Game Thread: Toronto Argonauts @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats

[paulwoods13]

This is essentially correct. Argos would clinch a playoff spot this week if they win and Hamilton loses. Beating Mtl this week (or next) would also make it just about impossible for the Als to catch them in the standings. The sooner they can wrap things up, the sooner they can start strategically resting guys.

It seems I neglected to factor in Ottawa, which at least in theory could still catch or surpass the Argos (although it would take both a miracle and an unfathomable collapse). Even if Ottawa did somehow win all of its remaining games, it's hard to see how Montreal -- which plays Ottawa twice -- or Hamilton would also be able to pass Toronto. Bottom line, I believe Toronto is almost certain to finish first if it splits with Montreal. Winning this week (or Hamilton losing) would definitely clinch a playoff spot, and if that happens the Argos will probably be no more than one more win away from clinching a home playoff game, and maybe two more wins from clinching first place. [But who knows -- this makes my head hurt.]

[Waffle]

I agree. Hopefully the Argos can get a split with Montreal. If the Argos can finish first and get the bye into the division championship game, the fans won't care what their record actually is. Better to get the players healthy than to chase some historical won/loss record.

It seems like the defensive line guys are more banged up than the offensive line guys (who had another great game against Hamilton), so its the offence that needs to carry the team through at least one more win.

[Rich]

I think it’s nuts to consider resting healthy guys with six weeks still to play. I wouldn’t want to mess with the winning chemistry, the winning edge, that we have worked so hard to establish so far this year. There’s still plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the ball. Coasting into the playoffs for six weeks sounds to me like a recipe for disaster.

[paulwoods13]

I think it’s nuts to consider resting healthy guys with six weeks still to play. I wouldn’t want to mess with the winning chemistry, the winning edge, that we have worked so hard to establish so far this year. There’s still plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the ball. Coasting into the playoffs for six weeks sounds to me like a recipe for disaster.

This is why it needs to be done strategically. Give every key player a game off if possible at some point. If spaced out by position and health status, the team's depth should allow it to remain competitive even in games that don't matter. They were already doing this earlier this year with the three DTs (until Brinkman got hurt) and I see little downside to letting backups get worked into other positions once playoff position has been established. It's an opportunity to test guys who have played little (if at all) but might be needed before the year is over, and to provide an extra "bye" in the midst of 10 games in 10 weeks. I can't see how they will maintain a competitive edge to season's end if they have first place clinched with five or six weeks to go, which is entirely possible. But guys who are on IR or PR, or seldom used on O or D, would come in hungry for an opportunity.

[Rich]

I can't see how they will maintain a competitive edge to season's end if they have first place clinched with five or six weeks to go, which is entirely possible.

They look like they are already motivated by trying to have one of the greatest seasons in League history, as they should be.

[paulwoods13]

They look like they are already motivated by trying to have one of the greatest seasons in League history, as they should be.

If that was truly a group priority, don't you think they'd step on the throats of opponents when they are down, rather than easing off the gas for two quarters? Also, wanting a historic won-loss record seems distinctly at odds with the oft-stated "1-0" mantra.

[Rich]

If that was truly a group priority, don't you think they'd step on the throats of opponents when they are down, rather than easing off the gas for two quarters?

I think if they could step on opponents’ throats they would, but they’re not quite there yet. Becoming a dominant team takes time and I’m sure they’re working on closing games better and faster.

[OV Argo]

They look like they are already motivated by trying to have one of the greatest seasons in League history, as they should be.

Yeah ! - love to see it.

They are being challenged by some injuries - like Brinkman and in the secondary. But they can still look to play great football and possibly go a season with just one or two losses. Lots of depth on this team - receivers, O-line, RB - so work that smartly and still play at a very high level. Not sure what the story is on Henoc, but if he could come back, and sooner than later, that adds a key, veteran player to help make the D even better for down the stretch. Coasting into first place would be nice, but resting too many guys and not maintaining the edge as a dominant team might not be good for the play-offs. But I would definitely sit Kelly and a bunch of other key starters for the last reg. season game if it is meaningless in the standings. Looking forward to a back-to-back smack down of an average at best Als team.

[Rich]

I agree. Hopefully the Argos can get a split with Montreal. If the Argos can finish first and get the bye into the division championship game, the fans won't care what their record actually is. Better to get the players healthy than to chase some historical won/loss record.

I disagree. I say it’s better to create an aura of invincibility than to coast meekly into the playoffs. Better for team confidence, and better for attracting more new fans to the playoff run.