After taking most of the year to decide on an Argos jersey, it appears as though our good friend Shoomy's decision has ended in heartbreak.  Luckily, he was able to stop sobbing long enough to provide us with this pinch hit.

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When the list of Argo free agents was announced I was disheartened to see who was on it… my man, number 65, Jerome Davis. Now I know that some Argo powers that be read this blog and it was my hope that their knowledge of my fondness for the big bald bearded fellow might be persuaded to keep their All-Star right tackle. Sadly, Jerome is now a member of the Grand Rapids Rampage.

The Jerome Davis jersey and Jerome, both during better times Jerome, in addition to wishing all the best, I also wanted to take a moment to offer an apology to you and the entire Argo nation. As Rusty pointed out earlier in the season - clearly my purchase of your jersey jinxed you - and it was that jinx that caused the season to spiral out of control.

Consider the facts: Jerome had been playing through some foot issues for most of the season to the level that he was voted an Eastern All-Star. It was not until my jersey purchase that he broke a few ribs in practice and was forced out of the final game of the season and the Eastern Final, both against Montreal, both loses.

Jerome did return for one game though where the true impact of his loss was highlighted by the inspiration that is his participation. I am hesitant to use the word heroic for Jerome’s play during the Eastern Conference Semi-final so let me instead use a word that provides a more adequate representation of his display on that day – superhuman.

Yes there were one or two holding penalties but if you saw him on the sideline you would wonder why he didn’t get a tripping call – from the opposition falling over his obviously excruciatingly pained and mangled corpse. I can’t count the number of trainers that looked after him or the number of times Rusty or A-Rad leaned over to me during the game saying – that’s it, he’s done – only to shake their heads in disbelief as Jerome went trotting out on to the field for the next offensive series. At one point he had a towel firmly wrapped around his head with a trainer pleading with him to put him out of his misery, only to once again answer the call.

To recap - the only Argo victory in the last 3 meaningful games of the season was the one Jerome played. Who knows what might have been had I not jinxed the All-Star right tackle? For that I am truly sorry.

If you faithful boatmenblog readers might indulge me for a moment, to Jerome - in the off chance he reads this blog - I would like to sincerely pass along my best wishes and sincere thanks for being a big part of my first Argo season.