GAME THREAD - Week 2: BC Lions @ Toronto Argonauts

[paulwoods13]

Dressing Jackson could allow us to sit Worthy and keep Wynn on the roster as a sub d-lineman. Worthy looked pretty decent last week and had one really nice return called back, but I wouldn't mind seeing what Jackson can do at KR/PR, and I'd really like one more option for the front four.

[Wobbler]

Whitaker has been one-gamed, meaning we will see what Wilder can do. I hope he is as good a blocker as Brandon. Jackson and Harris have been activated to replace Whitaker and Mitchell (who not surprisingly is on the six-game). I assume we will sit Wynn and either Walker or Webster.

Harris was on the 44 last week. The new guy is Cam Walker, who had been on the 1 game IR.

I'd like to see Walker dress if possible. He was injured for most of camp, I think, so Trestman and Chamblin haven't even really had a look at him.

[Wobbler]

Download the #Argos depth chart and game notes for Friday night's clash with the @BCLions.

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— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) June 29, 2017

[AngeloV]

Harris was on the 44 last week. The new guy is Cam Walker, who had been on the 1 game IR.

I'd like to see Walker dress if possible. He was injured for most of camp, I think, so Trestman and Chamblin haven't even really had a look at him.

From what I heard, Walker had a pretty good pre season game in Hamilton.

[Rich]

From what I heard, Walker had a pretty good pre season game in Hamilton.

Didn't Walker have a huge game last season? I can't quite remember, I think it was during the garbage time near the end of the season.

[Wobbler]

We could claim first place in the league with a victory tomorrow and I suggest that we do so.

[ArgoRavi]

I would bet tons of money it's a legit injury. He is one of the leaders on the team AND he played 90% of the snaps last week in a very successful offensive effort. No chance he is benched if healthy. That's not how Trestman operates.

I can't recall where I heard this but I am pretty sure that Whitaker injured his ankle during the Hamilton game which is why Wilder played on offence at all.

[mchesher03]

We could claim first place in the league with a victory tomorrow and I suggest that we do so.

great suggestion, I couldn't agree more! hahah

[DoubleBlue1873]

Just a few comments on Ray's performance last week: I can honestly say I wasn't surprised (well, surprised that he chalked up 506 yds, but not that he's still got what it takes to win). The key for Ricky is protection; always has been. He's not super mobile, but give him time to make his reads and he'll consistently deliver. That, combined with Trestman's coaching excellence (fast delivery, mixing up the play calls to include deep balls) and receivers that can go up for the ball and win equals superb performance. Trestman reinvigorated Calvillo's career and I believe he can do the same for Ray. We're in for some exciting football!

[OV Argo]

Dressing Jackson could allow us to sit Worthy and keep Wynn on the roster as a sub d-lineman. Worthy looked pretty decent last week and had one really nice return called back, but I wouldn't mind seeing what Jackson can do at KR/PR, and I'd really like one more option for the front four.

Is this Wynn guy almost as good as Bishop ? Hand him some playing time for sure !

[mchesher03]

Just a few comments on Ray's performance last week: I can honestly say I wasn't surprised (well, surprised that he chalked up 506 yds, but not that he's still got what it takes to win). The key for Ricky is protection; always has been. He's not super mobile, but give him time to make his reads and he'll consistently deliver. That, combined with Trestman's coaching excellence (fast delivery, mixing up the play calls to include deep balls) and receivers that can go up for the ball and win equals superb performance. Trestman reinvigorated Calvillo's career and I believe he can do the same for Ray. We're in for some exciting football!

Oh I couldn’t agree more. Ricky wasn’t working with this calibre of guys a year ago. Seeing them go up, fight for balls and win – says throw them where only our guy can get it, give them a shot. And ricky is wayyyyyy more football savvy than I! Hoping Wilder can pass protect at the same level as Whittaker plus catch the odd pass out of the backfield (another underrated Whittaker skill imo).

[timlb01]

I am excited to see Wilder start tonight. When he was in on Sunday he looked tough and aggressive. I little worried about Whittacker being hurt but I think this guy has the tools to be really good.

[RB957]

I am excited to see Wilder start tonight. When he was in on Sunday he looked tough and aggressive. I little worried about Whittacker being hurt but I think this guy has the tools to be really good.

I agree. Not the fastest running back but strong and tough. You couldn't help but notice him on ST, he was so pumped up.

[AngeloV]

Didn't Walker have a huge game last season? I can't quite remember, I think it was during the garbage time near the end of the season.

Walker has some really good speed. He can be a good DE as his contain is quite good.

[ArgoRavi]

Is this Wynn guy almost as good as Bishop ? Hand him some playing time for sure !

Good to see you finally coming around on Bishop, OV! He is a fine defensive tackle.

[argotom]

I can't recall where I heard this but I am pretty sure that Whitaker injured his ankle during the Hamilton game which is why Wilder played on offence at all.

Yes he did Ravi, he was on the medical table getting treatment after coming off with a noticeable limp.
I am anxious to see Wilder play the entire game and with his size to see his protection blocking for ray.

[AngeloV]

Good to see you finally coming around on Bishop, OV! He is a fine defensive tackle.

That's not the way I took that predictable comment.

[OV Argo]

Good to see you finally coming around on Bishop, OV! He is a fine defensive tackle.

For sure Ravi - sort of Jim Stillwagon/Bruce Clark/Noah Cantor all rolled-up into one dominant DT package. ;o)

[ArgofanIan]

regretfully I can not make it to this game.... as I am visiting my daughter in Europe....but I am doing my best to listen / watch.... from here..... but its late....GO ARGOS !!!!!

[Gill The Thrill]

I hope more fans show up this time, but I am not holding my breath either

----
Anyways rant:

Personally, I think the reason why I think the Argos are struggling is because a) BMO Field is not their stadium, its so restricted b) not enough marketing! c) there target market is not attracting a younger audience (millennials) d) their "losing

This is what I suggest:

1) Team up with the Toronto Wolfpack and build a new stadium for rugby/football that seats about 20-25k. Money will be the biggest obstacle, and location as well! In this case there can be more games on better days/times
2) I read that the marketing budget was cut heavily. I do not see ANY promotion at all on my social media feeds (except for random ads). Posting about players, their stories on Twitter and Facebook will market the game/team to tech savvy millennials.
3) If the team continues to do well, the audience will be back.

Team up with the Toronto Wolfpack...Who the heck are they?...a 3rd division British Rugby team or an MLS soccer team. What's the difference? Look at the place with the Argos there (BMO Field), it's great. Simply put ...ticket prices are too expensive in between the 20 yard lines for the Toronto market. What casual fan who doesn't follow the sport is going to pay $85 to watch any sport, not just the CFL in Toronto? You have to market to kids and teens, and teach them the sport of "Canadian Football", making it their favourite sport. What point is it to market to soccer associations when the kids who favour soccer can choose 1 of 20 games that TFC plays in Toronto on an annual basis...it makes no sense. Forget micro marketing to 20 and 30 somethings who have established favourite sports and have their viewing habits. They are not going to change. They may come to a big game, but they won't be getting season tickets and the season ticket base now proves.

So the Argos should not offend the fans they have now, and pray to keep every one of them...pumping louder music over the loudspeakers is not going to change that... promoting to families is a good idea, but they need to promote to teens and pre-teens and get them to follow the league...that'll help TV ratings, radio ratings, and live attendance...it may be a slow increase, but at least it'll be an increase.