Some positive news out of Toronto

CFL Talk
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Positive outlook in Argos camp
By TERRY KOSHAN, QMI Agency

For the second year in a row, Jeff Johnson is buoyed by a feeling of optimism during the off-season.

But this time, it’s different for Johnson, the second-longest current serving Argo after linebacker Kevin Eiben.

“There has just been a lot of positive change,? Johnson, one of a handful of Argos players who attended the official unveiling of the coaching staff on Friday.

“The last two years have been absolute disappointments.?

While having a coaching staff with real CFL experience is paramount, part of Johnson’s ebullience lies in the acquisitions of receiver Jeremaine Copeland and cornerback Byron Parker. In two swift moves, the Argos got playmakers on both sides of the ball.

“Copeland is what we were missing last year,? Johnson said. “It’s crucial, especially with our young group of receivers. We needed to have a veteran like that. And bringing back Parker speaks to itself.?

Johnson, a running back, is an integral special teams player for the Argos but also gets touches on offence. The Argos don’t have a bona fide No. 1 back, but general manager Adam Rita said he remains interested in Jamal Robertson, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards for Toronto last year.

Rita indicated that if the Argos don’t sign another running back, he “is fine with that.?

But that won’t happen. The club is in play for at least one more man to carry the ball, but Rita is not overly interested in another free agent, Wes Cates.

“Robertson would be my guy if we can settle on the price,? Rita said. “Jamal is looking for the ideal contract … but we need to invest in our receivers.

“We think Amos Allen is special, but is he an everyday back? I don’t know. We need a big, durable back who is different than the guys we have.?

[url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/football/2010/02/19/12955761-qmi.html]http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/footb ... 1-qmi.html[/url]
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Thank you for posting some positive Argo news, its very refreshing

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Yeah, I thought we could use some. :lol:

Having Copeland and Parker will definitely help, and I hope Rita's able to re-sign Robertson. I'd prefer him over Cates for a couple reasons... Cates hasn't seemed the same since his injury, and Robertson would give them some continuity.

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…surprised Rita is so candid with info like that, usually GMs are a little more tight-lipped…albeit strange it is refreshing…the antithesis to the proverbial ‘lower body injury’…

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Or in reality has the poker game that is a substantial part of the draft begun?

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i fail to see the positives.

Parker was on the Argos roster this time last year.

with all the subtractions, re-adding a player they already had ( Parker ) and adding 1 player ( albeit, a very good copeland ) does NOT make up for the numourous players who have left the Double Blue.

a 3-15 team losing 5 + key players ( Bruce, Talbot, Robertson, Dorsey, Younger and more ) and adding 1 does not equal optimisim for me.

had those 5 + players still been on the Argos, THEN adding Copeland and re-adding Parker woulda been cause for optimisim.

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Bruce has been gone for a while, and Rita is looking to re-sign Robertson.

And to be honest, I think this team could use a little positive thinking. Maybe there haven't been drastic changes, but that doesn't mean guys should be saying, "We lost all these guys, looks like we're gonna suck again."

They've got a decent coaching staff (much better than last year's), and they've got a couple good players. It's something to build on. Remember, the off-season isn't over yet.

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Joseph will be much more comfortable overthrowing Copeland....

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yes, but even when they had Bruce, they still stunk it up in 2008.

so this is the 2008 roster that went 4-14, minus 5 good players and adding 1 star.

this team will be 5-13 at BEST.

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No one said they were going to contend for the Cup. Johnson is just positive about the future.

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once again, this positive CFL message for the argos, has been inturupted by Rogers Sports and the Toronto media. Always reasy to crash your party.

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but, if you noticed, the article says he felt optimistic about last season too…we now how THAT turned out.

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So, like, are you and Berezin drinking buddies now?

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hardly.
im not saying the Argos as a franchise are doomed.

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get drunk and trash the argos... hmmmmm

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:roll:
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Good article and good news for the Boatmen that need it.

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I agree.

we need receivers, and if we go with 1 less running back to get them then so be it.

I personally like the changes that have happened this year so far. I am new to CFL and football in general but I don’t think its a bad thing that we are still missing guys, we got time left to get what we need to get the team back on its feet.

Also people in several threads are saying Braley is going to have the games blacked out on tv, I don’t think TSN will allow it as they are still under contract as SOLE broadcaster…

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More good news for the Argos: They just re-signed Middlebrooks.

"I'm very optimistic about the new coaching staff and eager to learn from, and play for, new defensive backs coach Orlondo Steinauer," said Middlebrooks in a statement. "I started my CFL career in Toronto in 2008 and I want to be part of this program when it turns around, and I feel like I can contribute to that transformation. With the veteran leadership on the roster and among the coaches, I feel strongly that this team is headed in the right direction."

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Sure they are. :stuck_out_tongue: