i thought some evaluation and reflection is due, seeing as we've hit the bye week and we're one third of the way through the season.  If this was high school, the Argos would have to be worried about cramming pretty hard and completing some major assignments to make sure they get to move on to the next level at the end of the year, namely the playoffs.  With the other three Eastern teams surging as they enter their bye week, the folks on the bench need to make sure this season doesn't result in a flunk.

There can be a million excuses thrown out for the first third of the season, namely injuries.  Yet injuries aren't exclusive to the Argos, every team has them.  It's how a team responds to those injuries, and the depth that they have.  Just a quick look at the BC Lions, and you can see how their share of injuries at the quarterback position has resulted in a first place tie for the West.  Not bad, all things considered.

Here, in the East, the Argos have to be pretty thankful that Hamilton is worse off, even though their quarterback depth seems to be about even with the Argos.  Unfortunately, Hamilton is beginning to play their best ball as of late, and i wouldn't want to be the Argo front seven when Jesse gets a taste of his first Labour Day action at Ivor Wynne.  The home and home is going to decide whether or not the Argos make the playoffs this year, as Hamilton will be the team to beat out.

So, before those games appear on the schedule, the Argos have to find an identity, and find it fast!  The revolving quarterback situation has been a disappointment, as it leaves the rest of the team uncertain and uncomfortable.  Someone, ANYONE, needs to step up, make a firm decision, and go with it.  By rotating the quarterbacks, the Argo offense hasn't decided if it is a running team, a quick strike team, a roll out QB option team, or a lay down and die team.

What this effectively does is disable any sense of rhythm, on all sides of the ball.  The explosive talent on offense can't expect a play to be called their way (Arland Bruce should get the ball at least once every three downs) and the running backs can't feel out the opposing defence.  On the other hand, the Argo defence, which was designed as a bend but don't break unit, has been given very little room for bending.  Consistency on offense will keep a defence off the field, so that when they are on, they've got the motors to put pressure on the opposing team.

By stating their offensive orientation, the Argos can live or die on the effectiveness of the plan.  That plan should be implemented for 30 minutes, reviewed at half time, slightly adjusted, and played out to the conclusion of the game.  If players are going to believe in themselves, something Pinball prides his players on, then they need to have a firm belief in their system.  We'll see how it all turns out 2 weeks after Labour Day.  By then we'll know if the Argos are in the basement, or ready to fill that 500 level for the 2007 Grey Cup.