June 27, 2015: Edmonton vs. Toronto Argonauts

[AngeloV]

Barker says #Argos right now are going with 3 Cdn. offensive linemen as starters. #CFL via @TSN1050Radio

— CFL News (@CFL_News) June 23, 2015

Yeah, I guess I was wrong on this. Strange because Smith was in the starting unit throughout camp. I'm surprised with King out that they would start Van Rotten over Smith.

[paulwoods13]

Yeah, I guess I was wrong on this. Strange because Smith was in the starting unit throughout camp. I'm surprised with King out that they would start Van Rotten over Smith.

I'm on record (many times) as judging Smith a backup at best, but regardless of that I thought Van Roten played well in the game at Varsity.

[Rich]

If they go 2 INT on the OL then i'm convinced they will start 2 NAT receivers.

I thought Natey Adjei had a great preseason, was getting open and made some tough catches. They'll rotate Coombs through there, or else use the NAT slot for Dupuis and coach even mentioned Gillanders at HBack as the situation dictates, and drop another INT into the wide side slot when that happens.

It is interesting that they put Stala on the active roster and not the practice roster, which I think tips their hand about the 2nd NAT REC whether he is ready to play or not.

[Jon Gonzo]

If they go 2 INT on the OL then i'm convinced they will start 2 NAT receivers.

I thought Natey Adjei had a great preseason, was getting open and made some tough catches. They'll rotate Coombs through there, or else use the NAT slot for Dupuis and coach even mentioned Gillanders at HBack as the situation dictates, and drop another INT into the wide side slot when that happens.

It is interesting that they put Stala on the active roster and not the practice roster, which I think tips their hand about the 2nd NAT REC whether he is ready to play or not.

It has been stated by the GM that they 'are starting 3 rookie American's at receiver."

[jerrym]

I'm on record (many times) as judging Smith a backup at best, but regardless of that I thought Van Roten played well in the game at Varsity.

I agree. Smith is well past his best before date.

[gilthethrill]

Looking at Edmonton's o-line I really think the Argos front 4 can slap Riley around. Andrew Jones and Paul Sorensen at guards should be beaten with regularity.

[Wobbler]

Are we sure that King can't go? I haven't seen anything definite.

[Jon Gonzo]

Are we sure that King can't go? I haven't seen anything definite.

Quote from Jim Barker with Hogie on TSN Monday Night

[Wobbler]

Quote from Jim Barker with Hogie on TSN Monday Night

Thanks. In that case your OL prediction must be correct. As for the DBs and receivers... we'll see! I'm not sure that playing The Smiths at halfback is a good idea; they can be kinda depressing.

[AngeloV]

Thanks. In that case your OL prediction must be correct. As for the DBs and receivers... we'll see! I'm not sure that playing The Smiths at halfback is a good idea; they can be kinda depressing.

Listening to Barker last night, sounds like Devin Smith and Underwood are starting at half.

[Argo]

I get the impression that "a former Canadian football running back for the Toronto Argonauts" named Kackert and Josie will be the RBs. If so, what modification would be likely elsewhere in the lineup for this game?

[paulwoods13]

There are now 20 NATs on the roster, still one short of the minimum. I would guess that Herbert will be added for this game.

One INT has to come off the 46 and three off the 44. Probably King or Van Roten, plus Rolle and one d-lineman (Wright or Cummings, I would guess).

[AngeloV]

There are now 20 NATs on the roster, still one short of the minimum. I would guess that Herbert will be added for this game.

One INT has to come off the 46 and three off the 44. Probably King or Van Roten, plus Rolle and one d-lineman (Wright or Cummings, I would guess).

I wouldn't be too surprised to see a INT receiver come off the 46 rather than Rolle, especially with Miles on IR.

[paulwoods13]

I wouldn't be too surprised to see a INT receiver come off the 46 rather than Rolle, especially with Miles on IR.

Yeah, that might make more sense, now that you mention it. We love to use LBs on special teams, and if we do in fact start two NAT receivers we don't need five INT receivers dressed.

[KCargosfan]

I am not impressed with Edmonton's offensive line. Am I missing something?

[ArgoRavi]

I am not impressed with Edmonton's offensive line. Am I missing something?

Jonathan Himebauch made chicken salad out of chicken spit with that Edmonton o-line last year. It will be interesting to see how that o-line fares this season without him but their personnel isn't overly impressive at first glance.

[OV Argo]

Jonathan Himebauch made chicken salad out of chicken spit with that Edmonton o-line last year. It will be interesting to see how that o-line fares this season without him but their personnel isn't overly impressive at first glance.

The Esks have draft pick Danny Groulx in the line-up and heard he could end up starting - guy is huge and played on a perennial power-house Laval offence = he could help. Maybe they will start 3 imports on the O-line = surely a huge advantage/luxury = then look for their QB to be untouched and the run game to have huge holes all game long.

[Wobbler]

Maybe they will start 3 imports on the O-line = surely a huge advantage/luxury = then look for their QB to be untouched and the run game to have huge holes all game long.

Not only that, but we'll be starting TWO nationals on the D-line! We may not get a single chance to return a punt on Saturday.

[KCargosfan]

Not only that, but we'll be starting TWO nationals on the D-line! We may not get a single chance to return a punt on Saturday.

haha

[paulwoods13]

It's interesting to think of the "old" days when teams had to stat 10 NATs (or NIs as they were known then). The 1983 GC champion Argos played eight on O: five on the line, Pearson, Townsend and a rotating group of fullbacks. Only two on D were LB Don Moen and S Ken McEachern.