August 18, 2013: Edmonton vs. Toronto Argonauts

[T-Bone]

http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/edm.png vs. http://cfl.assets.mrx.ca/shared/sked_blocks_logos/2012_2/2012_schedule_default2/tor.png

Week 8
Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 7:00pm EDT.
Rogers Centre. Toronto, ON.

TV: TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/feature/?id=508) - RDS2 HD (http://cfl.ca/schedule/year/2013/time_zone/0)
Video Webcast: Mobile TV (http://www.tsn.ca/mobiletv/) - ESPN3 (http://cfl.ca/page/us-broadcast-schedule)
Team Radio EDM: CHED 630 (http://www.630ched.com/esks/) - TOR: TSN Radio 1050 (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?fid=43622)
Audio Webcast: EDM: Here (http://player.630ched.com/) - TOR: Here (http://www.tsn.ca/Toronto/listen/)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.siriusxm.ca/sports-schedules/cfl/)

Depth Charts: EDM: Here (http://www.esks.com/page/depth-charts) - TOR: Here (http://www.argonauts.ca/depthchart/list/team/7/year/2013)

Ticket Info: Here (http://www.argofans.com/showthread.php?1999-Save-30-on-Toronto-Argonauts-Tickets-!!!!!&p=31437&viewfull=1#post31437) and Here (http://www.argonauts.ca/page/single-game-tickets) or at Rogers Centre Gate 9 Box Office (http://www.rogerscentre.com/events/tickets.jsp).

Post Game: Four in a Row: Argos Down Esks (http://www.argonauts.ca/article/recap-argos-vs-esks-week-8)

[Will]

Edmonton is a team that is seemingly in disarray. They lost two games in 1981 Argos fashion to the Alouettes and Tiger-Cats in consecutive weeks and the Argos are a tougher opponent right now than those two. But, we did lose both regular season games to Edmonton last year and the home loss was a classic trap game so hopefully this isn't the same here. The Argos don't want to be caught looking ahead to the Stampeders and the '83 reunion the next week.

[Argo57]

Edmonton is a team that is seemingly in disarray. They lost two games in 1981 Argos fashion to the Alouettes and Tiger-Cats in consecutive weeks and the Argos are a tougher opponent right now than those two. But, we did lose both regular season games to Edmonton last year and the home loss was a classic trap game so hopefully this isn't the same here. The Argos don't want to be caught looking ahead to the Stampeders and the '83 reunion the next week.

Yes, these are actually the most dangerous games in the schedule (where victory seems assured), Edmonton is a desperate football team, I'm sure the Argo coaching staff will be all over the team to stay focused. Would be a shame to miss this opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division.

[gilthethrill]

With the exception of last year's ESF, Edmonton has stolen I believe the last 4 regular season games from the Argos. I am not a person who carries a grudge, but I admit I am still steamed about the poor time keeping incident in 2011 in Edmonton....

[Wobbler]

Thanks to good coaching, I don't expect the Argos to "play down" to the level of their opponent. Unless Owens is hurt (he was dinged near the end of the last game) I think we'll keep rolling.

Hmm. That reads like I've been coached to have high expectations of the Argonauts. Note: this is not true. My coach doesn't care!

[hugoagogo]

Esks are getting better each game, but the coaching/game plan seems to be a nemesis. As much of an Esks fan as I am, I expect Argos to win by at least 14.

[AngeloV]

Esks are getting better each game, but the coaching/game plan seems to be a nemesis. As much of an Esks fan as I am, I expect Argos to win by at least 14.

Their o-line needs a lot of improvement IMO. Tough for an inexperienced QB to play with a not so great line. I like their receiving core of Stamps, Coehoorn, Koch and Henry (Chambers has been a huge disappointment too me), and I've always been a fan of Hugh Charles. Their defence is pretty good too. Just shore up the o-line, and I think they will be a pretty good team.

[ArgoRavi]

Their o-line needs a lot of improvement IMO. Tough for an inexperienced QB to play with a not so great line. I like their receiving core of Stamps, Coehoorn, Koch and Henry (Chambers has been a huge disappointment too me), and I've always been a fan of Hugh Charles. Their defence is pretty good too. Just shore up the o-line, and I think they will be a pretty good team.

Their defence is okay but I don't consider them to be in the "very good" category and I wouldn't expect anything much better from a Greg Marshall-coached defence. With an average defence and a sub-par offensive line, it will be tough for them to make the playoffs or make much of an impact if they do happen to get there.

[paulwoods13]

Their o-line needs a lot of improvement IMO. Tough for an inexperienced QB to play with a not so great line. I like their receiving core of Stamps, Coehoorn, Koch and Henry (Chambers has been a huge disappointment too me), and I've always been a fan of Hugh Charles. Their defence is pretty good too. Just shore up the o-line, and I think they will be a pretty good team.

Wonder if we could wheedle Chambers out of them. Maybe for an NI LB? I'd love to bring him home and see how he'd do in our offence. We are already in decent shape at NI receiver with Durie, Watt and Bradwell (and who knows what we might have in Feoli-Gudino), but Chambers seemed to have long-term starter written all over him coming out of college.

[AngeloV]

Wonder if we could wheedle Chambers out of them. Maybe for an NI LB? I'd love to bring him home and see how he'd do in our offence. We are already in decent shape at NI receiver with Durie, Watt and Bradwell (and who knows what we might have in Feoli-Gudino), but Chambers seemed to have long-term starter written all over him coming out of college.

Only if he can catch the ball, Paul. I've watched him pretty closely the last season and a bit, and even when he does catch the ball, it rarely appears to be a clean catch to me. Maybe he can't handle the pressure of playing in the pros, but as I said, he's been a huge disappointment for me. If he was an import, he would have been cut by now.

[AngeloV]

Their defence is okay but I don't consider them to be in the "very good" category and I wouldn't expect anything much better from a Greg Marshall-coached defence. With an average defence and a sub-par offensive line, it will be tough for them to make the playoffs or make much of an impact if they do happen to get there.

Maybe their d isn't "very good", but I think they have some players in there. The only downfall on their d is an inexperienced secondary.

[294life]

With the exception of last year's ESF, Edmonton has stolen I believe the last 4 regular season games from the Argos. I am not a person who carries a grudge, but I admit I am still steamed about the poor time keeping incident in 2011 in Edmonton....

lol. i'll never forget that one.

[294life]

Esks are getting better each game.

Their new marketing slogan

[hugoagogo]

Their new marketing slogan

After the sh!t storm we've gone through the past 8 or so years, we'll take what we can get :)

[doubleblue]

lol. i'll never forget that one. That should have went into "Ripley's Believe it or Not".

[294life]

That should have went into "Ripley's Believe it or Not".

I'll never forget it because I was at the Days Inn in Hamilton after the als lost at Ever Whine and the argos-esks followed so I watched it on tv.

What's even funnier is that the motel charged me for 2 rooms and I was actually staying in a room that was reserved by someone else. Just a strange night all around. July 29 2011. Etched in my mind forever.

[294life]

After the sh!t storm we've gone through the past 8 or so years, we'll take what we can get :)


Price to pay for 2005. Deal with the devil and you get burned. We're about to do the same for 2009-10.

[AaronInToronto]

I think we've got a great chance of securing the 'W' on this one. Despite some injuries, our offence and defence have been playing very well as of late. Watkins is delivering well, and some of our newest additions are stepping up. Good depth on the current roster, something Edmonton doesn't have.

[Rich]

Why is everyone so cautious? We Argo fans need to learn how to strut a little. Maybe showing a little more confidence rubs off on the team and on other potential fans. There no way we lose this game. We are so much better then Edmonton across the board. I'd be a little disappointed if it wasn't a blowout on Sunday.

[Will]

There is a perfectly good reason for being cautious, Rich. Last year right around this time the Eskimos came into town to face the Argos in a game that many of us thought would have been a cakewalk. But, instead the Eskimos left Toronto with two points.

[flafson]

Last season we were hit or miss for most of the season so it's not a surprise to be honest. This season we seem to be a lot more stable which hopefully will translate to a W.
By the way, is there an official way to get those clapping balloons for the game? I know there are people who throw them to the crowd but can you get it or buy it somewhere? It really helps in making noise when needed.

[AaronInToronto]

Last season we were hit or miss for most of the season so it's not a surprise to be honest. This season we seem to be a lot more stable which hopefully will translate to a W.
By the way, is there an official way to get those clapping balloons for the game? I know there are people who throw them to the crowd but can you get it or buy it somewhere? It really helps in making noise when needed.

Screw the thundersticks. Buy a $10 blue vuvuzela from any of the kiosks. They are $10 and MUCH MUCH louder. They are also reusable, unlike the cheapy TSticks. Use it ONLY when our D is on the field to avoid dirty looks.

[flafson]

Won't they kill your lungs though? I thought about buying one in the BC game but was afraid ill faint or something.

[AaronInToronto]

Won't they kill your lungs though? I thought about buying one in the BC game but was afraid ill faint or something.

You're not smoking it. ;) I've never had an issue with lung damage. I used them as a kid, and now, am a runner and cyclist now. I'm fine You simply inhale - blow, inhale - blow. I get more lightheaded blowing up balloons for my daughter's birthday, or a mattress when camping. Totally safe

[Will]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Milanovich: Expects Dontrelle Inman to be able to go vs <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Eskimos&amp;src=hash">#Eskimos</a> as long as he gets through week of practice. Said he is pain free <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Argos&amp;src=hash">#Argos</a></p>&mdash; Dave McCarthy (@DaveAMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveAMcCarthy/statuses/367347194992406528">August 13, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Looks like the question about what would be done with Chiles may be answered pretty soon.

[flafson]

You're not smoking it. ;) I've never had an issue with lung damage. I used them as a kid, and now, am a runner and cyclist now. I'm fine You simply inhale - blow, inhale - blow. I get more lightheaded blowing up balloons for my daughter's birthday, or a mattress whe camping. Totally safe

I guess the light headed part is what scares me.

[Will]

Argos' Owens says knee is fine after injury against Als. (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=429691)

Eskimos' Sherritt out indefinitely after thumb surgery. (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=429678)

[AaronInToronto]

heck, grab a vuvuzela. If you don't like it take it home and use it to scare the shit out of raccoons and squirrels around your home. I do that too.

[Will]

I asked Mike Hogan on twitter today about Spencer Watt. He says that his injury will keep him out 2-3 more weeks.

[Will]

Curtis Steele is questionable. (http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/15/argos-steele-a-little-banged-up)

[flafson]

Did something happen to him during the last game?

[Will]

IIRC he got banged up on a play. I don't specifically remember what and I think he even returned to the game.

[mchesher03]

as much as I've liked Steele's spark it's not the end of the world going to Porter for this game - we should be fine against the esks and its not like we've even been running the ball much thus far this season.

Better to rest him, give Porter some carries and be ready for Calgary on Friday.

[gilthethrill]

To quote the "Eradicator" from the Kids in the Hall skit...."Let the Carnage Begin"....

[argotom]

Let's switch a little bit to the attendance. A beautiful Sunday evening, with the roof open, a first place steam on a roll. How does not this result in a minimum 25k, heck if it was the stupid crap jays there would be 40k just like yesterday.

[Will]

The Blue Jays have nothing do with this topic, Tom.

I'm hoping for an increase from the 20,000 that was drawn for BC. Perhaps 22-23k? That's more my prediction than my hope.

[bluto]

Let's switch a little bit to the attendance. A beautiful Sunday evening, with the roof open, a first place steam on a roll. How does not this result in a minimum 25k, heck if it was the stupid crap jays there would be 40k just like yesterday.

the Jays got 20k yesterday... the Red Sox got the other 20k.

[294life]

To quote the "Eradicator" from the Kids in the Hall skit...."Let the Carnage Begin"....

long as they watch out for Reed's thumb and index crushing them from afar.

[Ron]

the Jays got 20k yesterday... the Red Sox got the other 20k.

Jays have got good crowds for worse teams than the Red Sox. Nice try.

Expecting 20-22K ... lost any shot at 25K+ with it not being at 1pm IMO

[ArgoZ]

Jays have got good crowds for worse teams than the Red Sox. Nice try.

Expecting 20-22K ... lost any shot at 25K+ with it not being at 1pm IMO


I agree. Even when we get a good date, we get a crappy time. So frustrating.

[Argo57]

Jays have got good crowds for worse teams than the Red Sox. Nice try.

Expecting 20-22K ... lost any shot at 25K+ with it not being at 1pm IMO

Agreed Ron, don't understand the Sunday evening start time, what ever happened to Sunday afternoon football with the lid open.

[flafson]

So, any idea where i get those thundersticks? Assume i don't buy the Vuvuzela?

[Wobbler]

According to Scianitti, Porter took most of the first team reps at RB today but Steele did get some too. Also, Iglesias has a claimed ankle injury - Norwood was returning most of the punts. I don't think we can dress more than two of Steele, Porter, Chiles, and Norwood on Sunday...

[argotom]

Agreed Ron, don't understand the Sunday evening start time, what ever happened to Sunday afternoon football with the lid open.Unless the possibility of TSN wanting the game in primetime?

[flafson]

Weird, just saw on TSN that our game suppose to be at 4pm, must be a typo right? Should be at 7pm.

[Argocister]

Weird, just saw on TSN that our game suppose to be at 4pm, must be a typo right? Should be at 7pm.

HaHaHAha...... My husband said the same thing, and I had to show him the tickets .... Thought he was blind!

[D-Gap-Willie]

Agreed Ron, don't understand the Sunday evening start time, what ever happened to Sunday afternoon football with the lid open.
I hope that we aren't getting the 'night shift' because the Blue Jays played on Thursday, and Rogers are insisting on the full 72 hours for conversion to football. I think that TSN would have preferred an afternoon game, especially for western fans. It makes as much sense as Tuesday night games.

[Will]

Argonauts won't take Eskimos for granted. (http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/16/argonauts-wont-take-eskimos-for-granted)

Injuries putting Argonauts depth to the test.
(http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/16/injuries-putting-argonauts-depth-to-the-test)
Argos look to separate themselves from the pack.
(http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2013/08/16/argonauts_look_to_separate_themselves_from_the_pac k.html)

http://argonauts.ca/video/index/id/87829: Landry preview

As for the 7:00 PM start time. The Roughriders have been known to play 7:00 home games on Sundays in the past, but I don't know if I can recall another time when it was scheduled for another team in the league.

[294life]

They better not take them for granted. They could easily be 3-3 right now.

[Will]

Depth Chart (http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/league/pdf/en/depth/2013/2013_RegSeasonGame7vsEDMAug182013080504.pdf)

[ArgoGabe22]

They must be serious with Washington at DT if they list him there and change his number. I thought they were just trying it out for one practice.

[ArgoRavi]

Tony Washington is listed as a backup at defensive tackle wearing #93. I wonder if he will actually play though or be one of the four scratches. BTW, the Argos continue to start eight non-imports with three of those being on defence.

[Will]

If I had to guess then I would guess Washington will be one of the scratches.

[D-Gap-Willie]

I'm curious about Collaros showing on the depth chart at #3 behind Ray and Harris. Is he a little bit dinged, or is Harris thought to be a better fit against the Eskimo's defense ? or ?

[jerrym]

Glad to see you guys are keeping the Argos on the straight and narrow. Keep up the good work. Unfortunately on my recruiting drive through England, Ireland, France, Italy and Greece, I have been any promising prospective players, although I have seen quite a few potential Argo cheerleaders. I'll be back for the September 3rd game (hopefully another Montreal slaughter).

[Wobbler]

The Eskimos have a lot of injury-related lineup changes this week. It would be surprising if they didn't exhibit a bit of confusion on D and in the OL...

- Aaron Grymes (short side corner and their best DB) was injured in practice and is replaced by Joe Burnett (regular wide side corner and their second best DB)
- Bryan Williams will make his CFL debut at wide side corner
- JC Sherritt is hurt, and Rennie Curran will make his CFL debut at MLB

- Right tackle Branden Curry is hurt, so Matt O'Donnell will move from left guard to right tackle
- Miles Mason will make his CFL debut at left guard (an import guard!)
- Alexander Krausnick has finally recovered from a TC injury and will play his first game of the season at center

Sources: Campbell article (http://www.cfl.ca/article/campbell-eskimos-defence-tested-by-injuries) and Eskimos depth chart (http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/edm/downloads/downloads/2013/08/edmonton-eskimos-depth-chart-and-roster-toronto-argonauts2013081448.pdf)

[AngeloV]

Tony Washington is listed as a backup at defensive tackle wearing #93. I wonder if he will actually play though or be one of the four scratches. BTW, the Argos continue to start eight non-imports with three of those being on defence.

3 starters in D may just give them the opportunity to play both Chiles and Inman on offence in certain looks.

[AngeloV]

I'm curious about Collaros showing on the depth chart at #3 behind Ray and Harris. Is he a little bit dinged, or is Harris thought to be a better fit against the Eskimo's defense ? or ?

The depth chart hasn't exactly been 100% accurate this season.

[ArgoRavi]

The Eskimos have a lot of injury-related lineup changes this week. It would be surprising if they didn't exhibit a bit of confusion on D and in the OL...

- Aaron Grymes (short side corner and their best DB) was injured in practice and is replaced by Joe Burnett (regular wide side corner and their second best DB)
- Bryan Williams will make his CFL debut at wide side corner
- JC Sherritt is hurt, and Rennie Curran will make his CFL debut at MLB

- Right tackle Branden Curry is hurt, so Matt O'Donnell will move from left guard to right tackle
- Miles Mason will make his CFL debut at left guard (an import guard!)
- Alexander Krausnick has finally recovered from a TC injury and will play his first game of the season at center

Sources: Campbell article (http://www.cfl.ca/article/campbell-eskimos-defence-tested-by-injuries) and Eskimos depth chart (http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/edm/downloads/downloads/2013/08/edmonton-eskimos-depth-chart-and-roster-toronto-argonauts2013081448.pdf)

The Esks are certainly ripe for the picking with these changes. Hopefully the Argos can get a lot of pressure on Reilly and Ray can exploit the Eskimo defensive backfield although I would be hoping for both even with all of the Edmonton starters in.

[flafson]

I hope for a good game and a victory, though we already won 3 in a row and they lost almost everything so it's kinda their turn. Hopefully not.

[Wobbler]

Scratches according to Hogan: A. Jones, J. Williams, D. Lee, J Reid. We were able to dress Inman, Chiles, Steele, and Porter.

[Wobbler]

A lot of 3 man front from us so far!

[Wobbler]

Back to a 4 man front on Edmonton's second possession, with lots of pressure. Reilly was a bit lucky to convert that second down.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Yikes! Eskimos marched down the field in that quarter like the Michigan band. Time to tighten up the defense.

[Deerkeeper]

Remind me again who the 1-5 football team is.

[Will]

Coach Jones isn't going to be happy with the half that his defense played. Stamps is killing us out there.

Offense is keeping us in game.

[294life]

too bad. Ray's consecutive pass streak endeth at 18. what a half by both QBs

[ArgoRavi]

If I am not mistaken, Ricky Ray has finally erased Mike Rae's name from the Argo record book as he broke Rae's record of 15 of 15 to start a game which was set way back in 1975.

EDIT: I was wrong. Rae was 17 of 17 back in '75. Ray tied that mark tonight so Rae's name will remain in the record book for now. Combined, Ray and Collaros went 18 of 18 to start the game.

[Deerkeeper]

We need some two and outs this half.

[Wobbler]

Coach Jones isn't going to be happy with the half that his defense played. Stamps is killing us out there.

In fairness a couple of those were remarkable catches. I dare Edmonton to keep throwing those.

[Wobbler]

Ray sure makes quarterbacking look easy. Damn.

[Wobbler]

Tony Washington with the QB pressure!! If that's his only contribution today it will have still have been an excellent debut.

[Wobbler]

Is anyone else watching this game? It has been quite entertaining.

[Deerkeeper]

A little more difficult win then maybe it should have been, but I guess we'll take it. See you Friday night. The Stamps will be a tougher test.

[294life]

the 28 yd miss by Shaw turned out to be the difference maker.

just under 20,000 tonight but i've been told that the argos play at Rogers for free and can make a profit even at 18,000. is this true?

[mint83]

They can't make a profit drawing 20, 000. They were in the red averaging around 23,000 last year. I believe it would take closer to 30, 000 to make a profit under the
current TV deal but when the new deal kicks in next year the number drops to around 25,000. Nevertheless, there should be some urgency in getting a new stadium built. Braley and Rudge will be judged on how well they pull that off as they are currently failing miserably in the marketing department. Such a shame more people are not going to watch such an exciting team.

[larz-7]

They can't make a profit drawing 20, 000. They were in the red averaging around 23,000 last year. I believe it would take closer to 30, 000 to make a profit under the
current TV deal but when the new deal kicks in next year the number drops to around 25,000. Nevertheless, there should be some urgency in getting a new stadium built. Braley and Rudge will be judged on how well they pull that off as they are currently failing miserably in the marketing department. Such a shame more people are not going to watch such an exciting team.
sunday night at 7 pm may as well be a monday or tuesday game

[flafson]

Was a pretty good game overall, not sure how Ray had so many yards, it looked like Eskimos ruled most of the game.
You guys should have explained to me how to use the vuvuzela, i ended up just using my thundersticks cause i couldn't figure out. I was able to get it now though, had no idea you need to make a farting noise with your lips to get it to work, i was trying to blow air through it.

[Will]

I thought we had this game sewed up after three quarters. The Argos were winning 33-16 and the defense had seemingly solved Reilly and the Eskimos, but credit to Edmonton as they show no quit in games despite the circus that is their head coach. BTW, what the heck was Kavis doing costing his team 10 yards late in the game?

Jones won't be happy with the secondary after this game, but going into a big game against Calgary, I guess it's good to know that the opponent before you put a bit of a scare into you so the necessary adjustments can start to be worked on. Reilly is improving and his receivers made some spectacular catches for him.

A quiet return for Inman, but I guess he's getting his sea legs under him again. Durie and Owens continue to be Ricky's favorite targets and John Chiles had another great game. How about the call early for Zach to throw the 45-yard TD to Robinson? Ricky continues to carve teams with a surgical knife. He isn't always chucking the ball downfield that is true, but it is still effective.

BTW, the Argos were using a six-pack of receivers early in the game. Steele eventually got into the game, but I think he got banged up again as Porter seemed to be the primary running back in the second half.

[ArgoRavi]

Wasn't tonight what you call a "trap" game? I know that many on here expected a blowout but the Esks get paid to play too. Reilly is obviously progressing nicely as a CFL QB and his receivers aren't bad either. Even Shamawd Chambers had a strong game tonight after struggling for most of this season. Our defence has to be better and I am sure that Chris Jones will be all over them this week.

I continue to be concerned about our kicking game. Prefontaine did have two nice punts that pinned the Esks at their 10 yard line but he had a number of poor punts otherwise including a key one late in the game, isn't getting enough distance on kickoffs and missed a 45 yard FG which seemed to be a bit of a turning point in the fourth quarter. Is anyone else concerned about this aspect of our game?

[Will]

The play of Prefontaine has been brought up in conjunction with a couple of the previous games so the concern is there from others besides yourself, Ravi. Yes the missed FG could have made a difference tonight and he had one particular poor punt in the 4th that resulted in a no yards penalty. I still don't know the status of Waters, but I think it's safe to say that for now the team is sticking with Pre until Swayze is back whether we like it or not.

[Argocister]

the 28 yd miss by Shaw turned out to be the difference maker.
............?
Balanced by Pre's .......


The play of Prefontaine has been brought up in conjunction with a couple of the previous games so the concern is there from others besides yourself, Ravi. Yes the missed FG could have made a difference tonight and he had one particular poor punt in the 4th that resulted in a no yards penalty. I still don't know the status of Waters, but I think it's safe to say that for now the team is sticking with Pre until Swayze is back whether we like it or not.

When Pre kicks, it's always a nervous guess as to how well, or quirky they will end up. Mind you, that may just keep the other team off balance, as there was one time tonight where the returner was way too close. I'm thinking Waters is closer to coming back than not ..... Why go through the motions of getting a back up in for a game or two? ......Could be wrong though.



I thought we had this game sewed up after three quarters. The Argos were winning 33-16 and the defense had seemingly solved Reilly and the Eskimos, but credit to Edmonton as they show no quit in games despite the circus that is their head coach. BTW, what the heck was Kavis doing costing his team 10 yards late in the game?

Kavis was trying to get the kick team off the field, and when they didn't respond he took the penalty instead. ....buying time .

Jones won't be happy with the secondary after this game, but going into a big game against Calgary, I guess it's good to know that the opponent before you put a bit of a scare into you so the necessary adjustments can start to be worked on. Reilly is improving and his receivers made some spectacular catches for him.

Sitting behind the Argos bench showed Jones giving some lectures. Milanovich was livid with the offence after a few plays in the first half. I personally have never seen him let loose like that. I'm thinking some on the offence are in the dog house after tonight's game. I like Milanovichs competitive attitude though.
Some of Reilly's passes looked like Rays.... Reilly is definitely improving but I agree that some could have easily been pics.


A quiet return for Inman, but I guess he's getting his sea legs under him again. Durie and Owens continue to be Ricky's favorite targets and John Chiles had another great game. How about the call early for Zach to throw the 45-yard TD to Robinson? Ricky continues to carve teams with a surgical knife. He isn't always chucking the ball downfield that is true, but it is still effective.

BTW, the Argos were using a six-pack of receivers early in the game. Steele eventually got into the game, but I think he got banged up again as Porter seemed to be the primary running back in the second half.

Our running game needs to improve. I'm not sure if we miss Kackert, ........or Steele was a bit banged up and we had to use Porter .... Or our Oline just doesn't get it done .... Or a combination of the 3 ( or more) reasons. It was definitely evident when we had the large lead .... We can't seem to leave the offence on the field more than 2 plays using our run game.
( this is called prevent D right?)

Tonight's game exposed many areas of the Argos game that need improvement. Hopefully things are better for Friday night. Calgary will capitalize on mistakes .... And if the D bends too often there will be more scoring than tonight.....and without a run game the defence will be on the field too much. The way they are playing now would put them in the middle of the league ( 3-6 ) which allows for improvement, .... And hopefully peak in the playoffs.

[ArgoRavi]

TSN said that Milanovich was livid with the offensive line in particular in the first half. He didn't think that they were being physical enough. I believe that the dissatisfaction stemmed from not converting a couple of second and short situations in the first quarter. Then Steve McAdoo lit into them and they promptly went out and helped the offence score a TD to take a 14-9 lead.

[D-Gap-Willie]

Well that sure took care of any lingering complacency on the Argo team, especially in the defensive secondary. I'm sure that Milanovitch and the coaches were scared to death of complacency going into this game, and hence Pinball showing up to end the final practice with one of his famous speeches.
They still played a mentally lazy game, especially the O-line. The running game blocking was awful, but then it has never been a priority. The backs are taking a pounding with their blocking assignments, giving decent protection, but having to do far more than their share.

Defensive secondary is truly a work in progress, and they don't have much time before Calgary to improve. Individual skills seem to be there, but cohesiveness is awful. Mediocre work on the D-line, but decent progress week on week - Washington is amazing.


Pre's inconsistency is going to get us sooner or later - I can't figure out what his problem is. Surely he's been around long enough to know how to avoid mental lapses.

I'm glad I don't get to hear the coaches comments after the film reviews.

[gilthethrill]

After 3 consecutive good defensive efforts, it seems the Argo D has suddenly become leaky? I think not. Yes, they gave up a silly amount of passing yards, but take away the garbage TD at the end, & this game was never really in doubt. I saw key 2 & outs, some devastating hits by several members of the Argo D & a couple of incredible catches by Eskimo receivers that allowed them to maintain what faint hope they had. The O has to find a way to convert 2nd & short on a consistent basis..the O-line does not get the call to run block enough, but with Ricky Ray completing every pass, why would you run the ball? This is a 1st place team for the remainder of the season...there will be playoffs at the Dome in the fall...but it won't be played by a Rogers owned team!!!

[paulwoods13]

I continue to be concerned about our kicking game. Prefontaine did have two nice punts that pinned the Esks at their 10 yard line but he had a number of poor punts otherwise including a key one late in the game, isn't getting enough distance on kickoffs and missed a 45 yard FG which seemed to be a bit of a turning point in the fourth quarter. Is anyone else concerned about this aspect of our game?

I sure am. I have loved Pre for 15 years but he is really struggling. I sure hope we get SW back this season.

[paulwoods13]

After 3 consecutive good defensive efforts, it seems the Argo D has suddenly become leaky? I think not. Yes, they gave up a silly amount of passing yards, but take away the garbage TD at the end, & this game was never really in doubt. I saw key 2 & outs, some devastating hits by several members of the Argo D & a couple of incredible catches by Eskimo receivers that allowed them to maintain what faint hope they had. The O has to find a way to convert 2nd & short on a consistent basis..the O-line does not get the call to run block enough, but with Ricky Ray completing every pass, why would you run the ball? This is a 1st place team for the remainder of the season...there will be playoffs at the Dome in the fall...but it won't be played by a Rogers owned team!!!

I agree, mostly. Edm got two virtually meaningless TDs, and a hell of a lot of yards, in the fourth quarter so the stats are not as meaningful as some might think. But there were soe breakdowns. Jalil Carter had a tough night -- has to learn to look back to the ball. Lawrence was mostly very solid out there. Gatlin wasn't too prominent. I really did not like the way the d-linemen were lining up in the first half -- too many gaps and too much time spent dropping big tackle-type guys into pass coverage. I thought they went more traditional in the second half and it seemed to work better.

I want to see a little more running, or at least get the ball in the hands of the RB a bit more, but I agree -- with RR completing more than eight out of every 10 passes he throws, why not keep him throwing?

[paulwoods13]

BTW, what the heck was Kavis doing costing his team 10 yards late in the game?


Kavis seemed to have completely lost control of his team at the end. He somehow allowed the Esks to line up for a FG with 15 seconds left when it would have done them absolutely no good, then had to take the penalty by running on to the field so he could get the offence back out there. (There should be a harsher penalty than 10 yards for such a blatant infraction, IMO.) Then he seemed to want to go for two points after the final TD, before changing his mind. Then he ripped his headphones off and handed them to the first person he saw, which happened to be a player. I think he is heading towards a fate like Willie Wood -- a good man who is a bit out of his depth as a head coach.

[294life]

Kavis seemed to have completely lost control of his team at the end. He somehow allowed the Esks to line up for a FG with 15 seconds left when it would have done them absolutely no good, then had to take the penalty by running on to the field so he could get the offence back out there. (There should be a harsher penalty than 10 yards for such a blatant infraction, IMO.) Then he seemed to want to go for two points after the final TD, before changing his mind. Then he ripped his headphones off and handed them to the first person he saw, which happened to be a player. I think he is heading towards a fate like Willie Wood -- a good man who is a bit out of his depth as a head coach.

They'd need a GM like Ralph Sazio first. ;)

[gilthethrill]

Did Marcus Ball leave the game with an injury? TSN said nothing at all.

[Will]

Did Marcus Ball leave the game with an injury? TSN said nothing at all.

I saw he got banged up during the 3rd or 4th quarter, but it was on the far side of the field. Hood played after that.

[Argo57]

Not our best game but a win is a win. Some positives, Tony Washington looked pretty good at DT, the guy is physically imposing for sure. Robert McCune continues to be a rock at MLB (despite the phantom roughing the passer call).
Shane Horton is always around the ball and continues to improve game by game. Lawrence can really close on any receiver and can hit (secondary will have to get better). Ricky Ray is awesome, enough said and our receiving corp is as good as any in the league, running game will have to improve moving forward, I like Steele but his durability is questionable so far.
Have always like Prefontaine but it is time for a change there, when your punt coverage team starts to outrun your punts and get no yards calls you have an issue.

[Will]

Did anybody watch the "inside the locker room" where the Argos are handing out game balls. You can tell Milanovich was pretty pissed by his body language.

[Will]

Some post-game coverage:

Argos

Superb Ray leads Argos over Eskimos (http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/18/superb-ray-leads-argos-over-eskimos)

Ricky Ray is in some kind of zone for the Argonauts (http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/19/ricky-ray-is-in-some-kind-of-zone-for-the-argonauts)

Ricky Ray unstoppable as Argos beat Eskimos (http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2013/08/18/ricky_ray_unstoppable_as_argos_beat_eskimos.html)

Eskimos

Edmonton Eskimos rack up yardage against Argonauts but still lose (http://www.edmontonsun.com/2013/08/18/edmonton-eskimos-rack-up-yardage-against-argonauts-but-still-lose)

Eskimos offense improves, but Edmonton still loses in a shootout to Ricky Ray and the Argos (http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/edmonton-eskimos/Eskimos+offence+improves+Edmonton/8804442/story.html)

National

Ricky Ray leads rolling Argos to win over Eskimos (http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/08/18/ricky-ray-leads-rolling-argos-to-win-over-eskimos)

[294life]

could have said 'rock 'n' rolling'

[ArgoRavi]

Did anybody watch the "inside the locker room" where the Argos are handing out game balls. You can tell Milanovich was pretty pissed by his body language.

From watching his post-game press conference, you could tell that he wasn't thrilled with the team's inability to put the Esks away in the fourth quarter.

[Will]

There are some who label the 4th quarter by the Eskimos as just making the score look respectable in garbage time, but the Eskimos were effective in moving the ball in the 1st and 2nd quarters, too. The Argos defense played well in the 3rd and Ray threw the two touchdowns to make the difference. The key in the 4th obviously was the 49-yard pass to Chiles on 2nd and 8.

[Argo57]

There are some who label the 4th quarter by the Eskimos as just making the score look respectable in garbage time, but the Eskimos were effective in moving the ball in the 1st and 2nd quarters, too. The Argos defense played well in the 3rd and Ray threw the two touchdowns to make the difference. The key in the 4th obviously was the 49-yard pass to Chiles on 2nd and 8.

If they don't hit that completion to Chiles we could be having a very different discussion today, you are 100% dead on Edmonton moved the ball almost at will all game so it wasn't like those late TD'S were a gift from the Argo "prevent" defence.
No matter how you slice it 500+ passing yards against doesn't cut it.

[paulwoods13]

If they don't hit that completion to Chiles we could be having a very different discussion today, you are 100% dead on Edmonton moved the ball almost at will all game so it wasn't like those late TD'S were a gift from the Argo "prevent" defence.
No matter how you slice it 500+ passing yards against doesn't cut it.

After three quarters, Reilly was on pace for about 400 yards through the air. Still a lot but not an insane figure in this league. Then he went off for something like 230 yards in the fourth when we had a large lead. I don't like giving up 500 yards or 33 points, but I never felt we were under a serious threat from the end of the third quarter on.

[ArgoRavi]

If they don't hit that completion to Chiles we could be having a very different discussion today, you are 100% dead on Edmonton moved the ball almost at will all game so it wasn't like those late TD'S were a gift from the Argo "prevent" defence.
No matter how you slice it 500+ passing yards against doesn't cut it.

That lucky 50 yard pass to Coehoorn was what got the Esks kick-started again in the fourth quarter. If the Argos succeed in even just knocking that pass down, I suspect that the fourth quarter would have unfolded much differently.

[Argo57]

After three quarters, Reilly was on pace for about 400 yards through the air. Still a lot but not an insane figure in this league. Then he went off for something like 230 yards in the fourth when we had a large lead. I don't like giving up 500 yards or 33 points, but I never felt we were under a serious threat from the end of the third quarter on.

Argos had a 7 point lead with around 2 minutes left before the Chiles reception, at that point I didn't feel like the game was over.

[Argo57]

That lucky 50 yard pass to Coehoorn was what got the Esks kick-started again in the fourth quarter. If the Argos succeed in even just knocking that pass down, I suspect that the fourth quarter would have unfolded much differently.

True
But they didn't knock the pass down, give Edmonton credit they did take advantage of that play.

[paulwoods13]

Argos had a 7 point lead with around 2 minutes left before the Chiles reception, at that point I didn't feel like the game was over.

I can understand that, but for whatever reason I just felt we weren't going to lose. Gut instinct, I guess.

[ArgoRavi]

I can understand that, but for whatever reason I just felt we weren't going to lose. Gut instinct, I guess.

It sounds like you have exorcised those demons from 30 years ago, Paul, when so many Argo fans, myself included, were always waiting for the team to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I have to admit that I was still worried about that game in the fourth quarter last night.

[Argo57]

It sounds like you have exorcised those demons from 30 years ago, Paul, when so many Argo fans, myself included, were always waiting for the team to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I have to admit that I was still worried about that game in the fourth quarter last night.

That's exactly how I am as well, have had my share of heartache with this team since the 70's.

[flafson]

Any idea what is the song they play in the stadium right after the game is over? Cool song.
I know they played it at the BC game and also last night at the Eskimos game.

[Stevoman]

This organization has come a very long way in the past 2 years. With the coaching staff and personnel that we have I feel that if the game is close at halftime there is a strong chance that we will win the game. I expected the Argos to pull away in the third and never really felt like they would relinquish the lead after that. I am not impressed with the yards and points given up but the way Milanovich responded after the game reinforced why we can be confident that the coaches will ensure that the players are properly prepared physically and mentally. It has been a long time since I've had this much confidence in the team. In fact, since I've been following, I think the 1991 and 96-97 teams were the only ones that gave me that kind of hope. While I don't think we'll win every game or anything I expect us to win 10 or 11 games this year and host a playoff game.

[argotom]

It sounds like you have exorcised those demons from 30 years ago, Paul, when so many Argo fans, myself included, were always waiting for the team to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I have to admit that I was still worried about that game in the fourth quarter last night.Absolutely correct. We took the foot off the gas pedal. I guess it is somewhat natural with such a big lead to take a breath and play somewhat soft. At the dome, I could see this with the offense yes even Ricky instead of attacking down field as per norm the swing safety passes for 3-5 yards became common. While the defense dropped back and gave Reilly a big field to play with.

[Will]

Argos get wakeup call in win over Eskimos (http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/19/argos-get-wakeup-call-in-win-over-eskimos)

Good to see that the team (while happy with their victory) knows that there is work to be done after the game.

[Wobbler]

Like Paul, I was never worried about the outcome of this game in the fourth quarter. The score would never have been close without that ludicrous play resulting in Coehoorn's 51 yard reception and some additional bad luck.

I also think it is important to remember that Edmonton has a very good receiving corps (at least as good as ours). Giving up a lot of yards to them is hard to avoid.

[Will]

But, we are talking about 511 yards here and that ought to be concerning to any team even if the opposition has a good receiving corps. By comparison the Alouettes surrendered 262 yards to Reilly and the Tiger-Cats surrendered 311 yards.

[AngeloV]

But, we are talking about 511 yards here and that ought to be concerning to any team even if the opposition has a good receiving corps. By comparison the Alouettes surrendered 262 yards to Reilly and the Tiger-Cats surrendered 311 yards.

The difference there is that neither of those teams had big leads. I'm not saying the d played well, because they didn't. But teams that fall behing by 17 points, often do pad their stats late.

[argolio]

I didn't like all the 2nd and longs the Esks converted on us. Reilly made plenty of good reads, but I wonder if their no-huddle (which they used most of the game) might have put our D off their game a bit.

Could have been a more comfortable ending, but a win is a win

[flafson]

Any idea what is the song they play in the stadium right after the game is over? Cool song.
I know they played it at the BC game and also last night at the Eskimos game.

Any idea about that song guys?

[bluto]

don't recall hearing what it was...

try googling some lyrics?

[flafson]

I would if i remembered them... I tried to use Shazem at that moment but had a dead spot of reception at that moment.

[ArgoRavi]

I didn't like all the 2nd and longs the Esks converted on us. Reilly made plenty of good reads, but I wonder if their no-huddle (which they used most of the game) might have put our D off their game a bit.

Could have been a more comfortable ending, but a win is a win

The number of 2nd and longs that the Esks converted was quite troubling. I agree that their no-huddle offence was something that the Argos needed to adjust to at halftime and they seemed to successfully do that and shut down the Esks in the third quarter.

[flafson]

http://video.tsn.ca/?dl=cfl-argonauts/latest/1/0/986506/clip/200#cfl-argonauts/latest

(http://video.tsn.ca/?dl=cfl-argonauts/latest/1/0/986506/clip/200#cfl-argonauts/latest)If you skip to 0:45, the song i'm looking for is playing in the background. Kinda hard to pick it up though.
The best goes something like that: Tom tom tom, tidi tom tom tom, something. Oh ee oh, oh ee oh... something.
I know it's a bit far fetched :)

[Will]

The music at 0:45 is sufficiently muted out by Chiles speaking that I am unable to help you identify the song.

[flafson]

Any idea what is the song they play in the stadium right after the game is over? Cool song.
I know they played it at the BC game and also last night at the Eskimos game.

I found the song!
They played a long enough version of it tonight in the New Orleans game and i was able to Shazam it.
Fall Out Boy - Light Em Up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIWmsP3c_s