TORONTO (Sep. 7) — You may not realize it, but the Toronto Argonauts are in terminal condition. With an uncommunicative coach that has lost the dressing room. A quarterback who presents the characteristics of an emotional featherweight. And, worst of all, ownership that is marginally invested. This is a fatal troika for professional sport.
Today’s alleged contest in Ottawa would quickly spell the end for a coach employed by people that care. But, principal owner Larry Tanenbaum is already on record as implying that the Argos would lose fewer dollars if the club folded. So, what impetus is there to improve? Particularly given how blasé the local following has become. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, who fancies himself as an offensive coordinator, needs to be shuffled aside. And, there is only one person who can replace him; a man that has the proven ability to rally and motivate football players: the current general manager of the club and its most–revered modern figure, Mike (Pinball) Clemons. Pinball had to be nauseous watching his club stumble, bumble and fumble at Lansdowne Park. Falling behind, almost comically, 31–3 by halftime of a game that ended, 41–27, in favor of Ottawa (flattering for the visitors, who rang up 24 points in “garbage” time). Under Dinwiddie, the 6–and–6 Argonauts have been outscored 53–3 in the opening 20 minutes of the past three games. If a man cannot jack up his team to start with enthusiasm, why is he coaching? Couldn’t the players perform disgracefully on their own? It’s an appalling situation getting progressively worse for the Toronto team that can least afford to look foolish and incompetent: the CFL Argonauts, by many miles.
As of now, it is difficult to imagine any person buying a ticket to watch such a disaster.
THE HALFTIME SCORE IN OTTAWA SPOKE VOLUMES ABOUT RYAN DINWIDDIE AND THE 2024 ARGOS.
But, again, maybe that’s what ownership is secretly wishing for. If Dinwiddie is still calling the shots in the next couple of weeks, we’ll have our answer. If, somehow, Tanenbaum and Bell Media prefer to not be embarrassed, perhaps something will be done. But, don’t count on it. Especially if Pinball, now 59, wants no part of returning as coach (he guided the Argos to the 2004 Grey Cup title, over B.C.). This will be exacerbated, beyond measure, if Kelly’s mind — as it appears — collapsed during last November’s Eastern final at BMO Field. I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat: It seemed as if Kelly suffered a nervous breakdown on the sideline after giving up his stunning, 102–yard interception for a touchdown in the early moments. Marc–Antoine Dequoy read Kelly perfectly and sent the Montreal Alouettes to a 37–18 trouncing of the 16–2 Argonauts. For the entire game, afterward, Kelly had a vacant look in his eyes; impervious to desperate teammates attempting to rekindle his spirit and capacity.
That performance, however, was brilliant when compared to the first half in Ottawa, when the Redblacks twice returned Kelly interceptions for touchdowns. It appeared the third–year quarterback would have difficulty hitting a stationary target, let alone teammates in motion. The 2024 Argos were exposed for all to see by the Redblacks, who crafted a 28–point halftime lead without so much as breaking a sweat. This, in the first truly important CFL engagement between Toronto and Ottawa since, perhaps, the 1982 East final at old Exhibition Stadium, when Bob O’Billovich, Condredge Holloway and the Argos drubbed the Rough Riders, 44–7. With a victory, the current Argos could have crept to within a point of the second–place Redblacks in the East. Instead, the game was over before the opening kickoff; the visiting players oblivious to any instruction from their coach. Rarely, in the past four seasons, have the Argonauts looked so–thoroughly disinterested. There seems little justification for staying with Dinwiddie, other than resting on his procurement, from last season, of the dreaded coach–of–the–year award.
Right now, ol’ Ryan couldn’t direct a starving man to a restaurant.
ARGOS LEGEND AND CURRENT GM MIKE (PINBALL) CLEMONS ARRIVES IN HAMILTON ON LABOUR DAY WITH PLAYER PERSONNEL DIRECTOR JOHN MURPHY. ONLY PINBALL CAN SAVE THE 2024 CLUB.
DOUBLE BLUE DAILY, FACEBOOK
The bigger problem is Kelly, who continues to look as if he’s never picked up a football. We all know of the quarterback’s not–so–private issues from last winter, when he ignored common sense and decorum by harassing a female strength–and–conditioning coach later dismissed by the club. The CFL justifiably suspended Kelly for the first half of this season. Whatever part of his mind and confidence existed prior to the Montreal playoff debacle hasn’t returned. Quite frankly, he looks like a fraud; a one–year wonder. And, not because of ability beneath the shoulders. It’s north of the neck where Kelly is foundering. Perhaps without remedy if he is chronically unhinged, as his off–field conduct loudly suggests. It’s the sort of emotional quagmire that only Clemons might be able to address. If Dinwiddie stays, the team will continue to tank. And, how to you sell that to an already detached public?
Pinball has rescued the Argos in the past. He has never been needed more urgently than right now.
FROM THE VAULT — AGAIN
More items from my large hockey collection:
Everyone’s favorite defunct NHL team: the California/Oakland/Bay Area/California Golden Seals. Played in the league for nine seasons (1967–68 to 1975–76) and had four different names. Above, are obviously rare game programs from the Oakland Coliseum–Arena in 1968 and 1971. Including, the opener to the club’s second season (below), a 5–1 loss to the Minnesota North Stars.
Three of the nine media guides in California Seals history. Once the club had switched to green and gold.
The World Hockey Association — a rival of the NHL for seven years (1972–79) — arrived in Toronto for the 1973–74 season, as the Ottawa Nationals became the Toronto Toros. The club played in tiny (4,116 capacity) Varsity Arena at the University of Toronto. Welcoming such stars as Gordie Howe (Houston Aeros), Bobby Hull (Winnipeg Jets) and Gerry Cheevers (Cleveland Crusaders) back to our city. These are programs from the ’73–74 Toros season. The nomadic club moved into Maple Leaf Gardens for 1974–75 and 1975–76 before relocating again, this time (with former Leafs Frank Mahovlich and Paul Henderson) to Birmingham, Alabama.
The annual preview magazine published by The Hockey News launched for the 1976–77 NHL season. Here are the first three editions.
The NHL halted publication of its annual Guide & Record Book after 2018–19, going digital. In my collection, I have every Guide dating to 1966–67, the last year of the six–team league. Above, are four–such items, including Wayne Gretzky’s first season (1979–80).
NHL programs (above) from the Montreal Forum in 1968–69, including a visit (below) by the Leafs on Boxing Day of that season.
EMAIL: HOWARDLBERGER@GMAIL.COM
First of all, get rid of the awful uniforms. They look like a bunch of not-football players (is that politically correct?). Hard to get jacked up for a football game looking like ballerinas. But that just my opinion.
Well I wish there was something more positive to talk about but I just wanted to say that I’m happy to see you writing about the Argos again.
As a diehard Argo fan for over 5 decades, it is frustrating to watch such an incompetent head coach continually look totally lost in virtually all aspects of the game. Kelly has no spark, shows no enthusiasm, and looks like a deer in the headlights. The offense reflects his dismal demeanor. Unless he can immediately get his head on straight I believe he is done like dinner. As incredible as Pinball is, I’m not sure is willing to tackle this mess. Friday the 13th is a huge character tester for Argos.
It appears to me that Kelly is a one hit wonder. The real Chad Kelly is the one who showed up in the eastern final, making one I’ll advised decision after another . That Duquoy interception is a case in point. The ball never should have been thrown
What was he thinking? The best that could have happened is the pass would have been knocked down. Instead, the worst possible thing happened: as Duquoy said, CK hit him right on the numbers. What’s a guy to do but say thank you very much and scamper 106 yards for a pick 6.
Chad Kelly has been annointed by Dinwiddie as the Argos savior and as long as Dinwiddie is calling the shots, the Argos will miss the playoffs.
CD should have been placed in a backup role upon the end of his suspension. Watching from the sidelines may have convinced him that he is NOT football’s Jesus Christ!
This would have shown him that as Pinball says, “EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT, BUT NO ONE IS ESSENTIAL”!
If his starting position had been lost, the team’s standing could be no worse than it is now!
He did look like a player in a very bad dream, totally and clearly unnerved before and after both of those picks.
The head coach and play caller also was stuck in his ‘big play mentality, and for the most part, abandoned the ground game.
My remedy: Bench Kelly, strip the play-calling from the HC,
and return to a more balanced game plan. We know in the CFL, a good ground game is a proven winner as it gets colder and sloppy.
Playoffs or not, fire Dinwiddie close to or near the end of the season. Dinwiddie cannot ever even carry Chris Jones’ jockstrap, but for a few missed field goals, CJ would still be the HC of the Elks 🙁
Pinball is much too intelligent to return to coaching now!
My 2-cents 🙂
cw
I can’t agree as 2 years ago Dinwiddie won the Grey Cup. Last year had Kelly not imploded they may have won another. I am not sure if they were way over the cap but allowing 12 guys go move on was a huge mistake. And not sure any coach could win with what’s out there now. It’s sad as I thought they were turning corner in relevance and in entertainment. And they are not going to bench Kelly on league where he represents around 15% of the gross cap. And the guys behind him are not the answer. So just gotta have faith this season.
I agree their defense has been decimated. But, there’s no excuse for getting outscored 53-3 in the first 20 minutes of three games. THAT is a coaching issue.
It’s always easy to pick on the Argos isn’t it?. You say it would be hard to see pay to watch it. Wow! How about those perennial loser blue jays!Those raptors are no prize either. But its writers like you that will really sink the good ship Argo. It was only less than 2 years ago this team won the cup. Have the leafies won a cup lately? Lol. No they cant win a playoff round!
Your point is?
Great article & recommendations regarding ARGOS! CK is obviously affected by his actions which was clearly visible during Eastern Final last year too. Not going to get better vs BC next week. Prolly another blowout!
Change needed or season is lost!!