November 7, 2014: Ottawa RedBlacks vs. Toronto Argonauts

[T-Bone]

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

Week 20
Friday, November 7, 2014 at 7:00pm EST.
Rogers Centre. Toronto, ON.

TV: TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/cfl-on-tsn-broadcast-schedule-1.78723)
Video Webcast: TSN Go (http://www.tsn.ca/tv#/) - ESPN3 (http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/type/upcoming/sport/football/search/CFL/)
Radio: OTT: TSN 1200 (http://www.tsn.ca/redblacks-on-tsn-1200-broadcast-schedule-1.90031) - TOR: TSN 1050 (http://www.tsn.ca/argos-on-tsn-1050-broadcast-schedule-1.84907)
Audio Webcast: OTT: Here (http://www.tsn.ca/radio/tsn-1200-live-stream-1.53030?ot=example.AjaxPageLayout.ot) - TOR: Here (http://player.newstalk1010.com/)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM (http://www.cfl.ca/article/siriusxm-canada-and-cfl-renew-multi-year-broadcast-agreement)

Depth Charts: OTT: Here (http://www.ottawaredblacks.com/depth-charts-2014) - TOR: Here (http://www.argonauts.ca/depthchart/list/team/7/year/2014)

Pre-Game Preview: Here (http://argonauts.ca/video/index/id/105721)

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)

521

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 RedBlacks in Regular Season Finale, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive (http://argonauts.ca/article/recap-argos-vs-redblacks-2014)

Final Score: 5-23

[doubleblue]

All week we may have a guessing game, Is Ricky going to play or not. I'm ok with the Harris and Gale getting some playing time against Ottawa. I'm not so sure the Argos have what it takes to go far this year if they are fairly healthy. The young QB's need to play some. Unfortunately this year has been a struggle just to win enough games so Ricky could be spotted once and a while.

[Argo]

Judging from how hard Ray's head hit the ground there's no chance he'll play in the next game.
By all means let's see both Harris and Gale, ideally in equal amounts.
I expect this will be the last game of the season for the Argos. The Als will be fighting for first place, but the Ti-Cats fight to stay alive. The fact that the Tabbies have a mobile QB can only help.

[Will]

I think the Argos can win mainly because they seem to be able to pull a rabbit out of the hat when they ABSOLUTELY have to, however they no longer control their destiny.

[1argoholic]

With Ray most likely out Ottawa will be facing qb's that will surely run more. Hopefully we see backups who can play and not just totally flop. I have good thoughts going into yesterday and now the faith has once again faded. Too many new faces on D, injuries and new coaches. We just don't learn from game to game and it's been one sad frustrating year to have our seasons again.

[Neely2005]

Ottawa will probably be using this game to take a look at some of their players who haven't played a lot.

[QBall]

Looks like we need the Argos to bring their A game, even though it is against the worst team in the league, and for Montreal to do us a solid (I feel ill just typing that).

[gilthethrill]

There is no way...I mean no possible way the Argos go winless against the RedBlacks.

[ArgoRavi]

There is no way...I mean no possible way the Argos go winless against the RedBlacks.

I agree. After yesterday's loss, there is a lot of the "sky is falling" thinking out there but, even with Ricky Ray out, I can't see Ottawa beating the Argos again on Friday night.

[Argo57]

I agree. After yesterday's loss, there is a lot of the "sky is falling" thinking out there but, even with Ricky Ray out, I can't see Ottawa beating the Argos again on Friday night.

Maybe fans are simply expressing realistic and honest observations regarding the Argonauts performances this season, if that constitutes "sky is falling" thinking so be it. We are 1 game away from elimination and have to rely on help from Montreal, the Argos "should" win Friday but who knows, I didn't give Ottawa much chance in July against Toronto but look what happened.
Hamilton will be fired up and at home this weekend so the Argo result may not matter anyway, maybe the sky is falling??

[doubleblue]

If Ricky is indeed scratched Friday night, I am kind of looking forward to seeing Harris and Gale get their chance to shine. Gale especially brings another dimension as he can run. Wouldn't mind seeing one or both of these new WR's they have in camp Sargent or Harrison. They both have some impressive back ground stats. That is how stars are born. Some guys just start to shine when the lights come on.

[ArgoRavi]

Harris has been the second stringer all season so, not surprisingly, it looks like he will get his first start since the final regular season game of last season: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ricky Ray will undergo a concussion test and go through the protocols today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a> planning on starting Trevor Harris, per sources. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArashMadani/status/529658847120855040">November 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[AngeloV]

If Ricky is indeed scratched Friday night, I am kind of looking forward to seeing Harris and Gale get their chance to shine. Gale especially brings another dimension as he can run.

Not sure that Gale is actually a better runner than Harris. He does the short yardage plays, but I think that is more because that is a role tha Argos have given 3rd string QB's the last couple of years. Harris did it last year, despite the fact that Collaros is an obvious better runner. Gale weighs in at 230lbs, so although he probably is a strong runner, don't know how quick he is.

[gilthethrill]

According to CFL.ca, Ricky Ray is very doubtful for Fridays game. In the last 2 seasons, this Argo team has won big games with reserve qb's (see 2012 season finale, a game that meant everything to Hamilton). No reason to doubt they can't do it one more time.

[Argo]

According to CFL.ca, Ricky Ray is very doubtful for Fridays game. In the last 2 seasons, this Argo team has won big games with reserve qb's (see 2012 season finale, a game that meant everything to Hamilton). No reason to doubt they can't do it one more time.

If Harris isn't ready by now, he will never be ready.
I'm expecting that he will get the job done (if too much of the rest of the team isn't simply going through the motions).

[argonaut11xx]

There is no way...I mean no possible way the Argos go winless against the RedBlacks.

Agreed, actually i will say this.....

It will take an ACT OF GOD for the Argo's to lose to the redblacks on friday.

[doubleblue]

Not sure that Gale is actually a better runner than Harris. He does the short yardage plays, but I think that is more because that is a role tha Argos have given 3rd string QB's the last couple of years. Harris did it last year, despite the fact that Collaros is an obvious better runner. Gale weighs in at 230lbs, so although he probably is a strong runner, don't know how quick he is.

I was going by what I saw in training camp. Gale looked much more mobile and quicker than Harris. He is a very solidly built young man, which is probably why he does the short yardage. But compared to Ricky Ray they are both fast.

[ArgoRavi]

I thought this was a clever quote from Trevor Harris when he was asked whether he would be seeking advice from Ray this week: <iframe style="width: 1px; height: 0px; border: medium none; position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" allowfullscreen="" class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" allowtransparency="true" id="twitter-widget-0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>&quot;If you had a HOF reporter w/ you, &amp; you&#39;ve never reported before would you?&quot; -<a href="https://twitter.com/Trev_Harris">@Trev_Harris</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti">@TSNScianitti</a> if he&#39;ll talk to Ray this week</p>&mdash; Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/status/529706150422663168">November 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><iframe style="display: none;" allowtransparency="true" id="rufous-sandbox" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

[argotom]

With Ray out, all of a sudden this may not be the gimme the schedule maker had in mind.

[doubleblue]

Agreed, actually i will say this.....

It will take an ACT OF GOD for the Argo's to lose to the redblacks on friday.

LOL. Where have we heard that before.

So Ricky is out. Agnew and Thomas done for the year. Steele likely out. Brazill cut. Ware was nicked but came back. But that's at least five additions that have to be made. We may see the Moore's, Kashif at WR and Lyle at DT. Armond Smith is the only other RB in camp to possibly replace Steele. McCullough will probably come off the 1 game to help out the riddled defensive backfield. Kilgore dress as the third QB. Rosamonda could probably go in place of Ware if he can't answer the bell. Who else is there?

[jerrym]

Agreed, actually i will say this.....

It will take an ACT OF GOD for the Argo's to lose to the redblacks on friday.

Is that God called Leo Cahill?

[Wobbler]

Barnes is back, which may help a bit.

[Ron]

I expect the Argos to pull it off. They lost two really close games recently to a very good team (best in the CFL right now). All they need to do to win is to show more backbone than some of their fans. ;)

[Wobbler]

I was hoping Harris would start this game. These aren't the circumstances I was envisioning a few weeks ago, of course, but his performance on Friday may help us to make some important decisions for 2015.

[AngeloV]

I expect the Argos to pull it off. They lost two really close games recently to a very good team (best in the CFL right now). All they need to do to win is to show more backbone than some of their fans. ;)

LOL..No kidding.

[ArgofanIan]

Looking forward to going to the game on Friday... nice to have Ottawa back in the league.... we got the best cheerleaders and the best band.... and if we all row together..... we will win on Friday.... and put tons and tons of pressure on the cats..... Lets go ARRRGos !!!!!

[mchesher03]

taking nothing away from Rosamonda here but why is Greg Jones buried on the depth chart for tomorrow? Last I remember he had 12 tackles in a game and was all over the place. Interesting. Also Isaiah Green in at CB for Vince Agnew - has he been on the PR most of the year / just recently? I don't recall that name (I like to think I am up-to-date with our roster but this year has been a challenge in that regard!)

Hope we can get a W to at the very least put some heat on the ticats....

[ArgoRavi]

taking nothing away from Rosamonda here but why is Greg Jones buried on the depth chart for tomorrow? Last I remember he had 12 tackles in a game and was all over the place. Interesting. Also Isaiah Green in at CB for Vince Agnew - has he been on the PR most of the year / just recently? I don't recall that name (I like to think I am up-to-date with our roster but this year has been a challenge in that regard!)

Hope we can get a W to at the very least put some heat on the ticats....

Green is a recent addition as he was only signed on October 13th. They were probably evaluating him more for next season but, with all of the injuries, he has been forced into action this season. Here is the depth chart for Friday: http://cfl.uploads.mrx.ca/league/pdf/en/depth/2014/2014_RegSeasonGame18vsOTT_Nov7114505.pdf

[AngeloV]

taking nothing away from Rosamonda here but why is Greg Jones buried on the depth chart for tomorrow? Last I remember he had 12 tackles in a game and was all over the place. Interesting. Also Isaiah Green in at CB for Vince Agnew - has he been on the PR most of the year / just recently? I don't recall that name (I like to think I am up-to-date with our roster but this year has been a challenge in that regard!)

Hope we can get a W to at the very least put some heat on the ticats....

Rosamonda and Yurichuk were beasts against Hamilton. Jones was in the line-up against Montreal because he is supposed to be better agains the run, but Montreal ran all over the Argos on sunday. Number of tackles can be an overrated stat. Soloman Eliminium had 12 tackles against Edmonton on Satureday, but most of them were way down field after big gains.

[1argoholic]

It wouldn't be the 2014 Argonauts without at least one brand new face in our lineup. This has been one strange year. Hopefully if nothing else we have a head start on next year. I don't think anyone has done enough to show interest from the NFL, I hope.
Hoping for a big win so it makes the Hamilton and Montreal game a very important one. If we lose I wouldn't be totally shocked with the way this year has gone.

[AngeloV]

I don't think anyone has done enough to show interest from the NFL, I hope.


I would never count out the chances of losing guys to the NFL. You just neve know how an NFL opportunity comes. Andrew Hawkins in 2 seasons with the Allouettes caught 13 and 28 balls. Not exactly all star numbers, yet has gone on to the Cincinnati Bengals to be a pretty decent #3 wide reciever. This year in Cleveland, he already has 39 cathces for over 500 yards.

[ArgoRavi]

I don't think anyone has done enough to show interest from the NFL, I hope.

Did you think that Neiko Thorpe from last year's team would be in Oakland's lineup this year? Looking at his stats, I don't think he is starting (although he was in the mix for a starting spot in training camp) but he has played every game for the Raiders this season. Trying to predict who will be in the NFL and who won't be is as difficult to predict as ever. As AV points out, a player can be a backup in the CFL and end up starting in the NFL.

[gilthethrill]

I notice Euclid Cummings, a big DL is on the active roster. If he dresses in place of the injured Marcus Thomas, he could end up playing more snaps in tomorrow nights game than Thomas managed all season.

[paulwoods13]

I notice Euclid Cummings, a big DL is on the active roster. If he dresses in place of the injured Marcus Thomas, he could end up playing more snaps in tomorrow nights game than Thomas managed all season.

Wouldn't be hard -- get about 10 snaps and he's there.

[Argo57]

Expecting another classic Argonaut nailbiter tomorrow night, hope Hank doesn't decide to look like an all-star.
With all the lineup changes a loss wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibility.

[argotom]

Harris has to roll out to avoid being a pylon in the pocket.
Depending on how Harris plays and if the o line has a bad day, it actually may be a pick em possibility here.

[ArgoRavi]

Harris has to roll out to avoid being a pylon in the pocket.
Depending on how Harris plays and if the o line has a bad day, it actually may be a pick em possibility here.

The Argos are a much better football club than Ottawa. If the Argos play to their potential they will win.

[Argocister]

After listening to Milanovichs press conference , I'm thinking the Argos should be able to do this.

Scott's discussion on how close Harris was to starting last year instead of Zach, the fact that we will have Slaton, Barnes and
Owens in is a plus, and that Harris had a good practice ..... Our Defense is starting to click ..... And Milanovich commented earlier this fall that Jones gets into the lineup when his type of play is needed. ..... Our
Special teams is doing well with Swayze at the helm. .....all in all, It bodes well for the Argos.

So .... As long as our offense eats up some time, and our special teams can be ready for some surprise plays, and our Defense holds the rouge et noir for the first three quarters, we can then show our talent and put the game away in the fourth.

[D-Gap-Willie]

it's a bit of a Kent Austin depth chart this week. I hope that Slaton not only plays well but avoids injury. I really don't want to find out if Woodson or Smith is his backup.


taking nothing away from Rosamonda here but why is Greg Jones buried on the depth chart for tomorrow? Last I remember he had 12 tackles in a game and was all over the place. Interesting. Also Isaiah Green in at CB for Vince Agnew - has he been on the PR most of the year / just recently? I don't recall that name (I like to think I am up-to-date with our roster but this year has been a challenge in that regard!)

Hope we can get a W to at the very least put some heat on the ticats....

You're putting entirely too much faith in the published depth chart. Every week we see different starters than have been predicted by the depth charts. Let's wait and see.

[D-Gap-Willie]

Harris has definitely earned the start over Gale with his diligence and patience working behind Ricky. Is he good enough to get the job done ? We need to wait and see. It will be interesting to see if Coach M has a lot of patience with him, if he shows poorly in the early going. I have no problem with Gale coming in - whatever it takes to get the win.

Harris is a better 'pure' passer than Gale, but Gale I believe brings some extra dimensions of running and leadership that Harris may not have. We've seen so little of both of them, that we can really only go on their college careers, and they were both solid winners. Personally I like Gale over Harris, but I believe we can win this game with either of them

[AngeloV]

it's a bit of a Kent Austin depth chart this week. I hope that Slaton not only plays well but avoids injury. I really don't want to find out if Woodson or Smith is his backup.

Can't possibly compare the depth to what Austin dressed earlier this season. At least Woodson had RB on his resume. He played it throughout college, and has taken pre-season reps there. Austin, OTOH, dressed a LB who has been converted to a blocking FB as his back-up RB in C.O. Prime. Dupuis has also played RB and carried the ball in CIS, so there is another safety valve for the Argos.

[gilthethrill]

Not sure what to expect tonight. If this ends up being the season finale for the Boatmen, I thoroughly enjoyed the final 6 games of the season...very entertaining final stretch.

[ArgoRavi]

Not sure what to expect tonight. If this ends up being the season finale for the Boatmen, I thoroughly enjoyed the final 6 games of the season...very entertaining final stretch.

Even if the Argos don't end up in the playoffs, winning this game to go 4-2 over their last six and 8-10 on the season puts a much different spin on the season than losing to Ottawa twice to end at 7-11. If the Argos miss the playoffs, I would much rather see them miss it with the best non-playoff record the league has seen in almost 20 years than with a much more pedestrian and mediocre 7-11 record. Let's also keep in mind that two 8-10 teams have won Grey Cups.

[Fumblitis]

Really like Trevor Harris mobility on that touchdown drive. But I'm biased toward mobile QB's.

[Wobbler]

This looks much better. Hopefully we'll face Ottawa several times in the playoffs...

[jerrym]

Harris to Chiles for TD! Love the way Trevor marched them down the field. His mobility is definitely an advantage and his willingness to go beyond the dump pass, which Ray sometimes does too often, even though I consider him the CFL's best QB.

[jerrym]

Okalauggo leads to another Argo TD with a nice touch pass by Harris. Great to see the Argos being aggressive.

[jerrym]

First mistake of the night by Harris as he throws inside for an interception when the receiver could have thrown to the outside of the receiver to possibly get a TD.

[ArgoRavi]

A solid first half by the Argos as they are up 20-0. Harris had a very good first half for the Argos. Just don't give the RedBlacks a sniff in the second half.

[jerrym]

Harris gives the Argos a different look, which could be valuable if the Toronto makes the playoffs. Obviously, it's valuable if Ray can't play. However, it's also valuable if Ray can play but can't get the offence going as happened against Montreal. Harris could step in for a series or two giving the offence a different look. Even if Harris accomplishes nothing, it forces the opponents to adjust to a different style and do that again if Ray comes back in. If Harris succeeds, so much the better.

[jerrym]

Chiles gives the Argos the much needed deep threat once again with a 36 yard catch and more than 100 yards receiving.

[jerrym]

Great news with Ray likely back if the Argos make the playoffs and Durie possibly back according to the TSN broadcast.

[jerrym]

Good to see Woodson get more than a couple of rushes in a game. He gives the running game a different dimension with his size making him more of a bull.

[ArgoRavi]

A good win tonight. Harris was impressive in his first start. I very much liked the poise that he showed. The defence was "lights out" as well. Hopefully Montreal wins tomorrow but, regardless, it is critical IMO for the Argos to keep Milanovich as head coach next year and return as much of this coaching staff as possible. I like so many of the new players that the Argos brought in this season (e.g., Whiteside, Okpalaugo, Rosamonda, Branden Smith) and think that they will only be better next season but this team needs continuity as much as anything.

With all of the challenges that the Argos faced this season, 8-10, while disappointing, is not that bad.

[Stevoman]

Fun first half and then when the RedBlacks put Hank in I got kind of nervous as he's owned the Argos the last little while. I agree that they need some continuity this off season and hope for many to return, of course they will all want to after our Cinderella playoff run!!!! Go Als (well, tomorrow anyway!).

[jerrym]

Chiles has had a couple of big games since he came back, including this one where he caught 6 passes for 101 yards.
While I've never been enthralled by Barnes, he had a good game and could be important in the playoffs as he has played more than much of our injury-riddled receiving corps (I know that is not saying much) and this has increased his value.
Emry once again, after his poor start to the season, led the team in defensive tackles and often was involved in the play.
Harris really does give the offence an additional dimension with his mobility, providing the team with that all-important backup that is especially significant as, even if Ray does play next week, as seems likely according to the TSN broadcast, there is always the risk of a followup concussion putting him out of the game.
Mr. Reliable, Swayze Waters, once again showed why he is the Outstanding Special Teams Argo nominee and has a good shot at winning the league award.

[D-Gap-Willie]

Good to win one by a comfortable margin. Harris played well and stayed calm and focussed. I thought both O and D lines had better than average games for them Surprisingly good team play/cohesion by our constantly changing defense Turnovers were down - penalties were down. All-in-all a satisfying win - but we need to remember that it was Ottawa. We still need to rely on Hamilton losing. Go you A...cough .. cough ..wheeze. Can't say it. Go you guys who are playing the Tiger-Pussies tomorrow !!!!!

Only a little downside. I would have liked to see some half-time adjustments and some wrinkles for the second half to really put on a show for all 19,697 of us who were there.

Too bad Owens just missed his 1,00 yard season---- by so little ( 11 yards ?) -- but it is a team game !


Can't possibly compare the depth to what Austin dressed earlier this season. At least Woodson had RB on his resume. He played it throughout college, and has taken pre-season reps there. Austin, OTOH, dressed a LB who has been converted to a blocking FB as his back-up RB in C.O. Prime. Dupuis has also played RB and carried the ball in CIS, so there is another safety valve for the Argos.

No need for debates. I did say " a little bit " !!

[gilthethrill]

I thought the better team won last night. The Argos started off like a house on fire last night, but in the 2nd half, did Ottawa figure the offence out or was Harris ordered to manage the lead? I am certain Euclid Cummings surpassed Marcus Thomas's snaps played last night, I am not sure how effective he was, but he appeared to be bathed in sweat after the contest.
Look forward to watching the Montreal-Hamilton game after work tonight...hope the "Fluke Show" can snooze another victory!

[ArgoZ]

A good win tonight. Harris was impressive in his first start. I very much liked the poise that he showed. The defence was "lights out" as well. Hopefully Montreal wins tomorrow but, regardless, it is critical IMO for the Argos to keep Milanovich as head coach next year and return as much of this coaching staff as possible. I like so many of the new players that the Argos brought in this season (e.g., Whiteside, Okpalaugo, Rosamonda, Branden Smith) and think that they will only be better next season but this team needs continuity as much as anything.

With all of the challenges that the Argos faced this season, 8-10, while disappointing, is not that bad.

As you mentioned Ravi, Barker has assembled some great talent on the defensive side of the ball. A little more help in the secondary and this could be a solid core for many coming years. Speaking solely on that, I would think any defensive coach would love to have the opportunity or find it an attractive situation to be a part off.

[Argo57]

As you mentioned Ravi, Barker has assembled some great talent on the defensive side of the ball. A little more help in the secondary and this could be a solid core for many coming years. Speaking solely on that, I would think any defensive coach would love to have the opportunity or find it an attractive situation to be a part off.

Let's hope the revolving door approach finally stops, yes they do have a solid group to build on, hopefully they stay and we can start to build a solid "championship" caliber D as well. BTW like what I see from Greenwood as well so far both on ST and D when subbed in.

[1argoholic]

We've finally found our own qb's to develop. We found Collaros and Harris looks to me like a real keeper even though it was a very sad Ottawa team. I don't like the way we take the foot off the gas. Hopefully we can squeak into the playoffs and I'm excited and nervous for the game today. If not we can hopefully keep much of the talent around to develop next year. We aren't far off.

We need some great off field news to get folks interested and excited for a future.


Burris has head head somewhere but on the football field that's for sure.

[argotom]

For the first half especially the first quarter, Harris was the real deal.
Tailed of in the second half like the entire team but maybe that was expected at the RBlacks are terrible.
Speaking of which, they better bring in several QB's as Hank unfortunately is done like dinner.