Game Thread: Toronto Argonauts @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats

[kellynjk]

Oh my goodness, didn't see that play coming (Ouellette to Brissett) !!!!Ha, ha!! It's great to see this team having so much fun, while winning so many games!!!

[TrueBlueGuy]

Argos doing what needs to be done.

Win one of the next two against Mtl and you can book Nov 12th at BMO field. If the Argos get to 10-1 or even 10-2 and have the tie breaker (obviously one win in the next two does that), it will be done by Oct 6 against Edmonton at the latest.

I am as confident watching this team this year as any since 1996-1997.

Stay healthy for November guys - that’s what this season is about frankly at this point.

very well said...agree 100%

[TrueBlueGuy]

Oh my goodness, didn't see that play coming (Ouellette to Brissett) !!!!Ha, ha!! It's great to see this team having so much fun, while winning so many games!!!

there will be a very big demand for video-clip of AJ in the end-zone with "the hammer"...Classic!
Great 2nd half, awful 2nd Qtr., still have got to put a full game together, but keep it rolling guys. We believe in you!

[kellynjk]

Agree, they played a great second half and looked pretty good in the first quarter, but it's like they lost their concentration or something in second quarter. Hope everyone stays healthy - that's the problem with giving a team all their bi-weeks in the first part of the season!

[TrueBlueGuy]

two in-a-row on L-Day in Hamilton! thank you Argos
feels so good after losing 8 straight, 2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2021 and hearing "Argos Suck" over & over, we do not forget those days.
When our Argos win there twice, man we've got to savour it, feels so good.

[Argo57]

two in-a-row on L-Day in Hamilton! thank you Argos
feels so good after losing 8 straight, 2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2021 and hearing "Argos Suck" over & over, we do not forget those days.
When our Argos win there twice, man we've got to savour it, feels so good.

A lot of knuckles dragging on the way out of Tim Hortons Field today, what a shame.
Great to win another Labour Day game in Hamilton, you never know heading into these games.
Enjoyed hosting AV, his brother Mike and argolio at the homestead.
Looking forward to Saturday’s game!

[Waffle]

Gutsy perfomance by the big guys up front in the heat in Hamilton.
I am not sure why the offence disappeared in the second quarter, but mostly a good game, especially by the defence.
I hope the defensive line guys can heal up a bit before the next game against Montreal.
Chad Kelly is due for a big game. Go Argos!

[AngeloV]

A lot of knuckles dragging on the way out of Tim Hortons Field today, what a shame.
Great to win another Labour Day game in Hamilton, you never know heading into these games.
Enjoyed hosting AV, his brother Mike and argolio at the homestead.
Looking forward to Saturday’s game!

Thanks again for having us. It was a great get together as always, made even better with the affection from your beautiful puppy Luna.

[Will]

Kelly struggled going into the wind in that 2nd quarter.

[bluto]

Kelly struggled going into the wind in that 2nd quarter.

The "curse" of having a QB with a combination of great self-belief and a strong arm. He doesn't seem to know that he is allowed to check down rather than push the ball 30 yards into the wind and double coverage.

[paulwoods13]

Win one of the next two against Mtl and you can book Nov 12th at BMO field. If the Argos get to 10-1 or even 10-2 and have the tie breaker (obviously one win in the next two does that), it will be done by Oct 6 against Edmonton at the latest.

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.

[bluto]

Would love to be in a position to start some strategic resting. Particulairly on road games.

[ArgoZ]

The "curse" of having a QB with a combination of great self-belief and a strong arm. He doesn't seem to know that he is allowed to check down rather than push the ball 30 yards into the wind and double coverage.

This is where MBT excelled. He protected the ball, too well at times. Usually made the smart, safe decision, however when there was deep chances, he would often completely miss the man with his eyes or arm. Kelly seems the exact opposite and the good thing is with time he can learn to be more patient.

[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.

[Argo57]

Thanks again for having us. It was a great get together as always, made even better with the affection from your beautiful puppy Luna.

The pup is a piece of work.

[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.

[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.