Game Thread: Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ Toronto Argoanuts - September 23, 2023

[Shatto]

I will be interested to see how Johnson (WR) performs. However, a little disappointed that as a result, Nield now goes to backup.

[ArgoZ]

Judging by Oulette's 635lb squat this week, I think it's safe to say he is just a healthy scratch, and they are giving him a rest.

3 times his weight. That’s impressive.

[Mocha]

PFF Preview:

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS VS. TORONTO ARGONAUTS

This game is intriguing just for the fact that Toronto really has nothing to play for. The Argonauts have clinched first place in the East and the first-round bye that comes with it. They still have six games left with no byes, so you can bet that making sure the team is healthy come playoff time is their top priority. Expect QB Chad Kelly (league-leading 91.2 season grade) and RB A.J. Ouellette (90.2, third overall) to play but perhaps not the entire game. Meanwhile, Hamilton has a chance to move into second place in the East after winning three of their last four games.

MATCHUP TO WATCH:
LT BRANDON REVENBERG, HAMILTON VS. EDGE FOLARIN ORIMOLADE, TORONTO

With usual LT Joel Figueroa getting injured last week and not practicing all week, it seems likely that Revenberg will slide back out to left tackle. This could be big for Hamilton when it comes to stopping Orimolade. In the three games they’ve played against each other already, Orimolade has recorded three sacks and a ridiculous 18 total pressures. But none of those came against Revenberg. In fact, he only won one pass-rush snap in 18 attempts against Revenberg in those games. Orimolade is third in the league with 56 total pressures this season, but Revenberg is the second-highest graded pass blocker in the CFL with a 79.2 grade. If he can slow down Orimolade, that could be the spark Hamilton needs to finally get a win against Toronto.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
RB JAMES BUTLER, HAMILTON

Butler is one of the top running backs in the CFL, there’s no doubt about it. His 90.4 rushing grade ranks fourth in the league. But it’s his elusiveness that’s so impressive. Butler has forced 66 missed tackles this season and is averaging an impressive 3.6 yards after contact, despite getting hit, on average, after only one yard. It’s the lowest yards before contact per carry average among all RBs. He makes things happen despite an offensive line that struggles to block the run. If Hamilton can get even a little bit of a push up front, Butler could explode for a massive game. That would really help the Tiger-Cats so they don’t solely have to rely on rookie QB Taylor Powell to lead them against the league’s best team.

[Will]

3 times his weight. That’s impressive.

Does he have anything on Dino Bravo though?

[ArgoRavi]

I will be interested to see how Johnson (WR) performs. However, a little disappointed that as a result, Nield now goes to backup.

I suspect that Nield will get lots of playing time. The depth chart can be quite misleading in this way. I too look forward to seeing Johnson play as he looked good in the preseason.

[OV Argo]

Does he have anything on Dino Bravo though?

World bench press record? (with cheatin' help from The Body) ;o)


Glenn Kulka supposedly set the all-time football testing bench reps (@ 225 lbs.) record when he was with the Argos.

[gilthethrill]

World bench press record? (with cheatin' help from The Body) ;o)


Glenn Kulka supposedly set the all-time football testing bench reps (@ 225 lbs.) record when he was with the Argos.

How many reps did Kulka press OV, any idea? Remember Michael Knill, an OT out of Laurier the Argos drafted late about 10 years ago? He did 47 at the CFL Combine. He got a job at IBM instead of signing with the team. Apparently he wasn’t considered a pro prospect.

[gilthethrill]

Does he have anything on Dino Bravo though?

No one has anything on Dino Bravo….or Iron Mike Sharpe. Get it right Will.

[OV Argo]

How many reps did Kulka press OV, any idea? Remember Michael Knill, an OT out of Laurier the Argos drafted late about 10 years ago? He did 47 at the CFL Combine. He got a job at IBM instead of signing with the team. Apparently he wasn’t considered a pro prospect.

I think Knill was more a weight-lifter than a football player.

Can't recall the Kulka total (maybe just over 50?), but the report I read on it claimed it was witnessed by some at Argo camp, so late 80s (?).

[Waffle]

3DownNation had an article about Glenn Kulkka a couple of years ago:
https://3downnation.com/2020/04/05/p...t-to-the-bone/


“So camp was just starting with the Argos and all the guys, I think there were 90 of us, packed into the gym for testing. I actually wound up benching 225 pounds 60 times, but Bob O’Billovich didn’t count seven of my reps, probably because I failed to lock out. Either way, 53 was a huge number and the guys were going nuts, even the Americans with NFL experience. At the time it was a North American record and I still don’t think anyone in the CFL has come close.
Unfortunately, there was no combine back in those days and no video recording of it exists. But it’s gotta be in the Argos’ records somewhere.”

[AngeloV]

Does he have anything on Dino Bravo though?

Let's hope no mob ties.

[AngeloV]

[FONT="]3DownNation had an article about Glenn Kulkka a couple of years ago:[/FONT]
[FONT="]https://3downnation.com/2020/04/05/p...t-to-the-bone/[/FONT]
[FONT="]
[/FONT]
[FONT="]“So camp was just starting with the Argos and all the guys, I think there were 90 of us, packed into the gym for testing. I actually wound up benching 225 pounds 60 times, but Bob O’Billovich didn’t count seven of my reps, probably because I failed to lock out. Either way, 53 was a huge number and the guys were going nuts, even the Americans with NFL experience. At the time it was a North American record and I still don’t think anyone in the CFL has come close.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Unfortunately, there was no combine back in those days and no video recording of it exists. But it’s gotta be in the Argos’ records somewhere.”[/FONT]

Too bad he was a walking steroid bottle.

[Mocha]

Here we go.

Hoping for a large, vocal crowd today. The Ticats are playing much better the past month or so, and they should be looking to send us a message today.

Montreal looked pretty good today too. Hopefully, the Als and Cats beat the hell out of each other in the ESF.

[ArgofanIan]

had some family responsibilities so couldn't get to the game. Hate missing a ARGO Ticat game but with you guys in spirit. watching from Brighton Ontario. Go ARRGOS.

[Mocha]

Quick jump to a 10-0 lead for the Argos.

I like what I see so far from McMahon. He could be a nice complementary piece to AJO next season (and down the stretch this season). He brings that speedy, shifty element to the run game.

[kellynjk]

Oh that was a pretty play - Kelly to Brissett for a touchdown!!

[jerrym]

Like I said in the last game, McMahon adds a different aspect to the Argo ground game, the deke and jive of the small RB, making it even harder to defend the best CFL running game.

[jerrym]

McManus is my pick for Defensive Player of the Year, of which his Pick 6 is only a small a part. His defence leadership is so evident.

[Mocha]

McManus is my pick for Defensive Player of the Year, of which his Pick 6 is only a small a part. His defence leadership is so evident.

Good pick. He always seems to be there for a big tackle when we need it.

[jerrym]

Brissett continues to show he is more than capable as a starter with his third TD of the season.