July 18, 2014: Toronto Argonauts vs. Ottawa RedBlacks

[1argoholic]

I'm very excited for the football fans in Ottawa. I wouldn't be surprised if we crap this one.

I'm very envious and feel like we're heading down the path Ottawa just came out of.

[mchesher03]

Same here. Everything I’m reading out of Ottawa I’d love to have half of that in-place here. I guess it gives some hope that it’s possible it could happen here given Ottawa had similar dire straits once upon a time. Either way that Ottawa franchise is doing things right.

[Do or Die]

Looks like a potential ambush game for you guys....

[argolio]

Looks like a potential ambush game for you guys....

Hard to be ambushed coming off last week's game.

[Deerkeeper]

I'm kind of divided about this game. I want the Argos to win, but I would also love to see Ottawa win their home opener. Can't decide who to root for.

[ArgoZ]

Interestingly, I think it's the same company providing food service at both TD Place and Rogers Centre - Compass Group.

Er, wait, I'm wrong. It used to be Compass Group at Skydome, now it's Aramark. Sorry. Hard to keep these huge multinationals straight.

Remember when it was all McDonalds at the dome? I still have my McDonalds Argonaut cups with pictures of Pinball, Flutie and even Andre Ware, LOL. Overpriced McDonalds, those were the days.

[jerrym]

Ray is going to Coombs a lot (4 times) early in the game with Owens, Durie and Barnes injured.

[jerrym]

Waters splits the uprights to give the Argos a 3-0 lead.

[jerrym]

Everything I’m reading out of Ottawa I’d love to have half of that in-place here. I guess it gives some hope that it’s possible it could happen here given Ottawa had similar dire straits once upon a time. Either way that Ottawa franchise is doing things right.

Having lived in Ottawa where several incarnations of a team died and in Vancouver where the team was on life support several times, I am not as gloomy about the future of the Argos as some here although I recognize there are many problems. When you throw in the fact that Montreal came back from the dead, I think the Argos could build a greater fanbase under the right ownership ( even though I'm still thankful for Braley keeping the Argos and Lions alive) or even have a Lazarus rising if needed.

[jerrym]

After two penalties and a first and 25 for Ottawa, Anderson senselessly hits the Ottawa receiver after he drops the ball to give the Redblacks a new first down. Both Anderson and the Argos have to stop these idiotic penalties.

[Gill The Thrill]

Interesting comments about Ottawa football, but you know what they'll have other home games this year....I want the Argos to win this game.

Good event, but so far a dog a game...7-6 with 2 minutes before halftime. I'm watching this board more than the game. I hate to say this but there has been a few too many stinkers throughout the league this season, as I thought last season too. Yesterday's game between 2 unbeaten teams was another...Best game was last Saturday's BC win by a point vs Saskatchewan so far, but I digress.

Let's hope it's just the early season jitters for offences before they get on track and produce long drives and exciting competitive games. Both the Argos and Redblacks have missed on long bombs which would have been big plays. Kierre Johnson had a TD for the Redblacks as he was behind coverage.

After two penalties and a first and 25 for Ottawa, Anderson senselessly hits the Ottawa receiver after he drops the ball to give the Redblacks a new first down. Both Anderson and the Argos have to stop these idiotic penalties.

This is the Dwight Anderson we've come to love and hate over the years. When you consider he was brought in for his experience, I don't think the coaches want the younger players to see those type of plays from a seasoned vet like him.

I wonder if he'll make it to Labour Day on the Argos roster?

[OV Argo]

Argos offence is so predicated on the short passes to Owens & Durie and hope they can make big YAC yards; great if they're in the line-up, but without them - stick to the same formula? = very limited and predictable offensive thinking. IMO - they need way more ground game - bang Steele, Slaton or Coombs with plenty of carriers, AND why can't Ray throw the ball well down field wayyyyy more? (worked on that big gainer to Adams)

This Ottawa team is brand new and still learning to play as a team, and they really don't have much talent ( that they are starting a couple of stiffs at receiver in Klueless Johnson & Dropsem Collins - rejects from other CFL teams where they already showed they are next to useless (good 40 times i bet though) - demonstrates some poor scouting and personnel decision making IMO) = this game should be a free spot on the bingo card sched. for the Argos IMO - don't blow this game or it will be an embarassment / great story for the new Ottawa team. Argo D should come up with a couple of take-aways in the 2nd half + the offence should be able to shred a very iffy Ottawa D for some big plays. A loss = big question marks for this Argo coaching staff.

[jerrym]

But for a couple of dropped passes Ottawa could have a big lead instead of a two point one. The Argos need to wake up if they are going to win.

[jerrym]

Argos offence is so predicated on the short passes to Owens & Durie and hope they can make big YAC yards; great if they're in the line-up, but without them - stick to the same formula? = very limited and predictable offensive thinking. IMO - they need way more ground game - bang Steele, Slaton or Coombs with plenty of carriers, AND why can't Ray throw the ball well down field wayyyyy more? (worked on that big gainer to Adams)

This Ottawa team is brand new and still learning to play as a team, and they really don't have much talent ( that they are starting a couple of stiffs at receiver in Klueless Johnson & Dropsem Collins - rejects from other CFL teams where they already showed they are next to useless (good 40 times i bet though) - demonstrates some poor scouting and personnel decision making IMO) = this game should be a free spot on the bingo card sched. for the Argos IMO - don't blow this game or it will be an embarassment / great story for the new Ottawa team. Argo D should come up with a couple of take-aways in the 2nd half + the offence should be able to shred a very iffy Ottawa D for some big plays. A loss = big question marks for this Argo coaching staff.

I agree. While ArgoRavi said the defence is the biggest Argo problem, they at least have the excuse of so many new players. The offence is pretty set although it is missiing Owens, Durie and Barnes tonight. But there are few adjustments being made, so it is the same old predictable short pass game, which makes it easier for an inexperienced Ottawa defence to halt.

[jerrym]

Finally a Touchdown!

[argos1873]

See that touchdown? IMHO an awesome display of how great Canadian football is. You have 4 guys running towards the line of scrimmage and cross the line exactly at the snap. Awesome display. You won't and can't see that in Murica.

[jerrym]

The Redblacks showed more emotion than the Argos on their FG drive resulting in their breaking tackles to gain first downs. The Argos need to show their emotion in the last five minutes.

[jerrym]

Boomer Waters does it!

[jerrym]

The injury to Smith not only gives Burris a new db to attack but stops the clock and allows him to call multiple plays. Tough break for Argos.

[jerrym]

Why was Jalil Carter up on the line with barely over a minute to play against a speedy receiver like Johnson rather than further back to break up the long pass?