Tomas Makacek/Argonauts.ca
Ask Anthony Coombs what he’s expecting his role to be in 2017 for the Toronto Argonauts and he says really not sure.
Sitting at a table with CFL.ca at Mark’s CFL Week in Regina – about three months before the season was set to begin – Coombs admitted he didn’t exactly know how newly appointed head coach Marc Trestman was going to use him.
But, like any team player would, the running back said he’s ready to do whatever necessary to help the Argos to a winning record.
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team out though,” Coombs said. “For me, it doesn’t matter. I just want to make plays. I just want to be in there and get an opportunity to help the team out.”
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Coombs is hoping the new leadership in town will help turn things around in Toronto this season (Johany Jutras/Argonauts.ca)
For the Argos, 2016 was a frustrating season to say the least – the team won just five games.
Things started off on the right foot for the Double Blue – they were 4-2 in their first six contests. But that’s when things started to take a turn for the worse. The squad’s last win of the season was in Week 12, a 33-21 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Starting quarterback Ricky Ray went down with injuries twice during the campaign and the team struggled to find chemistry and find the win column.
“We started off good and then Ricky went down,” said Coombs. “I just feel like we lost some tough games and I don’t think that was a representation that things were going down hill but it was a bit of a quarterback carousel. (We were) always playing with a new guy every week it seemed and it was tough to build chemistry.
“Then Ricky returned and he left again. I’m not saying that was the reason why things went downhill but because the league is so tight already, if you’re having just the slightest issue in terms of chemistry and you’re not familiar with things that can definitely be an Achilles heel in the game.”
Last year, in his third season with the Argos, Coombs suited up in all 18 games – starting 11 of them. He caught 36 passes for 297 yards and one touchdown while also adding 45 yards on the ground and a major score on 12 rushes.
The 24-year-old also played on special teams, returning six kickoffs for 117 yards and one punt return for nine yards.
But now, with training camp starting this week, the slate is wiped clean and 2016 is in the rear view mirror.
A new head coach and a new general manager (Jim Popp) have invigorated Toronto – a dynamic duo that led the Montreal Alouettes to a 59-31 record through five seasons, winning two of three Grey Cup appearances and winning four East Division titles.
Signing a two-year extension earlier this off-season wasn’t a hard decision for the Argos’ 2014 first-round draft pick, especially with the new group in charge of steering the ship.
“The dream team,” Coombs said of Trestman and Popp. “The whole reason why I felt like re-signing was not just because I knew that this coach and this GM was going to be there but it was because the organization was going to push the boundaries and go after top talent and that’s exactly what they did.”
“I love Toronto. How could you not? It’s a happening place.”
Anthony Coombs
Coombs is ready and willing to do whatever it takes to help the Argos win this season (CFL.ca)
His love for the city of Toronto could have also played a part in why he re-signed with the club. Coombs has spent the last few off-seasons in his hometown of Winnipeg and then heads east during the season.
But this year, he’s moving to Toronto for good – completely buying in to the city and his team.
“I love Toronto,” Coombs admitted. “How could you not? It’s a happening place. It’s really cool.”
No matter what role Coombs has on his team this season, he’s just looking forward to putting on his gear, getting the year started and, of course, winning.
“Those feelings that I had at the time, they’re not still lingering within me,” Coombs said when asked about the disappointing ending to 2016. “I’ve kind of just moved on. But there’s never a lack of motivation when it comes to starting the season and competing. It’s a competitive league and everyone here wants to win and to be on top so there’s always motivation you can find.
“Especially with things feeling like they’re turning around, new people in the office and on the sidelines so it’s an exciting time to be an Argo.”