Lots has changed since 2012
Only four Argos remain from last Grey Cup winning team
Four players remain from the 2012 Argos team, a special group no one envisioned going the distance when the season began amid so many new faces, a fresh- faced head coach in Scott Milanovich and the mad defensive scientist in defensive co- ordinator Chris Jones.
No one knew how a veteran quarterback such as Ricky Ray would learn an offence that takes years to master, no one knew how a team could run the table late in a season and into the post- season when very few signs of glory would be gleaned.
No one knew but everyone eventually caught on when the Argos played host to the 100th Grey Cup and defeated the Stamps.
The franchises meet again this Sunday in the 100th renewal of the CFL’s biggest game.
It could be Ray’s final game. Calgary starts Bo Levi Mitchell, who quietly came into the Grey Cup five years ago when the Stamps were stumped by the Jones defence and unable to contain Chad Kackert, the game’s MVP.
Ray, offensive tackle Chris Van Zeyl, linebacker Marcus Ball and defensive back Matt Black each played in the 100th Grey Cup.
A week earlier in Montreal, Marc Trestman coached his final game before he left for the NFL.
There are no coaches on this year’s staff who experienced the 2012 journey.
The Argos in 2012 had characters with some, dare we say, dubious character, a few driven by agenda and ego, but Milanovich and Jones knew how to manage them.
There aren’t many, if any, agendadriven players on this year’s group, in part due to Trestman’s ability to set the tone, but also due to the team’s objective of acquiring character individuals.
The four remaining players from that team of the century each has different roles, each playing some part in Toronto’s success.
Ray is the focal point given the position he plays, but his presence is undeniable.
Calm, cool and accurate, Ray will be required to play the game of his life this Sunday.
Van Zeyl needs to be an anchor for a unit that must win the line of scrimmage against a very good Stamps defence.
Black will do whatever is asked, a high character player who was released by the Argos and then asked to come back when Jermaine Gabriel was injured.
Ball is the quintessential playmaker at linebacker and team leader, returning for last Sunday’s East final for the first time since an injury back on Sept. 30.
All four are battle- tested, each leading the way through their actions and words.
“When you have a hall of fame quarterback behind you anything can happen,’’ said Van Zeyl.
It can happen much like it did happen five years ago.
In 2012, the Argos ended the season at 9- 9, including two straight wins to end the regular season.
In 2017, the Argos ended the season with nine wins, including two season- ending victories.
There was a cross- over opponent five years ago, much like this ride.
The one big difference is weather.
In all three post- season games in 2012, all were played indoors.
When the wild howled at BMO last week, Ray had a tough time throwing with the wind and against it.
Another big difference is special teams, an area the Argos must clean up to have a chance against the Stamps.
In the 100th Grey Cup, the Stamps were favoured by a touchdown, a margin bookies have opened with this week.
“We got what it takes,’’ said Ball. “We have the respect for this game. Our process won’t change. We’ll still continue to do what we need to do and most importantly play Argos football.
“We have great leaders on this team, leading by our own specific way.”
Black is the leader of the Canadians who play on special teams, leading the way overall through his hard work and commitment.
Ray is the Argos’ overall leader, by far the team’s most indispensable and valuable player.
Van Zeyl is a rock at right tackle, while Ball is the emotional leader on defence.
Four guys from the 2012 Grey Cup team, four guys who know what it takes, a group of four that realizes the magnitude of this moment.