August 12, 2014: Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Toronto Argonauts

[T-Bone]

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

Week 8
Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 7:30pm EDT.
Rogers Centre. Toronto, ON.

TV: TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/feature/?id=508)
Video Webcast: TSN Go (http://www.tsn.ca/go/) - ESPN3 (http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/type/upcoming/sport/football/search/CFL/)
Radio: WPG: CJOB 680 (http://www.cjob.com/bombers/) - TOR: TSN 1050 (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/feature/?id=43622)
Audio Webcast: WPG: Here (http://player.cjob.com/) - TOR: Here (http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/listen/)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.siriusxm.ca/sports-schedules/cfl/)

Depth Charts: WPG: Here (http://www.bluebombers.com/depthchart/list/team/5) - TOR: Here (http://www.argonauts.ca/depthchart/list/team/7/year/2014)

Pre-Game Preview: Here (http://argonauts.ca/article/argonauts-take-on-blue-bombers-at-home-tuesday-night?utm_source=social&utm_medium=hootsuite&utm_campaign=twitter)

Post-Game: Shoeless Joe's (http://www.shoelessjoes.ca/) at 276 King St W (https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=276+King+St.+W.&hnear=276+King+St+W,+Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+On tario+M5V+3C6&gl=ca&t=m&z=16)

487

Tickets Available: Here (http://www.argonauts.ca/page/toronto-argonauts-tickets) or at Rogers Centre Gate 9 Box Office (http://www.rogerscentre.com/events/tickets.jsp)

Post-Game Update: Argos Dominate in Rematch with Bombers (http://argonauts.ca/article/recap-20140812101130)

Final Score: 21-38

[Wobbler]

It's hard to know what to expect on Tuesday. It sounds as though Chiles will be back, so perhaps he can add a sixth catch (or more?) to his dismal 2014 stats. Nevertheless, our offense will be a patchwork.

After the bye week, it is only fair to expect a few new wrinkles in all three phases. I hope to be entertained!

[argotom]

I thing the team will have a coming out game.
Despite the rash of injuries.
Getting the BB on a short turnaround will not hurt.

[ArgoRavi]

Jarred Fayson is injured now so he might not play on Tuesday. Chiles was able to practise on Friday but was unable to on Saturday as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury. Barnes, Durie, Owens and Coombs are all out.

BTW, with the Blue Jays game going 19 innings today, I hope that the Rogers folks have enough time to convert SkyDome into a Canadian football stadium for Tuesday night's game.

[gilthethrill]

Jarred Fayson is injured now so he might not play on Tuesday. Chiles was able to practise on Friday but was unable to on Saturday as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury. Barnes, Durie, Owens and Coombs are all out.

BTW, with the Blue Jays game going 19 innings today, I hope that the Rogers folks have enough time to convert SkyDome into a Canadian football stadium for Tuesday night's game.

Don't expect either Chiles or Fayson to play either game this week. Good point about the Jays game. Hey, if they make the post season, the Argos would get their October dates bumped wouldn't they?

[ArgoRavi]

Don't expect either Chiles or Fayson to play either game this week. Good point about the Jays game. Hey, if they make the post season, the Argos would get their October dates bumped wouldn't they?

Potentially, the Argos' October dates could be moved. It has happened before when the Jays have made it to the playoffs.

BTW, Coombs will be having surgery which will end his season, according to Frank Zicarelli: http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/10/argos-gill-built-for-speed

[Wobbler]

The depth chart (http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/league/pdf/en/depth/2014/2014_RegSeasonGame7vsWPGAug12083859.pdf) is up.

There are no changes on the OL, so Smith is listed as a starting guard again. Is King still not available? Gill replaces Coombs, and Sinkfield comes off the IR to replace Fayson. New guy Nick Rosamondo has been activated at LB.

[gilthethrill]

The depth chart (http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/league/pdf/en/depth/2014/2014_RegSeasonGame7vsWPGAug12083859.pdf) is up.

There are no changes on the OL, so Smith is listed as a starting guard again. Is King still not available? Gill replaces Coombs, and Sinkfield comes off the IR to replace Fayson. New guy Nick Rosamondo has been activated at LB.

I am sure King has returned to the team. Perhaps it is a ratio thing that is keeping him off the 44. This being game 7, I was hoping to see DE Kyle Moore come off the 6 game injured list...same with Marcus Thomas. What are their injuries anyway?

[gilthethrill]

According to Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press newspaper, R Nick Moore will not make the trip to Toronto. Also, he reports Teague Sherman, a LB is nicked up & maybe replaced by Rookie Derek Jones, son of CFL HOF member & former Eskimo GC Champ, Ed Jones.

[flafson]

Just looked at argonauts.ca and the splash screen says "It only takes one seat, get your seat for both games. Tickets starting at $26.5!"
Does it mean that i can buy 2 tickets and i will get 4 tickets?

[argotom]

We have to establish a running game with a combination of Slaton and Steele.

[paulwoods13]

I am sure King has returned to the team. Perhaps it is a ratio thing that is keeping him off the 44. This being game 7, I was hoping to see DE Kyle Moore come off the 6 game injured list...same with Marcus Thomas. What are their injuries anyway?

Ratio has to be a factor -- with Coombs out we have lost one of our starting NAT positions.

[argofan81]

Just looked at argonauts.ca and the splash screen says "It only takes one seat, get your seat for both games. Tickets starting at $26.5!"
Does it mean that i can buy 2 tickets and i will get 4 tickets?

I was wondering the same thing -- anybody know what this means? If we buy a ticket for the Tuesday game, do we also get a ticket for the Sunday game for free?

[Stevoman]

Feel good about this game for some reason. I have a feeling that Ricky and the new guys will click much better than in the past few weeks and we'll get the win.

[Rich]

The well-rested team almost always beats the team on a short week. I see the Argos winning going away. Ray and Emry both elevate their games. I see a couple of breakaway runs from Slaton and Gill, and the defence stepping up big. It's a lock.

[1argoholic]

Well the very small crowd will be even smaller as my wife can't get off work early so we'll be watching from the couch. Love living where we are but getting to TO for games can be an issue. With the two games we've hit so far they've both been nine hour days. That's getting to games not long before kickoff and leaving right after, Can't wait to be able to do an over night.

[flafson]

I was wondering the same thing -- anybody know what this means? If we buy a ticket for the Tuesday game, do we also get a ticket for the Sunday game for free?

I just called the Argos and they said there is no promotion like that. One ticket gets you one game.
I also asked about the fees and they said if you buy 6 tickets through the season, they will waive them.

[gilthethrill]

I see newcomer Nick Rosamonda has been elevated to the active roster from the PR. Is Antoine Molden really injured? He did a great job in the win against the Rough Riders but has not been on the active roster much since.

[Wobbler]

I haven't yet adapted to Mike Bradwell as our punt return guy. Has it really come to "We'll just catch the ball and hang on to it"?

Having said that, we seem to be grinding out a decent game.

[Wobbler]

Also, Robert Gill doesn't look like a football player. I respect his speed and am impressed that he has protected the ball (in the first half), but I sincerely hope that he's off the roster by Labour day.

[ArgoGabe22]

Also, Robert Gill doesn't look like a football player. I respect his speed and am impressed that he has protected the ball (in the first half), but I sincerely hope that he's off the roster by Labour day.

If I heard Suitor correctly, he only played basketball and did track in college. He did not play football.

[Wobbler]

All of that is true, Gabe. My point was that his (extensive) playing time is a strong sign of just how desperate we are on offense right now.

[ArgoZ]

If I heard Suitor correctly, he only played basketball and did track in college. He did not play football.

He is a little undersized, but he has impressed me this game. Great acceleration. Ray has hit him with a few short passes and before you know it, he's upfield another 5 yards. Byron Parker didn't play college ball either and Pinball looked nothing like a football player, so I won't count Gill out yet. Hopefully he can learn to field punts someday.

[Wobbler]

Gill is 30, ArgoZ.

[ArgoZ]

Gill is almost 30, ArgoZ.

29 years old still allows for plenty of life, even in football years. There's no reason why he can't perform like today for another 5 years. For a backup to our backups, I am quite happy with him.

[OV Argo]

Pretty solid game by the Argos - D was strong; Ray back in form with accurate passing; good run game with Steele & Slaton (fumble concerns though).

Some concerns still - too many penalties; no deep threat passing game. But at least more positives compared to negatives lately.

Argos maybe got a bit lucky with that long TD pass to Bryant getting called back (seemed like an iffy or phantom "hands to the face" call against Bomber OT Howard ?)- might have been a much different / closer game if not for that call.

[larz-7]

I haven't yet adapted to Mike Bradwell as our punt return guy. Has it really come to "We'll just catch the ball and hang on to it"?

Having said that, we seem to be grinding out a decent game.
was thinking the same thing.Atleast until we find a replacement for Owens on returns.Hey it can only help Bradwells over all game.

[gilthethrill]

Gill is 30, ArgoZ.

A few years ago the Argos acquired a RB named Jamall Robertson who was 32. He had a couple great years with bad Argo teams before going to BC and won a GC.

[ArgoRavi]

Also, Robert Gill doesn't look like a football player. I respect his speed and am impressed that he has protected the ball (in the first half), but I sincerely hope that he's off the roster by Labour day.

What about Gill did you not like, Wobbler? I thought that he played fairly well tonight with six catches for 50 yards and some decent kickoff returns. As a fill-in, at least, I have no problem with him. I am not sure he is any kind of long-term solution but the Argos aren't asking him to be that at this time.

[Qman]

If I heard Suitor correctly, he only played basketball and did track in college. He did not play football.

He played football in high school, and focused on track in college (given his 40 time and trendmill video, shows how fast international sprinters are). He played 5 yrs in Arena League and some time with Arizona.

Yeah, he is definately a project.

[ArgoRavi]

So is anyone going to complain about Ricky Ray's performance after this game? He proved yet again just how much of an elite QB that he is. To put up almost 300 yards passing and four TDs with five receivers injured is nothing short of phenomenal IMO. Milanovich and the coaching staff did a terrific job getting this team ready to play tonight too (save for some problems on special teams).

[Stevoman]

Ray's best game of the season! I was also really impressed with Bradwell's effort in the 4th quarter to get the first down on second and long. Steele played well and is my favourite feature back on the team. There's a place for Slaton as well but was more confident with Steele grinding out the rest of the game after those 2 fumbles. The biggest struggle tonight was the penalties!!!!!! They really need to clean that up.

[Will]

Winnipeg fatigued as the game went on and it was clear that they were the ones on a short week. I was concerned after the first Winnipeg TD, but the D solidified after that quite successfully. The pressure on Willy was very good by the end of the game and Grigsby aside from one long run wasn't much of a factor.

Ricky Ray completed passes to ten different receivers tonight. Perhaps, if he's been unable to form chemistry with any of these new games he's decided to go with a different tactic and spread the love around. He rolled around tonight a bit, but wasn't forced to run very much. That TD pass to Steele was a thing of beauty. That run by Steele where he dragged the pile was also a thing of beauty. The offensive line was very good as well.

The Bombers return man is very fast and the Argos had a ton of trouble containing him. The penalties were also ridiculous and need to stop! Winnipeg, fortunately, took a few stupid ones as well to counter the stupid penalties the Argos were taking.

[argotom]

Pretty solid game by the Argos - D was strong; Ray back in form with accurate passing; good run game with Steele & Slaton (fumble concerns though).

Some concerns still - too many penalties; no deep threat passing game. But at least more positives compared to negatives lately.

Argos maybe got a bit lucky with that long TD pass to Bryant getting called back (seemed like an iffy or phantom "hands to the face" call against Bomber OT Howard ?)- might have been a much different / closer game if not for that call.

Agree with your summary.
The turning point was the BB TD called back.

[dmont]

.

Very happy with the two lines. Cleyon Laing had a really stupid penalty and that drove me nuts, but other than that, pretty awesome. Tyler Holmes and Wayne Smith were great on offense. Whatever happened to Thaddeus Gibson? Couldn't stay on side? Wasn't preparing well enough?

I'm really liking our DBs on short passes. They seem to be able to limit the YAC very effectively. Good tackling.

Great game from Curtis Steele! He should start at RB. Despite his fumbles, I like Slatons hands on passes. Why now try him out at the slot until owens and barnes are better?

I've been down on Bradwell for years, and I've been really unimpressed with Watt this season. He's the last incumbant receiver, and still not getting open for Ricky? Well Bradwells really stepped up to play where needed, and Watt had a good game today. Let's hope there's more of this to come.

I like the signature third uniforms, but I don't think I'll buy one.

Great game Argos!

[AngeloV]

Agree with your summary.
The turning point was the BB TD called back.

How in the world was that the turning point? Argos had a 10 point lead at the time and Bombers had about 150 yards in total offence to that point. If that play would have put Winnipeg ahead, then yes, it can be considered a turning point.

[Argo57]

Game turned out well for the good guys.
Slaton had some good runs tonight, must protect the ball better.
Much better D overall tonight.
Some justified penalties on both sides but must say the flags (this season in particular) are outrageous and absolutely kill the flow of the game. Argonauts get an illegal block penalty on a punt????
Glad to see Watt get a TD after a critical drop earlier in the game.
Burke needs to work on the DB's timing their blitz's at the line of scrimmage as well.
Overall they are making progress, good to bag some wins while our regular guys are injured!

[Will]

The turning point was when Slaton fumbled the ball the 2nd time the Bombers had marched the ball out to about mid-field and seemed poised to pin the Argos deep. Romby Bryant fumbled the ball and the Argos recovered giving them much better field positioning. Ricky Ray then hit Steele with that TD to put the Argos up for good.

BTW, fumbling is what caused Steve Slaton his job down south.

[ArgoRavi]

.

Very happy with the two lines. Cleyon Laing had a really stupid penalty and that drove me nuts, but other than that, pretty awesome. Tyler Holmes and Wayne Smith were great on offense. Whatever happened to Thaddeus Gibson? Couldn't stay on side? Wasn't preparing well enough?

Gibson was injured in Saskatchewan and is out long-term. He has been placed on the six-game injury list.


Despite his fumbles, I like Slatons hands on passes. Why now try him out at the slot until owens and barnes are better?

Being a slotback and being a tailback are two very different positions, even moreso for an American player new to the Canadian game. Remember that it took Durie a good year or two before he started feeling comfortable at the slotback position and he grew up playing the Canadian game.

[argolio]

Waters may have had a good average, but I wasn't impressed with his punting. Other than that and penalties, not much I can complain about.

[Argocister]

Just home from the game .... so my comments are;
-great game to attend. The crowd was one of the better ones lately, so I'm hoping thats a sign of an upward trend for the rest of the season.
- new uniforms are nice and I may get one on Sunday
- The Oline did a great job and allowing the run to be a strong aspect of our offence tonight. It was looking earlier this season, as if the running game was never going to be strong. Even though Slaton fumbled, it was nice to have the one-two punch in the RB playbook
- It was good to see all the different players receiving the ball on the O
- The defense was good for the most part, but it was nice to hear Milanovich comment on the radio that there still is lots of room for improvement
- I thought special teams was the weakest link tonight . Do you think that is more a result of the Bombers specials being better?
- Some of the players really stepped up and pushed to get their plays .... Bradwell, Emry, Anderson and Ricky just to name a few.
- Loved listening to Hogan and Tattie on the drive home. It was so nice to hear the football talk after the disaster of the press conference with the Steve and Frank show. Maybe it was just the limited exposure of the conference on the radio (there were some technical difficulties) but I was yelling at Steve and Frank to get to the football game and stop asking stupid questions about the weight on Scotts shoulders with practice facilities and owner discussions .... or is the team really a 3-4 team ... Give me a break ...the game was full of excitement , so many different aspects of the game showed interesting plays and different turning points could be discussed
..... It was a pleasure to have Hogan, Johnson and Tattie discuss the actual game.

[gilthethrill]

Yes, the Argos do take a lot of penalties, but there are probably 8 other coaches in the league that are trying to clean that up as well. I thought the OC call on Cleyon was a farce...he was celebrating a good play, he was not taunting. However, Winnipeg got flagged a few times when they shouldn't have. Let's face it, the game of football has changed. Great game by the Argos, who have 2 wins against the West....bring on that Loser Kevin Glenn!!!!

[1argoholic]

The Laing call had to be made since Winnipeg had just got nailed for the same thing. I hate when guys stand over a guy of walk right over a guy they've knocked down. I hate that type of taunting crap.

Firstly since the first punt of the game by Waters I couldn't wait to get on here and RIP Adams with his fly by right hand wave as the new Bomber returner started his long run. Adams needs to go. The guy is a waste of a uni.

The new uniforms are way too urban dance club BS for me. They look like those fake jersey's put out by trendy crappy designers. Horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More the jersey as the rest doesn't look so bad but it's the jersey's that fans buy. Hopefully they'll move merch to some kids.

I want a jersey with the boat logo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

[dmont]

.

One more thought:

Robert Gill needs to be careful. I like the effort on the YAC yards, but he seems to lower his head on the final hit. He's gonna get a concussion if he keeps that up. There were one or two hits last night where I was sure Gill would get up wobbly.

[paulwoods13]

Couple of points to add to the mix:

Watt is clearly hurting big-time. He looked like an old man in constant pain walking back to the huddle. Clearly he is sucking it up because of all the other injuries. I think I read somewhere (maybe a line tossed off by Zic with no elaboration a week or two ago?) that he will need surgery after the season. So props to him for pushing through pain to keep playing.

As annoying as some of our penalties are, I'm so glad we no longer have Romby Bryant. I wonder if O'Shea will cut him after he took two unsportsmanlike penalties.

Slaton deserved to be sat after the two fumbles, and Steele rose to the challenge, but Slaton should still start on Sunday, IMO.

Great overall game by the defence. Excellent pressure on the QB most of the game, and shut down the run. Some big sacks. Anderson drives me crazy with his stupid penalties and constant chirping, but he also made some hellacious hits. Emry had the hit of the night late in the game. Okpalaugo was very strong, and the newcomer Rosamonda looked comfortable when they went into a 3-4 alignment (which was very often).

Gill has speed to burn, and showed a tantalizing glimpse of what he can bring on the first play, when he got behind the coverage for a long gain that was negated by a penalty.

The new uni is going to look very good, IMO, except for the vertical stripe on the socks. But if you are listening, Argos, the numbered jerseys for sale in the store need to be fixed -- the nameplates are way too big, extending over the dark blue sleeve striping and ruining the effect. Much as I don't need another jersey, I might actually buy one of these, but not with an oversized nameplate.

[294life]

congrats on your largest home crowd of the season. could tuesdays be The night?

[AngeloV]

Game turned out well for the good guys.
Slaton had some good runs tonight, must protect the ball better.
Much better D overall tonight.
Some justified penalties on both sides but must say the flags (this season in particular) are outrageous and absolutely kill the flow of the game. Argonauts get an illegal block penalty on a punt????
Glad to see Watt get a TD after a critical drop earlier in the game.
Burke needs to work on the DB's timing their blitz's at the line of scrimmage as well.
Overall they are making progress, good to bag some wins while our regular guys are injured!

Regarding some of the offside penalties. I was just wondering, when did the league change the rules that a defensive player could not get back prior to the snap with no penalty being called? It used to be the case, provided the movement didn't result in contact with an offensive player or cause the lineman to move out of his set position.

[Wobbler]

Rosamonda looked comfortable when they went into a 3-4 alignment (which was very often).
I wasn't paying enough attention, apparently. Did Laing play nose tackle most/all of the time?

[Will]

I wasn't paying enough attention, apparently. Did Laing play nose tackle most/all of the time?

I would think so, the other guy Harrell seems a little undersized to play NT.

Although for all the complaints about Harrell's size it turns out Laing is listed as an inch taller and same weight.

[Rich]

Argonauts get an illegal block penalty on a punt????


This one had us scratching our heads. Atrocious reffing, it looked like they were making stuff up. What was up with the world's fastest video replay last night (on the Bombers 3rd TD i think), who do they think they are fooling?

[Wobbler]

I would think so, the other guy Harrell seems a little undersized to play NT.

Although for all the complaints about Harrell's size it turns out Laing is listed as an inch taller and same weight.
I was thinking it was probably Laing mostly for ratio reasons. Our only truly *big* DT is the 6-gamed Marcus Thomas.

[Rich]

I would think so, the other guy Harrell seems a little undersized to play NT.

Although for all the complaints about Harrell's size it turns out Laing is listed as an inch taller and same weight.

I think Aston Whiteside ought to be also singled out for props, he was all over the field last night, and his forced fumble on Bryant was a fantastic play and the turning point of the game IMO.

[Rich]

So is anyone going to complain about Ricky Ray's performance after this game?

Why would anybody complain? He was sensational. He finally elevated his game at a time when the team really needed him to do so.

[ArgoRavi]

Regarding some of the offside penalties. I was just wondering, when did the league change the rules that a defensive player could not get back prior to the snap with no penalty being called? It used to be the case, provided the movement didn't result in contact with an offensive player or cause the lineman to move out of his set position.

That seems to be up to the discretion of the officials, AV. There were a couple of offside penalties against the Argos last night where it appeared as though the defender did not make contact with an offensive player and got back to their position in time but the official decided to throw the flag anyway.

Speaking of officials, it is nice to see former Argo Dave Donaldson working regularly. Mike O'Shea seemed to be having a nice chat with his former teammate just before the opening kickoff last night. It would be great to see other former players get into officiating.

[gilthethrill]

congrats on your largest home crowd of the season. could tuesdays be The night?

I was going to congrats Rogers Centre for converting the field from baseball to football in time after the Jays played an 19 innings game on Sunday...but nah...

[paulwoods13]

I wasn't paying enough attention, apparently. Did Laing play nose tackle most/all of the time?

They shuttled Laing in and out a lot. I would say Harrell probably played more snaps, actually. He hasn't done much to visibly distinguish himself, and strikes me as too small for a DT. Laing, despite being not listed as much bigger, looks a lot bigger to me. He also hasn't done much to visibly distinguish himself so far. We could really use a big presence inside.

[paulwoods13]

I think Aston Whiteside ought to be also singled out for props, he was all over the field last night, and his forced fumble on Bryant was a fantastic play and the turning point of the game IMO.

I agree. Whiteside really has a high-rev motor.

[OV Argo]

They shuttled Laing in and out a lot. I would say Harrell probably played more snaps, actually. He hasn't done much to visibly distinguish himself, and strikes me as too small for a DT. Laing, despite being not listed as much bigger, looks a lot bigger to me. He also hasn't done much to visibly distinguish himself so far. We could really use a big presence inside.

Disagree on Laing - he has been quite solid for the Argos this year IMO; and Harrell has been OK at times, and could get better with more pro/CFL experience - a third (maybe bigger - what up with Thomas?) DT would be nice in a rotation there. Okpalougo and Whiteside look like keepers at DE IMO. I really wish the Argos had drafted David Menard when they had numerous chances - young NI with a motor who can play DE & DT - has looked very strong in some playing time with BC this year.

[argotom]

How in the world was that the turning point? Argos had a 10 point lead at the time and Bombers had about 150 yards in total offence to that point. If that play would have put Winnipeg ahead, then yes, it can be considered a turning point.


Well, the swing as I recall the Argos scoring on their next downs was 14 points.
The BB never had a chance to recover as our team took over the momentum and on the scoreboard.

[ArgoRavi]

They shuttled Laing in and out a lot. I would say Harrell probably played more snaps, actually. He hasn't done much to visibly distinguish himself, and strikes me as too small for a DT. Laing, despite being not listed as much bigger, looks a lot bigger to me. He also hasn't done much to visibly distinguish himself so far. We could really use a big presence inside.

On TSN's telecast last night, they mentioned something about Milanovich being very happy with Laing's play. IIRC, he might have said that Laing has been their top defensive lineman but don't quote me on this last point.

[ArgoRavi]

Hey, if they make the post season, the Argos would get their October dates bumped wouldn't they?

According to Curtis Rush in the Star, the Argos could be greatly inconvenienced in October if the Jays make the playoffs: http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2014/08/13/argos_could_be_without_home_in_october_if_blue_jay s_make_playoffs.html

[1argoholic]

IF the jays make the playoffs. Karma will keep them and Rogers out of the playoffs until they learn how to respect The Toronto Argonauts. I'll be cheering against them. Plus I'm sick of seeing all the 20 something band wagon jumpers wearing their jays crap.

Should they somehow creep in I'll be pissed. I used to be a HUGE jays fan but that has disappeared between all of the steroid, salary and Argo treatment issues I have with baseball and Rogers. Once we get out of that dome I will never enter it again unless it's for Grey Cup.

[Will]

According to Curtis Rush in the Star, the Argos could be greatly inconvenienced in October if the Jays make the playoffs: http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2014/08/13/argos_could_be_without_home_in_october_if_blue_jay s_make_playoffs.html

Well they did plenty in Seattle to make this possibility increasingly null.

[paulwoods13]

The Jays are almost certainly not going to be playing in October, so this won't be an issue. But I've been worried about the possibility since the schedule came out, and I am deeply concerned that the Argos do not in fact have a serious Plan B in mind yet, just in case it's needed after all. The clock is ticking.


On TSN's telecast last night, they mentioned something about Milanovich being very happy with Laing's play. IIRC, he might have said that Laing has been their top defensive lineman but don't quote me on this last point.

To clarify my earlier comments, I'm not saying Laing is playing badly; I'm saying I have not seen a lot that distinguishes him as excelling. A lot of that is my inability to properly rate the effectiveness of DTs -- they are much harder to evaluate than pass-rushing DEs, IMO. But even if he has been our best and most consistent d-lineman this year, I think it's fair to say he has not played at the level of Armond Armstead or Eric Taylor. And the fact remains that (at least on Tuesday) he was subbed out a fair bit and appeared, to me at least, to be on the field for fewer snaps than Harrell.

[Mulder]

The Jays are almost certainly not going to be playing in October, so this won't be an issue. But I've been worried about the possibility since the schedule came out, and I am deeply concerned that the Argos do not in fact have a serious Plan B in mind yet, just in case it's needed after all. The clock is ticking.

The bigger issue comes next year with the Pan-Am games. I fear the Argos will be kicked out of the Dome between 2 weeks before, during & 2 weeks after the event. For the Jays, to prepare for the events & opening & closing ceremonies, and the Jays afterward. We'll know more when the Jays schedule comes out in September. But the Argos could be homeless the entire first 6 weeks of the season. Yikes!

[Will]

The problem is, Paul, is that there is no Plan B. When the Alouettes were kicked out of Stade Olympique for U2 at least there was Percival Molson Stadium for them to go to even if the tree was growing through the stands. No such contingency exists in Toronto.

[gilthethrill]

The bigger issue comes next year with the Pan-Am games. I fear the Argos will be kicked out of the Dome between 2 weeks before, during & 2 weeks after the event. For the Jays, to prepare for the events & opening & closing ceremonies, and the Jays afterward. We'll know more when the Jays schedule comes out in September. But the Argos could be homeless the entire first 6 weeks of the season. Yikes!

On the topic of the Pan Am games next year, will Hamilton be forced out of THF for a similar amount of time?

[Argo57]

On the topic of the Pan Am games next year, will Hamilton be forced out of THF for a similar amount of time?

Commonwealth games this year-Pan Am Games next year, complete waste of time IMO.

[paulwoods13]

On the topic of the Pan Am games next year, will Hamilton be forced out of THF for a similar amount of time?

For sure THF will be closed to the Tiger-Cats for about a month. I'm not so sure about Rogers Centre -- I don't think there is too much scheduled there for the Pan-Ams but could be wrong.

[AngeloV]

Commonwealth games this year-Pan Am Games next year, complete waste of time IMO.

I'm even starting to think that way of the olympics. Every 4 years some country spends money that they never are able to make back to provide for the freeloaders that are the IOC. I would love it if no country bid for the games. It would be interesting to see if the IOC would fund the games themselves.

[ArgoRavi]

I'm even starting to think that way of the olympics. Every 4 years some country spends money that they never are able to make back to provide for the freeloaders that are the IOC. I would love it if no country bid for the games. It would be interesting to see if the IOC would fund the games themselves.

It is even questionable how much of a legacy the Olympics leaves a host city. Athens hosted ten years ago and their facilities are neglected and crumbling. The same people who want the NFL in Toronto tend to be the ones who want a summer Olympics for the city as well.

[argolio]

On TSN's telecast last night, they mentioned something about Milanovich being very happy with Laing's play. IIRC, he might have said that Laing has been their top defensive lineman but don't quote me on this last point.I think he's being kind to Laing if that's what he said. Okpalaugo has not only been our best d-lineman, but also arguably our best player so far this season.

[Argo57]

It is even questionable how much of a legacy the Olympics leaves a host city. Athens hosted ten years ago and their facilities are neglected and crumbling. The same people who want the NFL in Toronto tend to be the ones who want a summer Olympics for the city as well.

I saw a feature on that the other day, Billions of dollars and 10 years the place looks like the Ancient ruins..... No thank you!!

[argotom]

I saw a feature on that the other day, Billions of dollars and 10 years the place looks like the Ancient ruins..... No thank you!!


Absolutely no legacy for any games, especially ones that no one will watch or will attend, save family and friends.
And this fiasco will likely cost in excess of $4B.
What a wast of taxpayers dollars and no one will pay the political price here.

[argotom]

According to Curtis Rush in the Star, the Argos could be greatly inconvenienced in October if the Jays make the playoffs: http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2014/08/13/argos_could_be_without_home_in_october_if_blue_jay s_make_playoffs.html


Let's get realistic here.
The way the Crap Jays have been playing of late, there is absolutely no chance of them making it.
Even if by chance a wild card position was had, all this means is they would go to Oakland or LA to lose the one game and your out.

[Wobbler]

This is off topic, obviously, but the GDT is done, so...


I'm even starting to think that way of the olympics. Every 4 years some country spends money that they never are able to make back to provide for the freeloaders that are the IOC. I would love it if no country bid for the games. It would be interesting to see if the IOC would fund the games themselves.
Is the point of hosting the Olympics to make money? I don't think so. Cities (and their nations) compete to host in order to demonstrate wealth and power, and are willing to lose money (in the short term at least) and inconvenience their residents to do so. Much of the infrastructure expenditure is wasted, always, but that's inevitable; there's a reason that urban planners tend to prefer a steady budget rather than periodic cash avalanches.

I'm a fan of the Olympics, obviously, and I'd be quite happy if Toronto eventually hosts. Not so much because I think the city needs to burnish its already fine reputation, but because helping to support this institution is a privilege. The IOC is a pretty shady group, but the Olympic games are something humanity should be proud of.

[Invader]

The bigger issue comes next year with the Pan-Am games. I fear the Argos will be kicked out of the Dome between 2 weeks before, during & 2 weeks after the event. For the Jays, to prepare for the events & opening & closing ceremonies, and the Jays afterward. We'll know more when the Jays schedule comes out in September. But the Argos could be homeless the entire first 6 weeks of the season. Yikes!
Too bad MLSE didn't go along with their CEO Leiweke's original plan to relocate the Argos to BMO for 2015. Now that's been pushed back to 2017 because of a $10 million shortfall? The Argos braintrust really needs to get on the ball here.

[Gill The Thrill]

Let's get realistic here.
The way the Crap Jays have been playing of late, there is absolutely no chance of them making it.
Even if by chance a wild card position was had, all this means is they would go to Oakland or LA to lose the one game and your out.

I noticed those weekend October dates myself...but the league schedule has done the Argos and their fans no favours also. No home games for 4 straight games with 2 bye weeks, and then 4 straight...that's ridiculous. That leaves enough time for casual football fans in September to settle into their NFL fix on Sundays and forget that the Argos even exist with them playing 4 straight road games in 6 weeks from late August and September.

I don't know if the dome only gives them these dates, but WTF, 2 home dates in 6 days and then no home games for six weeks until October with possible conflicts.

PS- I think the Jays are playing like a team for the first time in years and don't wish them ill will. They've played like a team and are playing smart baseball this season as far as moving runners up and playing hit and run ball. Considering their injuries, they're doing well to be in the race as they're not just depending on one or two guys to hit homers as they've done the last 10 years. Unfortunately their pitching may not have the depth to even get to that 1 game wild card playoff but as a sports fan and particularly a fan of baseball since I was a kid, it would be nice to see a meaningful September MLB game in Toronto.

Let's stick to wishing TFC ill-will because of the arrogance of their stupid fans that think they're entitled to BMO field even though it was meant to be used and built to house Canadian Football as well... Blue Jay fans may be indifferent to the Argos and the CFL, but unlike many soccer fans they don't ridicule the Argos and the CFL imo.

[Gill The Thrill]

According to Curtis Rush in the Star, the Argos could be greatly inconvenienced in October if the Jays make the playoffs: http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2014/08/13/argos_could_be_without_home_in_october_if_blue_jay s_make_playoffs.html
The article said the Argos were on the road the last time the Jays were in the playoffs but there was one conflict in 1993. I believe (pretty sure) that the Argos had a scheduled home game on the day they won the World Series on October 23, 1993 vs Calgary. (may have been on Sunday the 24th, which would have been Game 7, if necessary of '93 World Series) The Argos and Stamps game was moved to Monday night, October 25 and it was a real low point in a horrid '93 Argo season. They were trounced 51-7, or 55-7 by the Flutie led Stampeders. As a matter of fact Flutie demolished the Argos at the dome for 3 consecutive seasons. 30-0 in 1992, on a game when Rocket Ismail was ejected for stomping on a Calgary player's head on the sideline. The 1994 game vs the Stamps at home was the only sports event at the time because it was after MLB had locked out the players and cancelled the season, thus no Blue Jays game. The Argos got killed 52-3. Thank god Ryckman could not afford Fluties personal services contract and sold his rights to the Argos because he was killing the franchise on the field.

In 1992, I remember the ARgos were in Sacramento on the same night the Jays won the World Series and lost a closer game than all the Calgary games, 36-24.

[paulwoods13]

I don't know if the dome only gives them these dates, but WTF, 2 home dates in 6 days and then no home games for six weeks until October with possible conflicts.


It's been widely reported that Rogers offered the Argos 11 or 12 dates, in total, from which to schedule nine home games. The Argos have the lowest priority among RC renters -- below concert promoters and others. It's been reported that they originally had first choice of dates, but Harry Ornest sold that to the Blue Jays, and it's also been reported that a few years ago someone with the Argos missed a deadline and they lost second right of refusal on dates. So that's how we end up with two home games in an 11-week span, probably the worst schedule in the history of pro football.

[1argoholic]

Rogers and it's Jays both SUCK! Karma Rogers...Karma you pack of arseholes!!!!

[paulwoods13]

I think he's being kind to Laing if that's what he said. Okpalaugo has not only been our best d-lineman, but also arguably our best player so far this season.

I just watched the game and what Milanovich was quoted as saying was that Laing was his most underrated defensive player.