Game Thread: Toronto Argonauts @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers

**Antwon** · 09-26-2023, 03:34 PM

This could be a bad look for the league and TSN.
One of the biggest and most anticipated games of the year, with Kelly a new bonafide star of the league.
It could easily attract a lot of casual fans to watch.
Football wise unless Kelly is nursing serious injuries, he needs game experience against the Wpg defence as they could be GC opponents. Also not starting Kelly could cause the rest of the team to let off the gas.
It's tough because it's no fault of the Argos. If the other east teams could field competitive teams, they would not have first place locked up with 6 games to go!!!
I agree with the other post that this week and next need starters playing.

**gilthethrill** · 09-26-2023, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by Antwon

This could be a bad look for the league and TSN.
One of the biggest and most anticipated games of the year, with Kelly a new bonafide star of the league.
It could easily attract a lot of casual fans to watch.
Football wise unless Kelly is nursing serious injuries, he needs game experience against the Wpg defence as they could be GC opponents. Also not starting Kelly could cause the rest of the team to let off the gas.
It's tough because it's no fault of the Argos. If the other east teams could field competitive teams, they would not have first place locked up with 6 games to go!!!
I agree with the other post that this week and next need starters playing.

I suggest Dinwiddie do what is best for the Toronto Argonauts and not worry about TSN.

**Scooter McCray** · 09-26-2023, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by gilthethrill

I suggest Dinwiddie do what is best for the Toronto Argonauts and not worry about TSN.

Chad Kelly is this years Nathan Rourke. It is good for the fans, it is good for the league, it is good for TSN. They are all joined at the hip. What's good for coaches is not necessarily good for selling tickets and growing your fanbase.

**Argo57** · 09-26-2023, 10:03 PM

[QUOTE=Scooter McCray;170060]Chad Kelly is this years Nathan Rourke. It is good for the fans, it is good for the league, it is good for TSN. They are all joined at the hip. What's good for coaches is not necessarily good for selling tickets and growing your fanbase.[/QUOTE

I previously stated that Kelly should play the first half and give Scott and Dukes a quarter each, I also have no issue with Dinwiddie taking the ultra safe approach to sit Kelly out.

**Mocha** · 09-26-2023, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Argo57

I previously stated that Kelly should play the first half and give Scott and Dukes a quarter each, I also have no issue with Dinwiddie taking the ultra safe approach to sit Kelly out.

I think keeping Kelly out for this game could be strategic as well as safe, in that the Bombers won't have first-hand experience in reading and prepping for Kelly should the two meet in the Grey Cup game again.

**AngeloV** · 09-26-2023, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by Mocha

I think keeping Kelly out for this game could be strategic as well as safe, in that the Bombers won't have first-hand experience in reading and prepping for Kelly should the two meet in the Grey Cup game again.

Bingo.

**Rich** · 09-27-2023, 03:10 AM

I think RD is playing with the Bombers’ heads with this move. I love it.

The report said Dukes would start but that Kelly could still play, which is like saying this game doesn’t matter to us but it matters to you, and we’re going to try and beat you with our #2 QB, and if that doesn’t work we’ll bring in the guy who beat you in the Cup. For sure it will distract the Bombers a bit, wondering if/when Kelly comes in. Quite the clever gambit I’d say.

If your starter is only going to play one half, why does it have to be the first half?

**RB957** · 09-27-2023, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Mocha

I think keeping Kelly out for this game could be strategic as well as safe, in that the Bombers won't have first-hand experience in reading and prepping for Kelly should the two meet in the Grey Cup game again.

Originally Posted by AngeloV

Bingo.

I get the points you are making, but is there not enough game film available for the Bombers to learn what they can about how Kelly plays? Yes, playing against him is different from watching film, but it goes both ways. You could argue that it would help Kelly to play real reps against the Bombers before he conceivably plays them in the GC. That is assuming either or both teams make it.

As for injuries, that can happen on any play in any game. If Kelly is going to play some games before the playoffs, why not part of this one?

I just can't imagine if the Chiefs were playing the Bills in the NFL, and either team had a playoff spot locked up, that Mahomes or Allen wouldn't play. These guys are competitors. They need to compete.

Now, if that strategy is to start one of the backups and then throw Kelly in later in the game for some series... I think that is brilliant.

**OV Argo** · 09-26-2023, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by gilthethrill

I suggest Dinwiddie do what is best for the Toronto Argonauts and not worry about TSN.

Exactly; though I would like to see Kelly play against the Bombers - maybe wait till the 2nd half and then go in and shock and awe them with some new, big plays and his usual downfield strikes.

Otherwise, a good opportunity to pound the ground game to give the Bombers another thing to think about; even if AJO or Harris are not playing - Adeboboye deserves the touches and should be getting more than raw rookie McMahon IMO, but use both lots.

And for all we know, and given what some other young QBs like Crum & Powell have been able to do at times this season, either of the Argo back-up QBs could have very good game and surprise the Bombers D (not that I'd bet on that happening).