Chad Owens was, for all intents and purposes, the face of the Argos franchise for nearly half a decade. He bled double blue like no one since Pinball Clemons. He was their heart and soul, and in just five years became one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
Which obviously made him public enemy No. 1 in Hamilton.
Coming to terms with Owens’ signing has not been easy for Ticats fans, including this one. He has been loathed for so long that the mere idea of him signing with Hamilton sent shivers down many people’s spines. But sign he did, and when it happened, a lot of people went through a wide range of emotions, myself included.
Here’s a sampling of my Twitter timeline from Thursday, in chronological (and emotional) order.
Shock
— Josh Smith (@JoshSmith_82) February 11, 2016
It goes without saying that Owens signing with the Ticats shocked almost everyone. No way did this just happen! Not him! Not here!
Disbelief
All my personal feelings aside, what role does Owens fill? Ticats have plenty of US WRs and a return man in Speedy B. I don’t see the fit.
— Josh Smith (@JoshSmith_82) February 11, 2016
The sister step of shock where you begin to question just why things are happening. Why would the Ticats need a player like Owens? They have plenty of American receivers and have all-world return man Brandon Banks. They don’t need Owens. This signing is preposterous!
Anger
I’m trying to find the positives, but this is a dark day. And don’t compare this to the Arland Bruce trade. It’s not the same.
— Josh Smith (@JoshSmith_82) February 11, 2016
This is where you start to lash out. Sure, there could be some good in this, but don’t tell me that. And don’t you dare compare this to an otherwise very comparable situation. This step is also where someone might break something (note: I did not break anything.)
Bargaining
Owens, Tasker and Fantuz in the slot, Watt and Toliver out wide, Underwood as the No. 6. That is a pretty potent WR corps.
— Josh Smith (@JoshSmith_82) February 11, 2016
This is where you come off the edge of the cliff and start seeing that maybe this isn’t a bad thing. Some bargain to make the thing go way, while others bargain to make the bad situation become palatable. Just look at that group. That’s a pretty lethal group of pass catchers. This might not be so bad after all.
Acceptance
Another positive: when Collaros returns, he will be familiar with everyone of his receivers. Chemistry will not be an issue.
— Josh Smith (@JoshSmith_82) February 11, 2016
This is full-on accepting the fact that this thing has happened, but that it might not be as bad as you thought. Maybe this will all work out. Heck, maybe this might even be a good thing!
Joy
If nothing else good happens b/c of this, I would love nothing more than to see Owens burn the Argos for 150+ and 2 TDs in BMO home opener.
— Josh Smith (@JoshSmith_82) February 11, 2016
We haven’t quite reached this phase yet, but we will get there once he plays. I know when Owens makes that first one-sided grab at Tim Hortons Field and the crowd erupts, I will have a little smirk on my face.
Welcome to Hamilton, Chad. We are a complex bunch.
