GAME THREAD / Week 4 / Edmonton @ Toronto

[Wobbler]

Saturday, July 7th
BMO Field

- Broadcast on the usual places, plus ESPN+
- James Franklin's first start as an Argonaut
- New starter expected at boundary WR (presumably Rodney Smith)

[PullTogether73]

I'm now in "show me" mode as far as the Argonauts on-field play is concerned.
They have looked atrocious in their first two games, so I can only expect a normally very good Eskimos team to beat The Boatmen.

Of course, I happily look forward to being surprised if the Argos can somehow win this game.

[RB957]

I am just hoping that the Argos come out with more passion and emotion than they did against the Stampeders. Very hopeful and looking forward to seeing what James Franklin can do leading the offence, with the greater mobility than Ricky Ray. Hope that with the change at QB, the O-line has some pressure taken off and can just let loose, especially in the run game. We have to get that going. Need to have a big game in all three phases.

I know it is way too early in a long season to consider this game "must win" but it feels like it to me. Both Hamilton and Ottawa have looked strong so far and have had success against Western teams. We need to do the same or it is going to be an awfully long season.

[jerrym]

The West is looking strong again meaning there is a good chance of this being another crossover season, so beating out the Als is not likely going to be good enough for the Argos to make the playoffs. My head says Edmonton is the likely winner, but my heart still says Argos.

[lazycro]

It's only 6-4 for the west over east this year isn't it?

[R.J]

Tough call for this one. Eskimos offence is better, but their defence has had injuries and issues so far this year. Argos look like a completely mess right now for all three phases. I'm taking the Eskimos in this game.

[RB957]

It's only 6-4 for the west over east this year isn't it?

Yes, but two of those six were against us. Argos are the only East team so far to not win against a Western team. So, for me, this is big.

[lazycro]

Yes, but two of those six were against us. Argos are the only East team so far to not win against a Western team. So, for me, this is big.

I forgot to quote Jerry. Take us out of the equation and the west is even keel with the east.

[ArgoRavi]

Teams usually play well and win coming off the bye week. Also, Edmonton is pretty beaten up, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Look for Franklin to shred his former team and for the Argos to win their first game of the season.

[Neely2005]

Rep your city - Pick up your Toronto T-shirt before the game!*🏈
https://mailchi.mp/argonauts/tshirt-...8?e=e0a4147c95

[Wobbler]

I've been out of the country for a while... what's with the Canada=Toronto graphic? If that isn't designed to annoy everyone outside of Toronto, I don't get it.

[Neely2005]

I've been out of the country for a while... what's with the Canada=Toronto graphic? If that isn't designed to annoy everyone outside of Toronto, I don't get it.

Yeah it's the whole everyone hates Toronto. So they're playing it up as Toronto vs. Everyone.

[Wobbler]

Yeah it's the whole everyone hates Toronto. So they're playing it up as Toronto vs. Everyone.

Thanks Neely.

Huh. Toronto is an amazing city and shouldn't be defensive about it IMO.

[argotom]

Teams usually play well and win coming off the bye week. Also, Edmonton is pretty beaten up, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Look for Franklin to shred his former team and for the Argos to win their first game of the season.

I agree with you.
I expect Franklin and the entire team to step up big time with something to prove as going 0-3 and then facing the same Esks at home is a disastrous start.

[jerrym]

I forgot to quote Jerry. Take us out of the equation and the west is even keel with the east.

What i meant by that is Calgary looks strong, Winnipeg is coping even without Nichols and he is back practising and may play this week, Edmonton offence is second overall in scoring, BC has improved talentwise (although Jennings is still having problems), so there is a fair chance that just beating out Montreal at the end of the season in the East might not get the Argos into the playoffs.

[Argo]

0 - 3

Based upon what I've seen so far, I doubt there's enough talent surrounding (O, D, ST) Franklin to win the game.

[matthew]

At this point in the season and based on the way we have played so far, I would rather not have Edmonton at this time. But because we do, I fear it will be Eskies by 9 pts.

[Antwon]

0 - 3
Based upon what I've seen so far, I doubt there's enough talent surrounding (O, D, ST) Franklin to win the game.

To me this is an important game to win.
I’m not sure if we’re playing that poorly, or other teams have adjusted.
They had all winter to analyze the second half of last season and adjusted accordingly.
-Stuff the run. Wilder has been disappointing to say the least.
-Cover the short outlet passes. No deep threat yet.
-Every team knows exactly where Ray was going to be, so pin the ears back and go.

So hopefully Trestman makes adjustments, and takes advantage of Franklin’s mobility to open things up a bit and keep the defense honest.

[lazycro]

I say we see Franklin take some more "risky" throws than Ray.

I feel as if sometimes Ray would be so safe to not throw it into a bad situation that we don't see him throw it up for maybe SJ to take a chance like previously, maybe this is due to arm strength who knows.

The big question is going to be the kicking

[PullTogether73]

I say we see Franklin take some more "risky" throws than Ray.

I feel as if sometimes Ray would be so safe to not throw it into a bad situation that we don't see him throw it up for maybe SJ to take a chance like previously, maybe this is due to arm strength who knows.

The big question is going to be the kicking

Of the facets of the game, I believe kicking is the least of the Argos concerns right now.