ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
 
TORONTO –  As we officially enter the 2010/2011 off-season, argonauts.ca breaks down each position, as they stand now and where they may be heading into next year.  In the first of three installments, we take a look at the offensive side of the ball.

With an entirely new playbook, fresh personnel and a brand new system, the 2010 Argos offence could probably best be described as a ‘work in progress’.  A shining star in the backfield that stands out amongst an offence that struggled to find its rhythm, a few more receivers, and more work with the pivots is likely what is needed to get the offence to a point where everyone is on the same page.

What started as a five horse race for the starting job was quickly dwindled down to one, with Cleo Lemon earning starter status out of training camp.  Lemon had a rollercoaster season in his rookie campaign in the CFL, passing for the least amount of yards of any full-time starter in the league.  However, if the season is measured on wins, as it usually is, Lemon led his team to 10 of them (including playoffs) - something that should be recognized for a first-year player. Looking Foward: Jim Barker eluded to the fact that Lemon might see some competition heading into camp next year and his growth may have stagnated toward the end of the season but he has, by no means, lost the confidence of both his teammates and coaches.

Cory Boyd was, undoubtedly, the most consistent player on either side of the ball. The league leader in yards from scrimmage, he was the Argos’ workhorse. The addition of import RB Dwayne Wright toward the end of the season helped sustain the bruising back down the stretch.  Looking Forward: Boyd will be the incumbent starter next season but import depth will definitely be needed, especially to off-set the workload of #3 to ensure he remains relatively healthy over an 18-game schedule.

The receivers seemed to struggle to get on the same page with both their quarterback and one another for most of the season.  The leadership of SB Jeremaine Copeland was invaluable to a group that was relatively young and inexperienced.  Looking Forward: The emergence of WR Spencer Watt highlights a group of Canadian receivers that seemed to be more involved this year than in previous years. That said, building through the 2011 Canadian Draft will be paramount to acquire depth.  In addition, free agency could allow the Boatmen to get another proven import receiver who is not only a playmaker but could help offset some of the double teams that appear in the way of Copeland and speedy WR Chad Owens.

Left tackle Rob Murphy had a bounce-back year in 2010. A team captain, earned CFL All-Star honours and anchored a line that played solid pass protection and often left gaping holes for Boyd and the rest of the backfield to navigate through.  Looking Forward: Chris Van Zeyl has emerged as an everyday starter and, barring injury, should have another solid season with nearly one full one under his belt.  Additions to the line may depend on how many single and double tight end formations the club runs next year, something they frequented in 2010.