September 8, 2013: Toronto Argonauts vs. Montreal Alouettes

[T-Bone]

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

Week 11
Sunday, September 8, 2013 at 1:00pm EDT.
Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. Montreal, QC.

TV: TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/feature/?id=508) - RDS (http://www.rds.ca/football/lcf)
Video Webcast: Mobile TV (http://www.tsn.ca/mobiletv/)
Team Radio TOR: TSN Radio 1050 (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?fid=43622) - MTL: CJAD 800 (http://www.cjad.com/Sports/Alouettes/)/98.5 CHMP (http://www.985sports.ca/football/)
Audio Webcast: TOR: Here (http://www.tsn.ca/Toronto/listen/) - MTL: Here (http://www.cjad.com/player.aspx)/Here (http://www.985fm.ca/webradio/)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.siriusxm.ca/sports-schedules/cfl/)

Depth Charts: TOR: Here (http://www.argonauts.ca/depthchart/list/team/7/year/2013) - MTL: Here (http://en.montrealalouettes.com/depthchart/charts/team/9)

Pre-Game Tailgate: Info Here (http://www.argofans.com/showthread.php?2228-Tailgating-in-Montreal&p=36356#post36356)

Away Game Viewing:
334

Post Game: Argos Complete Comeback: Win Rematch 37-30 (http://www.argonauts.ca/article/week-11-argos-als)

[294life]

sadly i'll be absent for that one. can't believe they're having MLS on a sunday night in Boston.

[Wobbler]

My confidence regarding the last game was badly misplaced. I have no idea how this game will go, but since we'll be fielding essentially the same team and a similar game plan, we're going to need better efforts from a lot of guys (including the coaching staff).

[1argoholic]

I was sure we'd win last week and now I just hope we show up with our heads into the game. Last week was a farce. If we lose this week I sence a real slide with Calgary and Sask roadtrip games ahead.

[argolio]

58-10 Argos.

[Will]

Owens is likely out.

[294life]

58-10 Argos.

could be the opposite.

[Wobbler]

More from Landry: Cleyon Laing has a sprained ankle and is out two weeks.

[Argo57]

Sadly, not expecting much from the Argonauts this Sunday.

[argos1873]

No Ray, Owens, Kackert, minus the plethora of defensive positions lost since last season = a shell of a team. Our only hope is if Collaros steps back up, and the receivers respond. Keeping the ball out of Montreal's hands, will keep us in the game. I have hope, but, I'm not predicting an Argos win unfortunately.

[ArgoRavi]

Montreal has lots of injuries too. That is no excuse. I fully expect that the Argos will rebound and win on Sunday and anything less will be disappointing.

[jerrym]

I'm not as pessimistic as some of the above comments suggest, but I would still have to give the edge to the Als.

[ArgoRavi]

Reading Zicarelli in the Sun, I wonder why the Argos should even bother to show up on Sunday: http://www.torontosun.com/2013/09/06/argos-in-a-no-win-situation

Owens would be a big loss but this team still has a lot of offensive weapons with the likes of Durie, Chiles, Barnes and Inman. The more negativity I read coming into this game, the more that I am convinced that the Argos will rebound and win.

[AngeloV]

Reading Zicarelli in the Sun....

Ravi, how many times have I told you to stop reading what that know nothing Zicarelli writes? You are above that.

[Wobbler]

With Whitaker inactive this week Montreal's run game will be one dimensional. Stopping Messam certainly isn't easy, but knowing that they are limited to a power run game should help our D.

[Wobbler]

The depth chart (http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/league/pdf/en/depth/2013/2013_RegSeasonGame10atMTLSept8090311.pdf) is up. There are a LOT of changes for a road game on a short week!

- We're using Gale as the #3 QB this week instead of Portis (probably just to keep everyone happy)
- J Johnson is back from the IR
- Rogers and Romby Bryant have come off the IR (although I doubt that either will dress)
- Trent Guy has been activated to play slot and return kicks in place of Owens
- Tripp is back from the IR and takes Cleyon Laing's spot
- Colclough has been moved to WILL LB in place of Jamie Robinson, who becomes this week's guest star at field DB
- Steele has been placed on the 1 game IR, so it will be the Porter+Norwood show at RB

[ArgoRavi]

Ravi, how many times have I told you to stop reading what that know nothing Zicarelli writes? You are above that.

The only problem is that there is nobody else to read, AV. Beggars can't be choosers. :) In all seriousness though, I do find that Zicarelli overreacts to every loss and significant injury like it is the end of the world.

[ArgoRavi]

The depth chart (http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/league/pdf/en/depth/2013/2013_RegSeasonGame10atMTLSept8090311.pdf) is up. There are a LOT of changes for a road game on a short week!

- We're using Gale as the #3 QB this week instead of Portis (probably just to keep everyone happy)
- J Johnson is back from the IR
- Rogers and Romby Bryant have come off the IR (although I doubt that either will dress)
- Trent Guy has been activated to play slot and return kicks in place of Owens
- Tripp is back from the IR and takes Cleyon Laing's spot
- Colclough has been moved to WILL LB in place of Jamie Robinson, who becomes this week's guest star at field DB
- Steele has been placed on the 1 game IR, so it will be the Porter+Norwood show at RB

I guess that Gale got to spend the first half of the season on the nine-game injured list and now it is Portis' turn. If I am not mistaken, Robinson actually did play field halfback on Tuesday and Colclough played at linebacker but the depth chart for that game did not reflect that. This might be the first time all season that we have dressed the same starters in the secondary for two consecutive games. Also, given the unreliability of the posted depth charts, I wonder if Rogers won't start at left tackle ahead of Washington and I suspect that Norwood will see most of the snaps at tailback instead of Porter.

Who will be the scratches? I am guessing that they will be Andrew Jones, Austin English, Romby Bryant and who isn't the starter between Washington and Rogers.

[Wobbler]

I guess that Gale got to spend the first half of the season on the nine-game injured list and now it is Portis' turn.
Good catch, Ravi - I didn't notice that we 9-gamed Portis.


If I am not mistaken, Robinson actually did play field halfback on Tuesday and Colclough played at linebacker but the depth chart for that game did not reflect that.
They switched back and forth; I'm not sure who got more reps at which position. On the SJ Green fumble, Robinson (at LB) chased down Green and knocked the ball loose for Colclough (in the secondary) to recover.

I think of the DC as a statement of intent (that is sometimes altered by circumstance) rather than "unreliable".


Who will be the scratches? I am guessing that they will be Andrew Jones, Austin English, Romby Bryant and who isn't the starter between Washington and Rogers.
No argument here. I'm already on record re: Bryant and Rogers, Jones is always scratched, and I'd sit English over Williams.

[jerrym]

The constant churning in the defensive lineup makes it as reliable as a Vancouver weather forecast.

[jerrym]

With the Ticat win, an Aloutette win means a three way tie for first. While the Ticat defence collapsed in the fourth quarter today, it is still an improvement over last year's defence as it controlled the Lions for most of the game. The Ticats under Austin seem to have some selective methodology in bringing in new players to improve what was the worst defence in the league last year while the Argos seem to be approaching rebuilding their defence in a haphazard shotgun approach of changing players every week like they were rolling the dice in a game of roulette.

[Argo57]

Hamilton is the team to be worried about in the 2nd half of this season, their D is showing steady signs of improvement (wish we could say the same).

[1argoholic]

I've never been more frustrated at our D than this year. Not so much about the play but learning all the new guys. Half way through the season and I still don't know the guys. How can we expect so many new guys to pick up the game and play lights out every year. We could be in deep with a loss tomorrow and yet another big name on the shelf in Owens.

[ArgoRavi]

Hamilton is the team to be worried about in the 2nd half of this season, their D is showing steady signs of improvement (wish we could say the same).

While I agree that Hamilton is a team to watch out for, I still believe that their defence has no fewer question marks than ours does. It is going to come down to which defence can gel faster. Also, as 294life would likely point out, Montreal's defence is probably the best of the three at this moment.

[ArgoRavi]

I've never been more frustrated at our D than this year. Not so much about the play but learning all the new guys. Half way through the season and I still don't know the guys. How can we expect so many new guys to pick up the game and play lights out every year. We could be in deep with a loss tomorrow and yet another big name on the shelf in Owens.

Even if we lose on Sunday, which I don't expect, it won't be the end of the world. The CFL season is long enough to have lots of twists and turns and there will be several more before this season is over.

[Argo57]

While I agree that Hamilton is a team to watch out for, I still believe that their defence has no fewer question marks than ours does. It is going to come down to which defence can gel faster. Also, as 294life would likely point out, Montreal's defence is probably the best of the three at this moment.

Hamilton seem to be settling on their Defensive personnel, sadly I think they are pulling ahead of the Argonauts in this regard, I also think their offence has more weapons at their disposal and huge edge over the Alouettes with smilin Hank.

[294life]

While I agree that Hamilton is a team to watch out for, I still believe that their defence has no fewer question marks than ours does. It is going to come down to which defence can gel faster. Also, as 294life would likely point out, Montreal's defence is probably the best of the three at this moment.

A bit inconsistent at times. Overly agressive. I expect them to give more than 9 points tomorrow. Maybe 11. :D

Whatever happens to the Argos in the next few games they'll be tough to beat again down the stretch.

[Stevoman]

With Hamilton now tied with the Argos this game has gotten even more interesting. Good storyline for tomorrow. Will the backups prove they belong?

[ArgoRavi]

Hamilton seem to be settling on their Defensive personnel, sadly I think they are pulling ahead of the Argonauts in this regard, I also think their offence has more weapons at their disposal and huge edge over the Alouettes with smilin Hank.

I don't think that Hamilton has more weapons than the Argos as let's not forget that Toronto has Kackert (when healthy), Durie, Owens, Barnes, Inman and Chiles. That is not a bad arsenal of weapons for any QB to work with. The Ticats have Gable, Fantuz, Ellingson, Grant, Giguere and Stala. I like our arsenal better to be honest.

[AngeloV]

d to play slot and return kicks in place of Owens

- Colclough has been moved to WILL LB in place of Jamie Robinson, who becomes this week's guest star at field DB


That may be a change in the official published depth chart. but Colclough palyed will last game and Robinson played half. I though Robinson was very good at the half as well. Als picked on Carter all night, but I was watching Robinson, and he looked good.

[jerrym]

The Argos need to stop abusing Owens by overusing him if they expect him to have a long career. It is evident that he some of his elusive acceleration is gone, reducing his effectiveness on returns. They need to consider whether he should be a receiver only when he returns now that is one of the league's best. Each game recently he physically looks in worse shape from the overwork and it is starting to affect his performance as a receiver.

[AngeloV]

The Argos need to stop abusing Owens by overusing him if they expect him to have a long career. It is evident that he some of his elusive acceleration is gone, reducing his effectiveness on returns. They need to consider whether he should be a receiver only when he returns now that is one of the league's best. Each game recently he physically looks in worse shape from the overwork and it is starting to affect his performance as a receiver.

I agree. IMO, he's turned into too valuable a weapon as a receiver. I would take him off returns. I don't care about all purpose yards records. Dress 1 less LB, and add a kick return specialist.

[ArgoRavi]

Was Chiles' progress not stopped on that last play prior to the fumble? They ruled that progress has been stopped on a similar play on Tuesday night when Montreal's running back fumbled.

[Deerkeeper]

Pre fails again

[ArgoRavi]

Barring a remarkable performance the rest of this game, this has to be the final game ever as a FG kicker for Prefontaine.

[Nob]

Hey Pre,

Thanks. It's been real. It's been nice, but this year has not been really nice.

Another pathetic quarter by the Argos. Uggggggh

[jerrym]

Pre misses again. The Argos have to find someone who get us the FG points regularly. They are critical in the CFL. Also, once again the Argo tackling is poor with only a London drop of an easy catch preventing a likely TD after a long march down the field thanks in part to Argo tackling.

[ArgoZ]

Barring a remarkable performance the rest of this game, this has to be the final game ever as a FG kicker for Prefontaine.

I expressed my concern early in the season. I predicted that our kicking is going to cost us a game and unfortunately, only after then may we see a change. Today just might be the day my prophecy comes true. They would only be a TD behind if Pre hits those FG's, but I am afraid as the Als might slowly pull away.

[jerrym]

The Argo receivers need to make sure they get past the 10 yard marker on receptions rather than a couple of yards short on second down. This has already halted a couple of Argo drives.

[mint83]

Collaros is terrible - hope he has to leave the game

[ArgoRavi]

Shouldn't Moton Hopkins have gotten a penalty for a late hit on Collaros? That seemed obvious to me.

[jerrym]

[QUOTE=ArgoRavi;36563]Shouldn't Moton Hopkins have gotten a penalty for a late hit on Collaros? That seemed obvious to me.[/QUOTE

I was just going to say the same thing.

[jerrym]

Norwood looks like somewhat of an improvement over Steele.

[jerrym]

There should have been an interference call on the Als in the end zone.

[ArgoRavi]

There should have been an interference call on the Als in the end zone.

Yep, I am still seething over that. The difference in this game at the half is the fumble recovery for a TD and Whyte making his FGs while Prefontaine is missing his. We really are beating ourselves.

[jerrym]

Yep, I am still seething over that. The difference in this game at the half is the fumble recovery for a TD and Whyte making his FGs while Prefontaine is missing his. We really are beating ourselves.

There is also a question about the "fumble", as it looked like Chiles forward motion was stopped.

[1argoholic]

Two obvious penalties not called but this team is still showing squat and giving fans no reason to think that we'll do enough to win. Sad to think that a qb who tossed four picks and looked useless two weeks back now looks better than our second stringer in his second year. Marsh has horseshoes up his butt pulling out that four pick game, last week and what looks like this week. Pre is FINISHED!!!! Coaching staff has not adjusted to losing Ray. O Line is horrible and obvious that Ray makes them look great. Too many changes and injuries. We need a small miracle to pull this out. I don't see another win for a while.

[ArgoRavi]

There is also a question about the "fumble", as it looked like Chiles forward motion was stopped.

There have certainly been about three odd calls and non-calls that have gone against us today. The Chiles' "fumble", as I mentioned earlier, was quite similar to a play that went Montreal's way in Tuesday's game.

[mint83]

I think Collaros makes to O-line worse than it really is. He holds on to the ball too long.

[ArgoRavi]

If Barnes had only been able to hang onto that ...

[ArgoRavi]

What the hell was Prefontaine thinking on that play? Just hang onto the ball and take the freaking tackle. We are just beating ourselves today.

[bluto]

damn near unwatchable so far.

[Nob]

damn near unwatchable so far.

Ummmmm,......no. It is unwatchable.

[ArgoRavi]

The Argos can't let this game get out of hand either as point differential could be a huge factor with this being a four-game series. Right now, Montreal has a one-point lead.

[Wobbler]

I haven't been fully satisfied with our performance in this game so far.

[ArgoRavi]

Well that changed quickly. The Argos are finally making some big plays and it is now 23-21. The defence has played much, much better today and the offence has moved the ball better in this third quarter too.

[jerrym]

I was just going to type that it is unbelievable that the Argos are still in this game after scoring their first TD when Tripp scores on a fumble recovery! I think they should have went for the PAT rather than the two points as there is so much time left.

[Wobbler]

Ugh. I hate it when teams go for two points when they don't need to. TAKE THE FREE POINT.

[bluto]

I haven't been fully satisfied with our performance in this game so far.

you mean that you've been partly satisfied?

[bluto]

i'd like to retract my prior snarky remark...

[jerrym]

Totally unbelievable! The Argos have the lead! Talk about the Argo bounce!

[ArgoRavi]

i'd like to retract my prior snarky remark...

LOL, maybe someone on the sidelines read it as that seemed to give them the kick in the butt that they needed.

[ArgoRavi]

I don't understand how Watkins can shut every other receiver down but this Carter kid. And I don't need to hear who his freaking father is every time he makes a play.

[bluto]

I don't understand how Watkins can shut every other receiver down but this Carter kid. And I don't need to hear who his freaking father is every time he makes a play.

laying it on a bit thick, aren't they... i suppose we ought to get used to it.

[jerrym]

Pre blows pinning the Als deep. Then after the Argos intercept, he blows a FG for the third time. He has to go. I've always loved his gung-ho style and kicking when he was younger but he is simply over the hill and has cost us a TD and 3 FGs.

[tennyis]

I cant watch this game because of the beeping sound... been watching nfl and switching back every once in a while to see the score.

[jerrym]

If the Argos had not gone for the two points after the TD, they would have the lead by one point.

[Ballstothewall]

Pre blows pinning the Als deep. Then after the Argos intercept, he blows a FG for the third time. He has to go. I've always loved his gung-ho style and kicking when he was younger but he is simply over the hill and has cost us a TD and 3 FGs.

Watch the game come to down to us needing a 45 yard FG with 1 second on the clock. Problem is our kicker can't hit on a 45 yard FG. How can a pro football team not have a kicker who can kick a 45 to 50 yard FG

[jerrym]

Argos TD on a play where Collaros bobbles ball on the snap. Argo Big Bounce works again! Still the failure to go for the PAT previously means the Als are not forced to go for two if they score a TD. However, the Argos deserve some credit for not giving up when things were going so badly.

[tennyis]

kick a 45 yard? I wouldn't even want him kicking a 25 yard with 1 second left... I said it last week they are better off just going for it on 3rd down then letting him kick a fg.

[Wobbler]

Watch the game come to down to us needing a 45 yard FG with 1 second on the clock. Problem is our kicker can't hit on a 45 yard FG. How can a pro football team not have a kicker who can kick a 45 to 50 yard FG
If range was Pre's only problem it wouldn't be such a big deal. But Waters will be back next week, so (shrug).

[Wobbler]

Wow - I'm amazed that we won that game.

[jerrym]

Interception! Meaningless Argo penalty after. Argos Bounce wins!

[jerrym]

Gabriel looked great with 6 tackles and 2 sacks.

[1argoholic]

How the hell did we win, I mean I'm thrilled but wow. Time to look for a new kicker and holder. Oh and Screw Rod Black, Carter and his Hall Of Fame Dad, who's working today. Black you are a KISS ASS!

Oh and Als fans now you can ram those horns deep. That make some noise BS pushed by stadium announcers has to be stopped.

[ArgoRavi]

That is a huge win! You have to give Collaros a lot of credit for a gutsy effort and the Argo coaching staff did a good job making adjustments at halftime. This puts us in good shape as far as finishing ahead of the Als as we have almost a three game lead on them. The only way that Montreal can win the season series now is if they win by more than 21 points on the final weekend of the season.

As for the negatives, the turnovers need to be cleaned up and Mike O'Shea needs to get his special teams in order. I really hope that Waters is ready to play next week but if he isn't, they have to go out and sign another kicker this week. Actually, regardless of whether Waters is ready or not, they need to sign another kicker to back him up as Prefontaine is clearly no longer the answer.

[ArgoRavi]

How the hell did we win, I mean I'm thrilled but wow. Time to look for a new kicker and holder. Oh and Screw Rod Black, Carter and his Hall Of Fame Dad, who's working today. Black you are a KISS ASS!

Oh and Als fans now you can ram those horns deep. That make some noise BS pushed by stadium announcers has to be stopped.

Rod Black is obsessed with relatives who either have played or are currently playing in the NFL. Every time he does a B.C. game, he goes on about Nick Moore having a brother who plays in the NFL. Who cares? It isn't like Fox, ESPN, CBS or NBC go on about an NFL player who has a relative in the CFL so why does Black have to talk about this every game?

[Rocket]

I hope this is the last time we have to see prefrontaine in an Argos jersey! That was bad!! Good game by zach colloras just hope that the run game can pick up in the future!

[ArgoRavi]

Collaros ended up with some very impressive stats today. He was 30 of 43 for 336 yards with two TD passes and one INT. He also ran 5 times for 42 yards and a TD. I also thought that Norwood played well at tailback. He had 60 yards from scrimmage today and, most importantly, did a good job of blocking for Collaros.

[argosrule2415]

Wooooo! Crazy game no idea how we won lol. It was looking like one of those snoozefests until we broke out with some quick TDs in the third quarter. Can't wait unti Waters is back, Pre is unreliable. With that fumble during the punt, was it neccessary for him to run around like that? Couldn't he have just gone down to the turf or taken a knee? Anyways, glad we won this one. Pretty nice character win. No Ray? No Kackert? No Owens? NO PROBLEM! :D Hopefully Owens is back for the next game though :P

[294life]

Marsh didn't play better as he was expected to. Jones got him good and brought him back to earth. Collaros seems to be a Jekyll and Hyde QB. Let's see how he does in Regina next week.

Congrats on the win. You clearly wanted it more. 21 point tiebreak lead will make it tough for Mtl to climb back.

[Wobbler]

+ Inman's biggest game of the year and arguably his second or third best game as an Argo
+ D got nice pressure on Marsh, with some hurries and 5(!) sacks

- OL was pretty porous
- Pre

[294life]

At least Trestman got his first win in the nfl and the Vikings lost haha! There's always consolation somewhere.

[ArgoRedneck]

If Pre's contract is a "Pay for PREformance" he owes the ARGOS after that PREformance. Just does not look like he is into it. This may sound stupid but in high school we always looked at our soccer team for a kicker. TFC??

[Cordo]

Second half of this game was very fun to watch. Big win, especially with Montreal & Hamiltion at our heels. Hopefully this gives the team some confidence that they can survive without Ricky.

[Rich]

Collaros seems to be a Jekyll and Hyde QB.

Yeah, he's Dr. Jekyll when he gets protection and Mr. Hyde when he doesn't.

[Argo57]

I don't think that Hamilton has more weapons than the Argos as let's not forget that Toronto has Kackert (when healthy), Durie, Owens, Barnes, Inman and Chiles. That is not a bad arsenal of weapons for any QB to work with. The Ticats have Gable, Fantuz, Ellingson, Grant, Giguere and Stala. I like our arsenal better to be honest.

You misunderstood.
Hamilton has more offensive weapons than Montreal.

[Argo57]

I give Collaros credit, he took a beating and kept at it, I think this game will do more for his development as a QB than the B.C. Game did!!

[OV Argo]

I give Collaros credit, he took a beating and kept at it, I think this game will do more for his development as a QB than the B.C. Game did!!


Well, he outplayed Marsh anyways in a battle of the young guns.

Not very good football by either team for the most part today IMO; but the Argos stepped-up when needed - some big plays by the O & D (great game by Gabriel) got the win.

[OV Argo]

How long has Norwood been in camp anyways (when was he signed?); seems like another case of Barker's love-in for ex-NFL name players (former starters of top draft picks there) - handing this guy the start so soon ?

[ArgoRavi]

How long has Norwood been in camp anyways (when was he signed?); seems like another case of Barker's love-in for ex-NFL name players (former starters of top draft picks there) - handing this guy the start so soon ?

He has been around for the last few weeks and certainly long enough to learn what the offence is.

[flafson]

Throughout the game i kept telling my dad, even though we were down big time, Collaros looked a lot better than Marsh did. During the 3rd quarter everything clicked together and it showed in the score.

[Will]

You didn't like Steele because of his lack of production. So the Argos make a change there and all you can do is pull out the old boys argument?

A tale of two halves. Prefontaine must go but I fear it won't be done because we won. Collaros was good in the second half once they let him be Zach Collaros instead of having him try to be Ricky Ray. Inman and Chiles were his strong receivers. Chiles continues to open eyes.


Defense played better as game went on. Not one of Watkins better games though.

[argotom]

Definitely a tale of two halves and two games. After the fiasco of the first half, I thought the coach should have considered replacing Collaros with Harris. In hearing the post game show on the radio, Milanovich said Swayze is booming punts in practice and after Pre's second poor game in a row, you got to believe Swayze will be inserted and thankfully.

[gilthethrill]

I admit I had the Argos written off at the half, did not see the comeback coming at all. Norwood, while his numbers were not great, he did an excellent job blocking. Starting him was a great move to try to kickstart the run game. Chiles fumble was similar to last week's game that favored Montreal. Instead of a 3 way tie for first Argos go to Regina to face a team that just lost to lowly Winnipeg. Tripp looked quite athletic running down field....no Ronald Flemons ghost to haunt him.

[gilthethrill]

How long has Norwood been in camp anyways (when was he signed?); seems like another case of Barker's love-in for ex-NFL name players (former starters of top draft picks there) - handing this guy the start so soon ?

I was hoping to see what Norwood could do....Steele is banged up and I am not sure Porter is a full time rb in the CFL. Just out of curiosity OV, who would you have went with?

[AngeloV]

+ Inman's biggest game of the year and arguably his second or third best game as an Argo
+ D got nice pressure on Marsh, with some hurries and 5(!) sacks

- OL was pretty porous
- Pre

Agreed with all but the o-line part. As was the case on the other side of the ball, experienced D coordinator does a great job of bringing (and disguising) pressure on a young QB. Argos coaching IMO did a better job of adjusting and if not for the Pre/Harris FG combination, Argos may have won this game a lot easier. Good game for the team.

I think the big play of the game was when Collaros hit Watt for the deep one down the sidelines. He looked a lot more confident after that play.

[AngeloV]

At least Trestman got his first win in the nfl and the Vikings lost haha! There's always consolation somewhere.

Great..now Rod Black has something to talk about next week.

[gilthethrill]

Great..now Rod Black has something to talk about next week.

I don't mean to be critical, but today Black and Ford completely missed telling viewers what penalties were being ruled at least twice, but yes the NFL always gets it air time on CFL broadcasts.

[OV Argo]

I was hoping to see what Norwood could do....Steele is banged up and I am not sure Porter is a full time rb in the CFL. Just out of curiosity OV, who would you have went with?

Whoever was the best RB in practice lately + understands the offence best ? - but every team's brain-trust knows best of course, so please, enough of the silly questioning of any team move on these type forums (where's that "rolls eyes" emoticon when i need it?)

[OV Argo]

I don't mean to be critical, but today Black and Ford completely missed telling viewers what penalties were being ruled at least twice, but yes the NFL always gets it air time on CFL broadcasts.


Yeah - that $h*t is getting out of hand on TSN CFL broadcasts - pandering to a limited audience cause the CFL is shown somewhere on American TV? - focus on mentioning every import player's NCAA team or ex-NFL status? Black is sickening with his sucking-up to NFL hero-worshippers (Chris Carter in the Hall of Fame - whop-de-do).

And TSN's on field coverage and camera work is often lousy - missing starts of plays so the announcers can talk over some useless graphic or babble about some off-field distraction (3 key players on offfence or defence - what garbage - show us the entire line-up on both O & D - it's a fricking team game); how bout the camera work includes a pulled back look at pre-snap formations for several seconds as opposed to cutting to the play just as (or after sometimes) the snap happens. Brutal or amateurish production and camera work at times, but i guess they don't care or else think their audience is watching their first football game ever or are more interested in NFL hype style graphics or announcers babbling.

[Wobbler]

Agreed with all but the o-line part. As was the case on the other side of the ball, experienced D coordinator does a great job of bringing (and disguising) pressure on a young QB.
It was the type of pressure they were able to get that worried me. Far too often in the first half a rusher would come free right up the middle, and I really don't think that should happen. To the line's credit, they did get better over time.


I think the big play of the game was when Collaros hit Watt for the deep one down the sidelines. He looked a lot more confident after that play.I'd love to know what adjustments we made immediately after the Marsh TD that made it 23-9; it was like a switch had been flipped. That next possession was really slick and we played really well for the rest of the game. Part of it seemed to be a decision to let Collaros run at will, but he also seemed to find guys open downfield that weren't open before. I think part of it was Montreal getting a bit complacent with the big lead, but we really seemed to play better too.

[Stevoman]

Good character win but will need to be much better against an embarrassed Roughrider team next week.

[ArgoRavi]

Good character win but will need to be much better against an embarrassed Roughrider team next week.

The big things we have to stop doing are turning over the football, taking stupid penalties (more of a problem last Tuesday) and not botch field goals for one reason or another. These are all correctable mistakes though and errors that we were largely able to avoid for the first seven games of the season.

[OV Argo]

Agreed with all but the o-line part. As was the case on the other side of the ball, experienced D coordinator does a great job of bringing (and disguising) pressure on a young QB. Argos coaching IMO did a better job of adjusting and if not for the Pre/Harris FG combination, Argos may have won this game a lot easier. Good game for the team.

I think the big play of the game was when Collaros hit Watt for the deep one down the sidelines. He looked a lot more confident after that play.

And Collaros ended up 30 - 43 and 336 yds. passing / 2 TDs to one INT; that's a good completion percentage and yardage day for even a vet QB in the league let alone a young guy; the guy has moxie and mobility to go along with a pretty good arm - i have a feeling he could be a very good CFL QB for a long time - sure be nice for the Argos to find a way to keep him instead of maybe losing him to Ottawa.

[Wobbler]

I forgot to praise the DL specifically. A lot of our effective pass rush and sacks came from the LBs and secondary, but the line did a great job of making inside runs impossible. Messam spent a lot of time trying to run outside, which he can't do.

Ooh - one more. *Wonderful* rebound game by Jalil Carter! He did a very good job of shutting down the dangerous SJ Green.

[argolio]

Are we happy now?

I noticed the defense was starting to get inside Marsh's head in the 2nd quarter, so I definitely didn't think we were out of it at halftime.

Collaros showed great physical and mental toughness turning a rough start into a very good game. Glad the coaches showed patience when I'm sure many fans didn't. Seems like the coaches no longer see Collaros and Harris and co-backups this season (if they ever did).


I don't understand how Watkins can shut every other receiver down but this Carter kid.Carter looks like he has high-end speed, or at least a high-end burst, and that usually gives big corners trouble.

[argolio]

I forgot to praise the DL specifically. A lot of our effective pass rush and sacks came from the LBs and secondary, but the line did a great job of making inside runs impossible. Messam spent a lot of time trying to run outside, which he can't do.

Ooh - one more. *Wonderful* rebound game by Jalil Carter! He did a very good job of shutting down the dangerous SJ Green.Yes he did. Good call.

Whenever you limit the opponent to under 300 yards, the whole D deserves credit.

[argofandave]

Yeah - that $h*t is getting out of hand on TSN CFL broadcasts - pandering to a limited audience cause the CFL is shown somewhere on American TV? - focus on mentioning every import player's NCAA team or ex-NFL status? Black is sickening with his sucking-up to NFL hero-worshippers (Chris Carter in the Hall of Fame - whop-de-do).

And TSN's on field coverage and camera work is often lousy - missing starts of plays so the announcers can talk over some useless graphic or babble about some off-field distraction (3 key players on offfence or defence - what garbage - show us the entire line-up on both O & D - it's a fricking team game); how bout the camera work includes a pulled back look at pre-snap formations for several seconds as opposed to cutting to the play just as (or after sometimes) the snap happens. Brutal or amateurish production and camera work at times, but i guess they don't care or else think their audience is watching their first football game ever or are more interested in NFL hype style graphics or announcers babbling.

Did anybody else receive an email from TSN to participate in an online questionaire about the CFL on TSN? I got one last week and it included space for comments. I complained that they're too slow at times to let us know when there is a penalty, they're too slow or don't always show what down it is on the screen, and that when a player is injured on the field, they will talk about something else for a long time before they mention and show on camera that a player is injured.

[Argocister]

Tale of two halves is right .... It's great that our coaches and team are able to switch up in the second half. I sometimes wonder how much is planned and how much is reactionary.
As for field goals .... I think Harris getting used to the left footed kicker plays a role ..... And I hope when he switches back to Swayzes right foot there isn't any lingering effects. They should have put a new holder in there for Pre , so there wasn't any switching once Waters is back.
I was disappointed in the slow start but it was good to see the guys didn't give up.

[Ron]

How the hell did we win,

With the time delay in the space time continuum it took until the middle of the 3rd for the Argos to feel the love and loyalty of their fans as felt in the first half of this game thread. Once they truly felt their most loyal fans had their backs when times were tough ... they got the second wind they needed to pull out the win.

[gilthethrill]

Yeah - that $h*t is getting out of hand on TSN CFL broadcasts - pandering to a limited audience cause the CFL is shown somewhere on American TV? - focus on mentioning every import player's NCAA team or ex-NFL status? Black is sickening with his sucking-up to NFL hero-worshippers (Chris Carter in the Hall of Fame - whop-de-do).

And TSN's on field coverage and camera work is often lousy - missing starts of plays so the announcers can talk over some useless graphic or babble about some off-field distraction (3 key players on offfence or defence - what garbage - show us the entire line-up on both O & D - it's a fricking team game); how bout the camera work includes a pulled back look at pre-snap formations for several seconds as opposed to cutting to the play just as (or after sometimes) the snap happens. Brutal or amateurish production and camera work at times, but i guess they don't care or else think their audience is watching their first football game ever or are more interested in NFL hype style graphics or announcers babbling. Yes OV, you are referring to the "Starters to Watch", brought to you by Rona. I have had a problem with that concept from day 1. Not sure why they just cant bring up the entire starting lineup. If you watch a CIS game on TSN (which I am sure you do), the entire starting lineup is displayed. I could honestly care less who Deron Carters dad is, but to repeat it over & over again really grates my nerves.

[Will]

I forgot to praise the DL specifically. A lot of our effective pass rush and sacks came from the LBs and secondary, but the line did a great job of making inside runs impossible. Messam spent a lot of time trying to run outside, which he can't do.

Ooh - one more. *Wonderful* rebound game by Jalil Carter! He did a very good job of shutting down the dangerous SJ Green.

I went to the game in Montreal with T-Bone, Mulder and our spouses and significant others. It was a fun afternoon in Montreal and my girlfriend (an Als fan) is still talking to me so that is good :).

I also wanted to echo your sentiments Wobbler. The Argos have had a difficult time against team's rushing attacks in recent weeks, but they did a good job shutting down Messam yesterday. In fact he only had 12 yards on 7 carries. The secondary also held Marsh to just 225 yards passing on 13 of 28 and picked off four passes (well three of them were by LB's and DL, but I digress). Watkins got beat a few times as has been pointed out, but Green, Bruce and London weren't really factors at all yesterday. The Argos got 5 sacks yesterday including two from safety Gabriel who had himself a pretty good game.

Collaros once he got going actually spread the ball around quite effectively. Inman had 9 catches for 91 yards, Durie had 8 for 81, Chiles had 4 for 62 and Watt had 3 for 54. I was very critical of Collaros in the first half and although admittedly it wasn't all his fault, but he stepped it up in the second half. They started to let him be Zach Collaros instead of Ricky Ray.

[Argocister]

?.............. If you watch a CIS game on TSN .........

Cool... Is theCIS really on TSN?

[Will]

Cool... Is theCIS really on TSN?

Before I get it from Argocister, she was at the game with us as well!

[AngeloV]

And Collaros ended up 30 - 43 and 336 yds. passing / 2 TDs to one INT; that's a good completion percentage and yardage day for even a vet QB in the league let alone a young guy; the guy has moxie and mobility to go along with a pretty good arm - i have a feeling he could be a very good CFL QB for a long time - sure be nice for the Argos to find a way to keep him instead of maybe losing him to Ottawa.

100% Agreed. I know I should be used to the sky is falling mentality by some on here, but I couldn't believe what some were posting after the last game. Collaros is a 100 times better prospect than Harris. Yet some on here show no patience, and then they are the first to complain when the Argos haven't developed their own QB over the years.

[AngeloV]

As for field goals .... I think Harris getting used to the left footed kicker plays a role .....

I'm not buying that excuse. The only issue comes in the way you slant the ball. He has been having problems catching the snaps cleanly and getting on the tee. Once even didn't turn the laces. That is all mental. Maybe he's sulking because Collaros is ahead of him on the depth chart, I don't know. But he has a responsibility and really needs to stay focused when holding on kicks. Pre has had a hard enough time on his own this season. Sure didn't get any help from his holder the last 2 games, though.

[gilthethrill]

Cool... Is theCIS really on TSN? Yes, but you have to wait until the playoffs unfortunately. The Score at one time had a game of the week, but that seems so long ago. Hard to promote a product without actually televising it.

[gilthethrill]

100% Agreed. I know I should be used to the sky is falling mentality by some on here, but I couldn't believe what some were posting after the last game. Collaros is a 100 times better prospect than Harris. Yet some on here show no patience, and then they are the first to complain when the Argos haven't developed their own QB over the years. I noticed Mitchell Gale was on the sidelines yesterday, I guess he was taken off the 9 game injured list & moved ahead of Josh Portis.

[AngeloV]

Yes, but you have to wait until the playoffs unfortunately. The Score at one time had a game of the week, but that seems so long ago. Hard to promote a product without actually televising it.

They still have a game of the week. Western vs Mac was on this week.

[Will]

I noticed Mitchell Gale was on the sidelines yesterday, I guess he was taken off the 9 game injured list & moved ahead of Josh Portis.

Yeah and Portis was added to the 9-game injured list.

[294life]

Crowd was decent at 23,911. Wonder where they were all year. Montreal keeps thinking they can keep winning without supporting their team. I'm glad the argos won this one. The end reminded me of the east final except the als were 10 yards closer and Marsh threw to the wrong guy.

[Will]

Why are you glad the Argos won? The Alouettes had an opportunity to go into a three-way tie for first place in the east, your telling me you didn't wish for this to happen?

[ArgoRavi]

I noticed Mitchell Gale was on the sidelines yesterday, I guess he was taken off the 9 game injured list & moved ahead of Josh Portis.

I suspect that the plan all along was for one to be nine-gamed for half of the season and then for the other one to take their turn in the second half of the season.

[jerrym]

And Collaros ended up 30 - 43 and 336 yds. passing / 2 TDs to one INT; that's a good completion percentage and yardage day for even a vet QB in the league let alone a young guy; the guy has moxie and mobility to go along with a pretty good arm - i have a feeling he could be a very good CFL QB for a long time - sure be nice for the Argos to find a way to keep him instead of maybe losing him to Ottawa.

While Ottawa may draft Collaros in December, it is possible that they don't as all this buys them is the time to officially be the only one negotiating with him until he becomes a free agent in February. They might decide to wait until February to bid on him and draft other qbs. Furthermore, other teams could be negotiating behind the scenes either through his agent or some middleman. Winnipeg, despite Goltz's win yesterday, must still have questions about whether he can develop into a good passing qb in addition to the strong running capability that he has shown. Montreal is obviously in the process of exploring who could be the #1 qb in the post-Calvillo era and could also bid on Collaros. While Mike Reilly shows great promise behind a weak line he is still a young qb developing his game and losing coaching and management staff sometimes gets replaced by ones that want to clean the slate and go in an entirely different direction. By merely whispering that they are possibly interested in Collaros to the appropriate person, and who knows even secretly negotiating a deal that is immediately announced right after free agency is declared, as sometimes occurs, Ottawa or one of these other teams could end with Collaros whether he is drafted or not. This is especially likely if one of these teams signal that he will be given first shot at being the #1 qb and a salary to back that up, something the Argos can't do with Ray being their obvious #1. I hope he stays with the Argos but I wouldn't bet on it, especially after Collaros has already noted that Ottawa will be having a draft in December.

[argonaut11xx]

The biggest reason the Argo's win...and turn around a terrible first half performance...

simply the COACHING on "O" and "D"..great adjustments, O'Shea is trying but without a REAL kicker he is somewhat handicaped.

That said, give the Collaro's kid some kudo's for making the changes, and playing solid.