Argos about to extend lease at Rogers Centre for 5 more years?

[Boxcar]

Ricky Ray although hurt...when he gets back is a great player to watch. It's a shame some of you won't watch the Argos which is filled with some entertaining players. The biggest thing holding getting grass isn't the argos...it's the stadium. The logistics of getting grass into a dome given where it is situated is not easy.

 

I think it's a much bigger shame that they insist on keeping a CFL team in Toronto.

[flafson]

I think it's a much bigger shame that they insist on keeping a CFL team in Toronto.

 

Why? I like the CFL and the CFL is part of Canada.

[Dick_Pole]

Why? I like the CFL and the CFL is part of Canada.

 

Probably because he's one of these douchebags that thinks Toronto is too "good" for the CFL...yeah let's just throw away the oldest pro football team in North America because this guy doesn't like it. I swear what a douchebag thing to say. I don't particularly care for soccer but I would never say get rid of the Toronto FC or that the MLS sucks because I don't like it. I'm not a huge CFL fan but I've gone to a couple of games and I enjoyed them.

[torontofan]

I am firmly in favour of natural grass. It's softer, causes fewer injuries, and let's face it folks, it's prettier on TV.

 

We aren't living in the 20th century anymore. With the new age turf Injury rates on turf and grass are basically the same, if not less injuries occurring on turf.

[jaysblue]

I think it's a much bigger shame that they insist on keeping a CFL team in Toronto.

 

-1 on your post

[jaysblue]

Why? I like the CFL and the CFL is part of Canada.

 

+1

 

CFL is an entertaining game. I enjoy watching it, more than the NFL at times since the game goes by faster with 3 downs instead of 4. I've been to several Argos games this year and even went to Montreal and saw them play the Als at McGill which was awesome.

[flafson]

+1

 

CFL is an entertaining game. I enjoy watching it, more than the NFL at times since the game goes by faster with 3 downs instead of 4. I've been to several Argos games this year and even went to Montreal and saw them play the Als at McGill which was awesome.

 

I feel the same way, 4 downs makes it so slow, sometimes a whole quarter goes by under the same team possession, it's crazy.

[Boxcar]

Probably because he's one of these douchebags that thinks Toronto is too "good" for the CFL...yeah let's just throw away the oldest pro football team in North America because this guy doesn't like it. I swear what a douchebag thing to say. I don't particularly care for soccer but I would never say get rid of the Toronto FC or that the MLS sucks because I don't like it. I'm not a huge CFL fan but I've gone to a couple of games and I enjoyed them.

 

http://twelvemenonthefield.blogspot.ca/2013/07/cfl-attendance-tracker-2013.html

 

It's pretty evident that most people in Toronto don't give two shits about the Argos and would rather have an NFL team. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's a fact.

 

Also, I don't care about the MLS or Toronto FC, even though it is hilariously silly to call them a football club in a country that calls the sport soccer, because they aren't blocking anything else. They have their own facility and it's not like there's a semi-decent league waiting to swoop in.

 

Try to unwad your panties there, champ.

[GeorgiaPeach]

And to be honest, football games are more enjoyable to go to than baseball IMO.

 

It's all a matter of personal preference.

[GeorgiaPeach]

We aren't living in the 20th century anymore. With the new age turf Injury rates on turf and grass are basically the same, if not less injuries occurring on turf.

 

And Canada is a nice country, yet small hindrances still prevent MLB players from looking at Toronto as a preferred destination.

[flafson]

http://twelvemenonthefield.blogspot.ca/2013/07/cfl-attendance-tracker-2013.html

 

It's pretty evident that most people in Toronto don't give two shits about the Argos and would rather have an NFL team. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's a fact.

 

Also, I don't care about the MLS or Toronto FC, even though it is hilariously silly to call them a football club in a country that calls the sport soccer, because they aren't blocking anything else. They have their own facility and it's not like there's a semi-decent league waiting to swoop in.

 

Try to unwad your panties there, champ.

 

If the CFL had the same amount of money going on like NFL or MLB you would have the same amount of support. Truth is, the league is too small and there is little that can be done unless it becomes highly profitable.

[Dick_Pole]

http://twelvemenonthefield.blogspot.ca/2013/07/cfl-attendance-tracker-2013.html

 

It's pretty evident that most people in Toronto don't give two shits about the Argos and would rather have an NFL team. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's a fact.

 

Also, I don't care about the MLS or Toronto FC, even though it is hilariously silly to call them a football club in a country that calls the sport soccer, because they aren't blocking anything else. They have their own facility and it's not like there's a semi-decent league waiting to swoop in.

 

Try to unwad your panties there, champ.

 

My gosh you sound like one of these typical arrogant Toronto leftist NDP types - preach tolerance, freedom and acceptance, but as soon as something goes against your personal feelings you're as fascist as they come. The Argos have been in this city 100 years longer than the Jays, people like them and its a viable business. They have a right to be here. You use attendance figures that would have rivaled Jays attendance figures not too long ago as part of your argument but salaries in the CFL are what? 10% of MLB salaries, if that?

 

It would be like me saying I don't like those gay bars and other pro-queer businesses in the Church/Wellesley area. Probably a lot of other people don't like them either. They are blocking prime real estate to turn into even more condos. But there are others who do like them and they are viable businesses so what is my right to say they shouldn't exist? Gotta put in an example that you NDP types can really sink your teeth into.

 

As far as having the NFL team here....sure people would like to have one...I'd like to have one too. But it isn't even the Argos that are stopping that from happening...it's the Bills. So until Ralph Wilson croaks which will be another 3 or 4 decades at this pace don't expect the NFL here just yet. And if/when there is an NFL team here, that doesn't mean the CFL team won't be viable. It's 8 extra home games, the seasons don't overlap that much and the crowds aren't necessarily the same. The city could support both much like they do with the Leafs and Marlies.

[guylaroche5]

i don't give a s*** about the CFL, hell have it for another 50 years i don't care. just get out of the rogers centre already

[saskjayfan]

http://twelvemenonthefield.blogspot.ca/2013/07/cfl-attendance-tracker-2013.html

 

It's pretty evident that most people in Toronto don't give two shits about the Argos and would rather have an NFL team. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's a fact.

 

Also, I don't care about the MLS or Toronto FC, even though it is hilariously silly to call them a football club in a country that calls the sport soccer, because they aren't blocking anything else. They have their own facility and it's not like there's a semi-decent league waiting to swoop in.

 

Try to unwad your panties there, champ.

 

While there may be more that like the NFL than the argos in Toronto it's pretty clear by all the money Rogers lost from bringing Bills games to Toronto that there aren't enough NFL fans to bring an NFL team to Toronto. Giving away half your tickets isn't exactly the best business model. You don't think the NFL is aware of the lack of success those games had up North. LA is going to get a team before Toronto ever does.

 

The NFL is obviously a great marketing machine, has fantasy football and gambling. Those attributes are appealing to me too. The CFL has limitations with only 8 teams, but it expands to 9 next year and potentially 10 if they can get one in the maritimes. The CFL is on it's best financial ground it's been on in a long time. The CFL games have had higher average viewership in Canada than the NFL the last few years which is why their new TV Deal is worth 3 times what the old one was and kicks in next year. Out west the CFL draws extremely well. It's a great product and very affordable entertainment. If I could go watch Ricky Ray and Chad Owens take on take on Durant and Dressler for 25 bucks...I'd be there in a heartbeat.

[flafson]

i don't give a s*** about the CFL, hell have it for another 50 years i don't care. just get out of the rogers centre already

 

They wouldn't mind having you donate 150 million and they will be out of your way.

[Boxcar]

My gosh you sound like one of these typical arrogant Toronto leftist NDP types

Yes, this is now political...somehow.

 

The Argos have been in this city 100 years longer than the Jays, people like them and its a viable business.

1. Who cares, 2. If people like them, why are they last in attendance despite being located in the largest city in Canada, and 3. Sure, if being on the verge of bankruptcy all the time is viable business http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=c718a42f-d7c3-4a76-84e1-06820b6dc363

 

They have a right to be here. You use attendance figures that would have rivaled Jays attendance figures not too long ago as part of your argument but salaries in the CFL are what? 10% of MLB salaries, if that?

 

I don't care, and the Jays don't rely on loans to operate. The comparison is irrelevant since the Jays make money while the Argos don't.

 

It would be like me saying I don't like those gay bars and other pro-queer businesses in the Church/Wellesley area. Probably a lot of other people don't like them either. They are blocking prime real estate to turn into even more condos. But there are others who do like them and they are viable businesses so what is my right to say they shouldn't exist? Gotta put in an example that you NDP types can really sink your teeth into.

 

Exactly the same. You're right.

 

As far as having the NFL team here....sure people would like to have one...I'd like to have one too. But it isn't even the Argos that are stopping that from happening...it's the Bills. So until Ralph Wilson croaks which will be another 3 or 4 decades at this pace don't expect the NFL here just yet. And if/when there is an NFL team here, that doesn't mean the CFL team won't be viable. It's 8 extra home games, the seasons don't overlap that much and the crowds aren't necessarily the same. The city could support both much like they do with the Leafs and Marlies.

 

You are one huge idiot if you think these things. First, the NFL likes to make nice with the CFL and yes, the Argos are a MAJOR factor as to why the NFL won't be in Toronto anytime soon. Second, the Bills have little to do with this. Third, are you f***ing high? Of course the CFL won't be viable once Toronto gets a team...not like it's viable now anyway. Comparing the Leafs with the Marlies? Really? Are you aware that the Marlies are the Leafs' farm team and the Argos would continue to be a s***** team filled with cast offs and substitute teachers, with absolutely no connection to the Toronto NFL team?

 

Since, somehow, you brought up politics for some reason, I'm going to guess that you're an angry old fart, probably libertarian. You types love playing politics, especially when the situation doesn't warrant it.

[Boxcar]

While there may be more that like the NFL than the argos in Toronto it's pretty clear by all the money Rogers lost from bringing Bills games to Toronto that there aren't enough NFL fans to bring an NFL team to Toronto. Giving away half your tickets isn't exactly the best business model. You don't think the NFL is aware of the lack of success those games had up North. LA is going to get a team before Toronto ever does.

 

The NFL is obviously a great marketing machine, has fantasy football and gambling. Those attributes are appealing to me too. The CFL has limitations with only 8 teams, but it expands to 9 next year and potentially 10 if they can get one in the maritimes. The CFL is on it's best financial ground it's been on in a long time. The CFL games have had higher average viewership in Canada than the NFL the last few years which is why their new TV Deal is worth 3 times what the old one was and kicks in next year. Out west the CFL draws extremely well. It's a great product and very affordable entertainment. If I could go watch Ricky Ray and Chad Owens take on take on Durant and Dressler for 25 bucks...I'd be there in a heartbeat.

 

People in Toronto are not Bills fans by default. The Bills are NOT "Toronto's team" as much as Rogers tries to market them as such. NFL fans in Toronto are so varied, I have a buddy who is a die hard Lions fan, another that loves the Jets, another that loves the Packers, etc. That's how it is here, and giving us Bills games with expensive seating to watch two bad teams that people in the city probably don't care much about, then having the players for the "home team" speaking out about how much they hate having to come up here to play a game it's easy to see why they don't draw well. It in no way indicates the level of support the Toronto xxxxx's would receive.

[jaysblue]

http://twelvemenonthefield.blogspot.ca/2013/07/cfl-attendance-tracker-2013.html

 

It's pretty evident that most people in Toronto don't give two shits about the Argos and would rather have an NFL team. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's a fact.

 

Also, I don't care about the MLS or Toronto FC, even though it is hilariously silly to call them a football club in a country that calls the sport soccer, because they aren't blocking anything else. They have their own facility and it's not like there's a semi-decent league waiting to swoop in.

 

Try to unwad your panties there, champ.

 

If Toronto has so many NFL fans, then why are tickets for Bills games in Toronto not in high demand? Rogers can't even give tickets away. Just shows you that having an NFL team in this city doesn't mean that they'll be sellouts every game.

 

The Bills aren't the greatest team by any means, but if Toronto managed to get an NFL team, its either a) the Bills or an expansion team - so in essence the team won't be that very good. Also, Toronto can't support an NFL team for a number of reasons: 1) Toronto doesn't have a stadium that can hold 80,000 + which is what most NFL stadiums hold in the U.S.; 2) Tailgating - not sure laws in Canada are the same as in the U.S. and it's not like there's any room around the Rogers Centre for tailgating which is quite a big deal in the NFL.

[jaysblue]

While there may be more that like the NFL than the argos in Toronto it's pretty clear by all the money Rogers lost from bringing Bills games to Toronto that there aren't enough NFL fans to bring an NFL team to Toronto. Giving away half your tickets isn't exactly the best business model. You don't think the NFL is aware of the lack of success those games had up North. LA is going to get a team before Toronto ever does.

 

The NFL is obviously a great marketing machine, has fantasy football and gambling. Those attributes are appealing to me too. The CFL has limitations with only 8 teams, but it expands to 9 next year and potentially 10 if they can get one in the maritimes. The CFL is on it's best financial ground it's been on in a long time. The CFL games have had higher average viewership in Canada than the NFL the last few years which is why their new TV Deal is worth 3 times what the old one was and kicks in next year. Out west the CFL draws extremely well. It's a great product and very affordable entertainment. If I could go watch Ricky Ray and Chad Owens take on take on Durant and Dressler for 25 bucks...I'd be there in a heartbeat.

 

+1

 

TSN has done an amazing job broadcasting CFL games and promoting the game. They've been really helping the league move forward. There is solid talent in the CFL - watching Ricky Ray and Chad Owens on the Argos for example - those are very good players.

 

When I was in NYC at a Mets game, I was talking with a Mets fan - told him I was from Toronto - and we we're talking sports in general, and football came up since he asked me if I ever been to an NFL game. Mentioned the Argos and the CFL, and he even said that the CFL is a lot of fun to watch and that when he visited Toronto went to some Argos games as well.

[KSaw]

Why don't the Argos just play at BMO field?

 

Simply because neither Toronto FC or Soccer Canada wants any part of adding 25 yards of length to the stadium.

[KSaw]

+1

 

TSN has done an amazing job broadcasting CFL games and promoting the game. They've been really helping the league move forward. There is solid talent in the CFL - watching Ricky Ray and Chad Owens on the Argos for example - those are very good players.

 

When I was in NYC at a Mets game, I was talking with a Mets fan - told him I was from Toronto - and we we're talking sports in general, and football came up since he asked me if I ever been to an NFL game. Mentioned the Argos and the CFL, and he even said that the CFL is a lot of fun to watch and that when he visited Toronto went to some Argos games as well.

 

I used to enjoy the CFL. Here's why I don't now:

 

- The CFL was a quarterback's league, loaded with talented supposedly too short for the NFL former college stars and black QBs who couldn't get a shot. It's not the case anymore. 25 years ago Russel Wilson, RG3, Michael Vick and Drew Brees would have been in the CFL. In order, Tom Clements, Condrege Holloway, Warren Moon and Dieter Brock were those guys.

 

- Undersized linebackers land in NFL Tampa-2 systems, when they used to come to Canada.

 

- D-ends with speed who don't crack the NFL go to arena leagues for the money.

 

- The CFL could compete with the NFL for contracts. NFL free agency ended that.

 

Simply put, the game is played by subpar football players and it shows. There are so many bad routes by receivers and so many DBs that bite on pump fakes and just bad play at the linebacker positions. Sure, thère's some elite talent but those players generally head south unless they are really suited to the Canadian game. I just wish that there were more of them and that they weren't on NFL practice squads or playing special teams in the NFL.

 

And while I'm at it, good God can we please lose forward motion before the snap outside the tackle box? The Canadian rules never intended for wide receivers to be running toward the line and taking away the bump and run coverages from corners. The rule was for RBs to have a better shot at hitting holes quickly so there could be a running game in 3-down football. And if you watch replays, guess what? The offence is offsides more than 70% of the time. Receivers do not time the snap and are running. CFL officials let it go because if close enough wasnt good enough, there'd be a flag on almost every play. It's silly!

[KSaw]

But yes, Chad Owens and Ricky Ray are good football players and are fun to watch. The league needs more of them.

[flafson]

Of course there is a difference in talent but watching last night NFL game, it's pretty clear that a lot of time, the receivers in the CFL are just as good as many receivers in the NFL.

And what can i say, 4 downs IMO makes the game slow and boring.

Flaco suppose to be elite QB (money wise) who makes 50 times more than Ricky Ray but he only had 54% completion rate last night, and yes i understand his receivers didn't do him any favors.

[flafson]

I'm not one to join this argument, but you said "a lot of the receivers are just as good as the ones in the NFL". This is completely untrue, because usually players who get cut from the NFL or can't make the team out of training camp come play in the CFL. the CFL gets the NFLs scraps

 

That is true but the fact is, a lot of them aren't given enough chances, or cut for other reasons.

 

See Chad Owens as an example, even Montreal cut him off, does it mean that he's scrap? He's obviously shorter than most NFL receivers but i don't see why Wes Welker can be successful NFL receiver and Owens can't, they are both short.

Also, what i was referring to was the amount of incomplete passes, obviously there are many reasons to that but i would assume that a team like Baltimore where everyone is elite talent and money wise can do a better job at passing than Ricky Ray and the Argos.

[CHRIS]

I think Ryan Goins should expand his repertoire and attempt to make it as a two-sport athlete in the CFL. From what I've seen so far, he looks like he has the hands to be a passable receiver in the CFL.

[flafson]

A quick google search shows yea, he was a scrap. He was drafted by Jacksonville in 2005 in the 6th round, and bounced around the league a few times on practice rosters before joining the arena football league.

He could not make the NFL teams, but he excels in the CFL. Thank you for giving me an example.

 

Google also says Chad Owens is 1.55m.... While he's 1.73m.

According to wiki his involvement in Jacsonville was 3 fumbles on punt returns and 1 touchdown pass.

This example actually proves my point, Chad Owens is exactly what CFL GMs are looking for, someone who was overlooked by the NFL for different reasons and is given another chance and excels at the CFL.

You could argue that he's like a AAAA player in baseball and because he was cast away by the NFL, that's true.

 

CFL doesn't have the money or fame to draw people to it unless they were NFL scraps or overlooked by the NFL. Last year, Argos gave a shot to Armond Armstead because no one wanted to draft him with his health history. After 1 season with the Argos, Patriots signed him up to a nice deal.

Tony Washington is also a nice example, no body in the NFL wanted him because 10 years ago he pleaded guilty for sexual conduct with his sister. Argos gave him a shot and he did a good job protecting Ricky Ray when we won the grey cup last year.

 

Obviously it's not the same but the way CFL teams manage kinda reminds me Money Ball.

[BlueJayWay]

[guylaroche5]

 

beeston keeping his word on a promise he made? wtf is this

 

hell yeah though, i can't wait to see the dome with GRASS and hopefully some signed free agents to boot!

[KSaw]

Of course there is a difference in talent but watching last night NFL game, it's pretty clear that a lot of time, the receivers in the CFL are just as good as many receivers in the NFL.

And what can i say, 4 downs IMO makes the game slow and boring.

Flaco suppose to be elite QB (money wise) who makes 50 times more than Ricky Ray but he only had 54% completion rate last night, and yes i understand his receivers didn't do him any favors.

 

CFL receivers aren't even close. NFL receivers have to run precise routes, while the CFL field size is forgiving. CFL receivers get a running start, while those in the NFL have to beat a corner at the line. NFL receivers are involved on complex blocking schemes, while receivers blocking in the CFL is almost never a requirement on a run play or a swing pass. They just run downfield and draw coverage. And while I'm at it, NFL receivers go over the middle on narrow fields and take huge shots from linebackers. They also take monster hits from safeties. CFL safeties are more like extra corners.

 

Mervyn Fernandez had good success in the NFL but a superstar like Terry Greer was a #3-4 receiver in the NFL. Joey Walters had some success in the USFL. Most are just too small or aren't strong enough to break away from the line of scrimmage. Now if someone in the NFL wants to use a run and shoot offence like the Warren Moon Houston Oilers or the Jeff George Atlanta Falcons, sure, there are good receivers in the CFL who would fit in the offence.

[KSaw]

Take a look at the types of skill players the CFL teams sign from US schools. Receivers and backs from spread offence schools, lots being 3rd down H-backs and slot receivers. And the number of option QBs and small spread-O QBs is pretty large. They bring em in and try them on for size. Some stick. It's been going on a long time. Ricky Foggie, Gilbert Renfroe, Cleo Lemon, Steven Jyles, Kerry Joseph, Michael Bishop, Damon Allen and Joe "747" Adams are just a few examples of option or spread-o QBs to come through Toronto.