaros.

It is the Ohio native’s second stint with the boatmen, after earning a Grey cup win as a backup in his rookie season.The trade surprised some, but undoubtedly upgrades the Argos at a position that has been a glaring issues all season.

Very early on in the year, the team lost starter James Franklin to injury, and the quarterback play they have received in his absence from Mcleod Bethel-Thompson and Dakota Prukop has left much to be desired.

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Still, it would be easy for an 0-6 team to not make this move, and therein lies the upside for the Argonauts and their fans. After weeks and weeks of a disgruntled fanbase calling for management to take some action, action has been taken – and the message is clear.

The Toronto Argonauts have not given up on this season.

Collaros is a proven commodity at the QB position in this league, a veteran who has proven he can thrive in a 2-down offence.The Argo’s issues this season go deeper than just quarterback play, but one would think the upgrade at that position, more than any other, would have a trickle-down effect through the whole offence.

While the Argos seem to be committed to the idea that James Franklin will have his job when he returns from injury (as they should), expect Collaros to compete for the job, and possibly take it by the end of the month.

No player should ever lose their job to injury, but this team cannot afford to give Franklin much leeway upon his return – especially if they hope to be competitive down the stretch. With seven of their last ten games coming against division opponents, that is the point where the Argos season will be decided – even with this atrocious start.

That is the nature of the CFL’s playoff format, one that rewards runs down the stretch, and divisional victories most of all. 7-11, or there about, usually puts you in that final playoff position, depending on your in-division record.

Rarely have those teams gone on to win championships, (especially recently), but a ticket to “the dance” gives you a chance, and that’s all a team with this kind of start can ask for.And with this trade, general manager Jim Popp showed that they haven’t given up on that dream just yet.

Collaros will bring a level of leadership and maturity to this offence that has struggled to put the plan in motion on the field, and will have no problems with jumping in and taking control.Yes, he is injury prone, but he is an upgrade from what they currently have, and upgrading at a position mid-season should never be met with hesitancy.

Make no mistake about it – the Argos are better with Collaros in their quarterback room. Unfortunately for fans, the move comes on the eve of another potential blood bath.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are up next, the West leading Winnipeg Blue Bombers who are desperate to bounce back from their first loss of the season. The Argos will be without James Wilder Jr. for the second straight game, which figures to hurt the already struggling rushing game.

It could be a tough night for the Argos, but with this trade, and a bye week looming, Jim Popp and management are hoping that better times are on the horizon.