GAME THREAD / Week 17 / Toronto @ Edmonton

[Wobbler]

So... Edmonton ended their losing streak last week and our winning streak ended against Saskatchewan. Reboot!

We recently put Evan Foster and Curtis Newton back on the PR, which tells me that a NAT or two will be coming off the IR this week. Coombs seems most likely, and thank goodness for that.

[Will]

Must win, IMO

[AngeloV]

Wilder out, Whitaker in.

[gilthethrill]

Wilder out, Whitaker in.

That's not good. I expect Whittaker to have a fire up his &$#@ due to sitting on the sidelines. He should have a decent game.

[AngeloV]

That's not good. I expect Whittaker to have a fire up his &$#@ due to sitting on the sidelines. He should have a decent game.

Agreed, but he doesn't have the big play ability of Wilder. Argos Offence is going to have to be on point this week.

[Will]

Wilder out, Whitaker in.

Vhere is it confirmed dat James vill be out dis week?

[Wobbler]

Here (http://www.torontosun.com/2017/10/11/argos-ready-to-give-it-the-gas).

Also, CVZ will be back. No word on Coombs, but i'm still hoping...

[AngeloV]

Vhere is it confirmed dat James vill be out dis week?


Here (http://www.torontosun.com/2017/10/11/argos-ready-to-give-it-the-gas).

Also, CVZ will be back. No word on Coombs, but i'm still hoping...

Still not 100% official, but definitely the most likely scenario.

[jerrym]

Hopefully other Western teams will help the Argos. Calgary should easily beat Hamilton providing it is not starting to coast to the playoffs. Motivation should not be a problem for the Riders but an Ottawa win and an Argo loss puts Ottawa in first place.

[AngeloV]

Hopefully other Western teams will help the Argos. Calgary should easily beat Hamilton providing it is not starting to coast to the playoffs. Motivation should not be a problem for the Riders but an Ottawa win and an Argo loss puts Ottawa in first place.

Calgary has won 15 straight following their bye week. I am very optimistic this will not end this week.

In spite of anything that can happen this week, the Argos would still control their own destiny after this week. I really hope that they can win at least 2 of their last 3 and finish .500.

[RB957]

So... Edmonton ended their losing streak last week and our winning streak ended against Saskatchewan. Reboot!

I am just glad Edmonton got the monkey off their back before we play them. Just like I didn't like it having to go into Hamilton on Labour Day when they were 0 - 8. IMO, to win this game we need solid, consistent and disciplined play in all three phases of the game. The play of the O-line is especially critical. Time for the "real" Argos to step up. It is getting too late in the season for the "we are a good football team that is not playing good football" mentality. I believe they can do it.

[gilthethrill]

Weather for game day is a high of 7 degrees and sunny. Perfect day for autumn football.

[1971GreyCup]

Weather for game day is a high of 7 degrees and sunny. Perfect day for autumn football.

Good news! My son and I are heading out tomorrow for the Saturday game. Maybe we'll win the 50/50 draw. We could us the $250,000! Haha

[Wobbler]

It is getting too late in the season for the "we are a good football team that is not playing good football" mentality. I believe they can do it.
I hope that you're right!

[R.J]

Even match I think, depends on if Reilly regains his form this game or not I suppose.

[R.J]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&#39;s how we&#39;ll take the field against the <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonEsks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdmontonEsks</a> tomorrow night in Edmonton!<br><br>GAME NOTES » <a href="https://t.co/Xa0RgtOZXM">https://t.co/Xa0RgtOZXM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArgosFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArgosFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/CRZjQb0uFJ">pic.twitter.com/CRZjQb0uFJ</a></p>&mdash; Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/status/918854087512395781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Good to see Vaughan back.

[Wobbler]

Washington starting at guard - interesting!

[Argo]

I pick Edmonton to win.

[gilthethrill]

Nice to see Akeem Jordan remaining in the lineup.

[Wobbler]

Vidal Hazelton is off the IR and starting for Edmonton tomorrow. Hopefully AK and/or Darby will make sure that we never hear his name.

[doubleblue]

So who sits? Mathews and ?

[Wobbler]

I have a fairly good feeling about this one. Edmonton's victory over Montreal last week shouldn't convince anyone that they've fixed their problems.

Our D personnel look a lot better this week, and I suspect that this (promising) OL will be our group for the rest of the season. I think they'll help Whitaker and give Ray a bit more time.

Toronto 27 Edmonton 22.

[Will]

So who sits? Mathews and ?

Owusu-Ansah?

[jerrym]

Butler back as CFL sack leader despite missing many games misses getting credit for another sack only because of an Argo penalty. That is quickly followed by Edmonton going 72 yards and a Gable TD. The Argos sure know how to hurt themselves.

[Will]

The illegal contact penalty haunts the Argos for the second straight week as it extends an Eskimo drive on which they end up scoring a touchdown.

[argotom]

That opening drive for EE way too easy.
Gable's TD was like flag football as he was not touched until deep into the secondary.
I hope the bugs are out on the Defense.

[Will]

Crucial break for Argos as Tuggle picks off Reilly's tipped pass.

[jerrym]

Crucial break for Argos as Tuggle picks off Reilly's tipped pass.
It broke the momentum which was all going the Eskimos way and helped lead to an Argo FG.

[argotom]

What the heck just happened with Reilly's run, the dbacks fell asleep that's what.

[jerrym]

It isn't even the end of the first quarter and Gable already has 46 yards. The Argos need to stop him or his running and the opening of pass routes for Eskimo receivers as the Argos start to focus on Gable will kill the Argos.

[Will]

The Argo defence has played quite poorly in the last two games and has looked bad in the first quarter of this game as well. Chamblin going to have to do some work prior to the playoffs.

[jerrym]

Of course Reilly can also kill us.

[argotom]

The stats at end of the 1st quarter are horrid for us.

[Will]

A costly penalty on offence as a first down catch is wiped out by a penalty called on S.J Green.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

That was a pretty soft blocking in the back penalty against SJ.

[jerrym]

Great to see SJ come back with the Argos from last year's season ending knee injury to break his previous best seasonal reception yardage. Previously, his best was 1197 yards in 2013. His 30 yards already in this game gives him 1208.

[jerrym]

I really don't like the Argos going for it on third and five when they had an almost guaranteed FG option. It's so early in the game to take those kind of risks.

[argotom]

I like the call 3rd and 5 with the HC going for it, but the play of a swing pass then the receiver having to advance the ball and get tackled is plain stupid.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

I really don't like the Argos going for it on third and five when they had an almost guaranteed FG option. I don't like it when he runs a 2 yard route.

[Will]

I don't like it when he runs a 2 yard route.

Especially when your OL is playing as usual.

[jerrym]

I don't like it when he runs a 2 yard route.


Especially when your OL is playing as usual.

Good points.

[jerrym]

SJ comes through again after the Fajardo TD!

[argotom]

Our D has to play man on Zylstra as the kid is too dangerous against the zone.

[jerrym]

Good to see Edmonton blow its challenge early in the game on a play that even if they had won the review, it would not have been a major change in the game.

[argotom]

After being gifted that last second PI call, you have to make that make able FG.

[Will]

The Argos played better in the 2nd quarter although the defence did let up on that last drive. They seem to be isolating the other Edmonton receivers not named Zylstra well, but #83 is obviously making a difference out there.

[jerrym]

I don't like it when he runs a 2 yard route.

Please Ricky, throw the ball way down the field once to let the Eskimos know you can do that.

[argotom]

Looks like neither team wants to win this game.

[jerrym]

McDaniel shows good potential on his two receptions with his speed and running ability.

[Will]

The Eskimos are making enough mistakes to keep the Argonauts in the game, but Argos need to capitalize.

[argotom]

There were 2 great and typically exciting games yesterday right down to the last second, this is anything but.

[Tobythor]

This Argos team frustrates me lol. I feel that they're so close to being a great team.

[larz-7]

The Eskimos are making enough mistakes to keep the Argonauts in the game, but Argos need to capitalize.
or show up

[Will]

This Argos team frustrates me lol. I feel that they're so close to being a great team.

The OL might not be 100% the reason for this, but it certainly is the majority I feel.

[jerrym]

Amanti Edwards has been the best Argo with SJ coming second so far.
Ricky has a 78% completion rate, but it's nearly all high percentage dump passes. I don't think this will get the job done.

[argotom]

What a concept, instead of the dink and dunk nonsense tonight, RR goes vertical and we get a TD.

[Will]

Tie game!

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Please Ricky, throw the ball way down the field once to let the Eskimos know you can do that.

There you go Jerry, all you had to do is ask.

[Will]

Amanti Edwards has been the best Argo with SJ coming second so far.
Ricky has a 78% completion rate, but it's nearly all high percentage dump passes. I don't think this will get the job done.

Keep asking.

[jerrym]

Ricky must have heard me as throws two longer passes to SJ to get a TD! :love:

[Will]

This team continues to make one or two mistakes too many.

[Tobythor]

The OL might not be 100% the reason for this, but it certainly is the majority I feel.

Or fumbling a punt in a tie game when you got momentum.... I agree about the o line

[Will]

Or fumbling a punt in a tie game when you got momentum.... I agree about the o line

Definitely

[jerrym]

There should have been a penalty on Martese's fumble. However, Trestman had already wasted his challenge on a play that had no chance of being reversed, so they was no chance for the Argos to get it overturned.

[Will]

There should have been a penalty on Martese's fumble. However, Trestman had already wasted his challenge on a play that had no chance of being reversed, so they was no chance for the Argos to get it overturned.

Was it something that could have even been challenged?

[jerrym]

There should have been a penalty on Martese's fumble. However, Trestman had already wasted his challenge on a play that had no chance of being reversed, so they was no chance for the Argos to get it overturned.


Was it something that could have even been challenged?

Martese was going for the ball after the fumble and was tackled, which is interference.

[larz-7]

i take a break from watching and come on here and suddenly we are in the lead.I just may stay here

[jerrym]

Declan comes through allowing the Argos to possibly win a game that should have been sewn up by the Eskimos earlier.

[jerrym]

There was holding by the Eskimo OL on the interior DL on the Walker TD but no penalty.

[argotom]

We had a chance, another late good drive for the tie or possibly a win....but.

[jerrym]

The Argos out-mistaked the Eskimos for the loss.

[Will]

This team just makes one too many mistakes.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

On the bright side the Tiger Cats are out of the playoffs.

[gilthethrill]

There should have been a penalty on Martese's fumble. However, Trestman had already wasted his challenge on a play that had no chance of being reversed, so they was no chance for the Argos to get it overturned.

It was reviewed because it was a turnover, but the interference was missed upstairs. Anyway, not happy about the result, but this team continues to entertain week after week. What a great weekend to be a CFL fan.

[ArgoGabe22]

Missed most of the game, read a lot play by play, so I may have come to a conclusion (perhaps, somewhat inaccurate).

Argos really need to get rid of Ray after that INT.

Jackson needs to get released. 6 fumbles already, 4 recovered by opposing team.

Whitaker is old and slow.

Lirim Hajrullahu can't kick.

[Stevoman]

Defence wasn't good enough tonight. A rough first quarter allowing 12 first downs and then unable to get the stop in the last 2 minutes. Anyone know when Ball is back? I read he's still in a walking boot.

The offence came through when I didn't expect them too. McDaniel did well and Green was clutch in the 4th.

Lots to like about this team but it will be difficult to finish in first.

[Will]

There is a crossover team in the playoffs and the Argos have won one game against the west this year.

[ArgoFan1]

Two weeks in a row, the defence gives up a long last minute drive, to lose a game. That's not too heartening. Offence was lackluster, but as usual, came through in the end when needed. (where was that the first 55 minutes?). Two big games coming up to end the season and hopefully we can finish first. Don't have a clue how Ottawa will do against Hamilton, as those two teams are real mysteries. Would be great to finish first- but at least we have ourselves a home playoff game !!! That is all we could hope for when this season began.

[Argo57]

Happy they're in the playoffs but this team is frustrating to watch.

[Argo]

The Argos are the 6th best team in the CFL. Although there might be trouble getting past the recently improved Hamilton squad in a (hypothetical) meaningful match. Definitely superior to the Awful Als.

To have a legitimate chance to advance, the team needs its starters healthy.

[AngeloV]

Happy they're in the playoffs but this team is frustrating to watch.

Outside of Calgary and Montreal, there really is a lot of parity in the CFL. I hate losing, and this type of loss is like a punch in the stomach, but it's head and shoulders better than what we saw last year.

[doubleblue]

The OL might not be 100% the reason for this, but it certainly is the majority I feel.

I thought adding Washington in at RG made the OLine look fairly solid. That is something I thought should have been done earlier in the season instead of wasting an import spot on Fuller and a few other WR's that didn't make a difference on offense.
We may see Edmonton again in the playoffs so hope all the walking wounded can make it back when it counts.

So what does Trestman do now. Go for broke and try and finish first, or rest Ricky and play more of the rookies the last two games. I think they have to win both games to finish first now, and that could put some key guys on the injured list before the playoffs.

[Argo57]

Outside of Calgary and Montreal, there really is a lot of parity in the CFL. I hate losing, and this type of loss is like a punch in the stomach, but it's head and shoulders better than what we saw last year.

A punch in the stomach would be preferable to what we saw last season.

[Will]

I'm frustrated because the Argos will have to beat one of these western teams to be where they ultimately want to be and have only shown on 1 occasion that they can beat a western team.

I'm frustrated because mistakes by special teams cost the Argos again with Jackson's fumble (3 pts to Edmonton) and Hajrullahu missed 2 FG's (1 point).

I'm frustrated because Ricky Ray's pocket seemingly collapses instantaneously.

[Argo57]

I'm frustrated because the Argos will have to beat one of these western teams to be where they ultimately want to be and have only shown on 1 occasion that they can beat a western team.

I'm frustrated because mistakes by special teams cost the Argos again with Jackson's fumble (3 pts to Edmonton) and Hajrullahu missed 2 FG's (1 point).

I'm frustrated because Ricky Ray's pocket seemingly collapses instantaneously.

Edmonton's interception which sealed the game was caused by a John Chick pass deflection, Tyler Holmes looked like a turnstile as Chick went by him to disrupt Ray.
Holmes started his career as a pretty solid O Lineman but has declined substantially this season.

[Shatto]

Argos played reasonably well but not well enough to win. The offense didn't make the big plays at the end of the game when it mattered and the defense couldn't stop Edmonton marching the field late in the 4th. Too many mistakes and penalties hurt.
Can anyone seriously disagree that if the QB's had switched teams, the Argos would not have won. Both are very good QB's but Ray lacks the mobility of Reilly. Ray was never a mobile QB but age and injures have made him even less so. It will be interesting to see what the team does next year at the QB position.

[AngeloV]

I disagree that they have only shown on 1 occasion that the can beat a western team. Arguably they only games against the west they were out of were the 2 Calgary games. Every other game they had a lead at some point in the 4th quarter. They just have to be able to finish it off. I believe they will in each of the last 2 games.

[AngeloV]

Argos played reasonably well but not well enough to win. The offense didn't make the big plays at the end of the game when it mattered and the defense couldn't stop Edmonton marching the field late in the 4th. Too many mistakes and penalties hurt.
Can anyone seriously disagree that if the QB's had switched teams, the Argos would not have won. Both are very good QB's but Ray lacks the mobility of Reilly. Ray was never a mobile QB but age and injures have made him even less so. It will be interesting to see what the team does next year at the QB position.

I think Ray was every bit as good as Reilley last night. If you want to point to Gable over Whitaker as the difference, I'll give you that. But IMO, you are way off base in your anology of the QB play last night, and frankly, all season.

[OV Argo]

The Argos are the 6th best team in the CFL. Although there might be trouble getting past the recently improved Hamilton squad in a (hypothetical) meaningful match. Definitely superior to the Awful Als.

To have a legitimate chance to advance, the team needs its starters healthy.


Pretty well all CFL teams have had to deal with major injury issues this sesaon, and the Esks have been hardest hit.

The Argos #1 healthy units on both offence & defence would make for a pretty solid team, but IMO that is not enough to win and it comes down to coaching smarts more than just talent on the roster.

Ray is still an accurate QB and Green & Edwards are outstanding receivers, but if that is all your offence is based on = not good enough; maybe with Wilder back in the line-up, they would stick to the ground game more, but I'm not convinced of that. Same old, predictable, bread & butter offence (mostly short pass plays to 2 receivers) does not cut it in big games or against good teams - wayyyyyy more diversity needed: balance with a run game, some deep pass plays; different/trick type plays thrown in - like a jet sweep to a fast receiver or Edwards on an option where he can pass or run; more of Declan Cross on screens or swing passes; and all receivers in the 5 pack need to contribute - not sure why Ralph is even in there if Ray and/or the offensive brain-trust have no faith in him - a slotback hardly ever targeted ??? - Coombs was a factor there, so put somebody in who will be targeted. The play-calling just needs to be way smarter and more diverse IMO.

And on D - some good talent there too, but not sure they mix things up enough or take chances with blitzes to get pressure on all-pass offences; most CFL teams feature plenty of rotation on their D-line but Chamblin must think his back-ups are useless or else the starters are supermen - but they seem to be less effective late in games. Gabriel could maybe play some more at OLB cause he is a good hitter who can help against the run that is a problem at times, but he is not a cover corner or D-half; I like Vaughn and that little guy Ford has a nose for the ball in the secondary, and Murray is a smart vet, but it would be nice to see a group play together games in a row and maybe gel as a unit. Not sure i have much faith in Chamblin to come up with smart game plans or in game adjustments when it counts.

Coaching ?

[R.J]

Pretty well all CFL teams have had to deal with major injury issues this sesaon, and the Esks have been hardest hit.

The Argos #1 healthy units on both offence & defence would make for a pretty solid team, but IMO that is not enough to win and it comes down to coaching smarts more than just talent on the roster.

Ray is still an accurate QB and Green & Edwards are outstanding receivers, but if that is all your offence is based on = not good enough; maybe with Wilder back in the line-up, they would stick to the ground game more, but I'm not convinced of that. Same old, predictable, bread & butter offence (mostly short pass plays to 2 receivers) does not cut it in big games or against good teams - wayyyyyy more diversity needed: balance with a run game, some deep pass plays; different/trick type plays thrown in - like a jet sweep to a fast receiver or Edwards on an option where he can pass or run; more of Declan Cross on screens or swing passes; and all receivers in the 5 pack need to contribute - not sure why Ralph is even in there if Ray and/or the offensive brain-trust have no faith in him - a slotback hardly ever targeted ??? - Coombs was a factor there, so put somebody in who will be targeted. The play-calling just needs to be way smarter and more diverse IMO.

And on D - some good talent there too, but not sure they mix things up enough or take chances with blitzes to get pressure on all-pass offences; most CFL teams feature plenty of rotation on their D-line but Chamblin must think his back-ups are useless or else the starters are supermen - but they seem to be less effective late in games. Gabriel could maybe play some more at OLB cause he is a good hitter who can help against the run that is a problem at times, but he is not a cover corner or D-half; I like Vaughn and that little guy Ford has a nose for the ball in the secondary, and Murray is a smart vet, but it would be nice to see a group play together games in a row and maybe gel as a unit. Not sure i have much faith in Chamblin to come up with smart game plans or in game adjustments when it counts.

Coaching ?
I think it's both coaching and talent.

Defensively I'm still shocked that the defense has played relatively well under Chamblin, but I expect for there to be a drop off next season, and I still think our secondary isn't as strong as most teams in the CFL.

Offensively, is about as expected. We still need to fix our oline (why is Woods not starting ?), and we need more top end type receivers (Green and Edwards are our only two IMO). I do agree that Trestman's offense and play calling is big part of the problem though, that shouldn't be surprising as it's the exact same system that Milanovich ran, the difference is that Trestman is a significantly better coach. In saying that, as much as I respect Trestman as a person and coach, I believe the way he handles the #2-4 QB spots will eventually bit him in the butt. Not developing a QB behind Calvillo is a massive reason as to why the Als have been struggling so much, well that and Popp loading the team with vets, which I hope Popp doesn't do here.

[Joe Barnes]

I agree with many of the observations/criticisms made by others in this thread but, considering where the team was in January, I am just enjoying the ride! I know we've lost two in a row and are 7 and 9 but this team has a really good character to it. They may play poorly for most of a game but they are never out of it. They are a scrappy bunch and enjoyable to watch. Yesterday's game was like the last win against Hamilton, where they hung around and pulled it out with clutch plays at the end, but against the Esks they just fell short. At this stage of their development, that is going to happen. But I think they are really close to being a really good team. I didn't feel this way earlier in the season but, call me crazy, there is a different energy now. The teams we will likely play are Edmonton (who we've beaten and lost by 3 points to), Saskatchewan (who we played close earlier and lost by 3 points to last week), and Ottawa (who we've beaten twice, albeit early in the season). In a one game playoff, there is no reason we can't beat any of these teams. Winning a Grey Cup is asking a bit much, but a playoff win and possible trip to the big game is not. Going forward, I am going to send this team only positive energy, as they have given me far more enjoyment than I could have asked for this year. Whatever the result, I know this group is going to have given its all.

[paulwoods13]

We have enough to get to the Grey Cup, if we can just get healthy. The backups for some of our starters are significantly less effective than the starters they are replacing. Lemon, Ball, Coombs and Wilder are significantly better than the guys who played their spots the past few weeks. Yes, other teams have also faced injuries, and maybe some of them could make a similar statement, but I don't care about other teams. I want to see what we can be when we are fully healthy. I believe we can be one of the top teams in the league, and contend -- this year -- for the Grey Cup.

[Neely2005]

We have enough to get to the Grey Cup, if we can just get healthy. The backups for some of our starters are significantly less effective than the starters they are replacing. Lemon, Ball, Coombs and Wilder are significantly better than the guys who played their spots the past few weeks. Yes, other teams have also faced injuries, and maybe some of them could make a similar statement, but I don't care about other teams. I want to see what we can be when we are fully healthy. I believe we can be one of the top teams in the league, and contend -- this year -- for the Grey Cup.

I feel the same way but would add that we've also got to keep the penalties under control too.

[1971GreyCup]

I agree that this team is well ahead of schedule based on when HC, GM and staff started this program. With veterans returning weekly and a favourable stretch run, we're in the Grey Cup this year. Last Grey Cup the Stampeders were expected to beat the Argos handily. We know how that ended. With a full off-season and draft and the Argos a Grey Cup contenders in 2018. Football Operations are in very good hands now. Like the 1982 Argos team. Talent and coaching are there, this recipe just might need the cooking time.

I get the impression that the Argos are high on QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson when the transition time has come. I didn't realize that he is another Sacramento State graduate, like Ricky Ray. At 6'4" and 230lbs, he's bigger than Tim Tebow.

[RB957]

I agree with many of the observations/criticisms made by others in this thread but, considering where the team was in January, I am just enjoying the ride! I know we've lost two in a row and are 7 and 9 but this team has a really good character to it. They may play poorly for most of a game but they are never out of it. They are a scrappy bunch and enjoyable to watch. Yesterday's game was like the last win against Hamilton, where they hung around and pulled it out with clutch plays at the end, but against the Esks they just fell short. At this stage of their development, that is going to happen. But I think they are really close to being a really good team. I didn't feel this way earlier in the season but, call me crazy, there is a different energy now. The teams we will likely play are Edmonton (who we've beaten and lost by 3 points to), Saskatchewan (who we played close earlier and lost by 3 points to last week), and Ottawa (who we've beaten twice, albeit early in the season). In a one game playoff, there is no reason we can't beat any of these teams. Winning a Grey Cup is asking a bit much, but a playoff win and possible trip to the big game is not. Going forward, I am going to send this team only positive energy, as they have given me far more enjoyment than I could have asked for this year. Whatever the result, I know this group is going to have given its all.

I'll have some of what you're having!! That is the attitude... all in.

[Antwon]

And on D - some good talent there too, but not sure they mix things up enough or take chances with blitzes to get pressure on all-pass offences; most CFL teams feature plenty of rotation on their D-line but Chamblin must think his back-ups are useless or else the starters are supermen - but they seem to be less effective late in games. Gabriel could maybe play some more at OLB cause he is a good hitter who can help against the run that is a problem at times, but he is not a cover corner or D-half; I like Vaughn and that little guy Ford has a nose for the ball in the secondary, and Murray is a smart vet, but it would be nice to see a group play together games in a row and maybe gel as a unit. Not sure i have much faith in Chamblin to come up with smart game plans or in game adjustments when it counts.
Coaching ?

I agree on the defense side. Not sold on Chamblin. The last two weeks they couldn't stop late game drives, and could not contain mobile QB's who moved out of the pocket.

[paulwoods13]

I agree on the defense side. Not sold on Chamblin. The last two weeks they couldn't stop late game drives, and could not contain mobile QB's who moved out of the pocket.

And both games were played without Ball (arguably our best and most aggressive defender) and Lemon.

[gilthethrill]

And both games were played without Ball (arguably our best and most aggressive defender) and Lemon.

I really like the job Chamblin has done, especially on short notice.

[Jon Gonzo]

Not sold on Chamblin? Is someone forgetting how bad this team was on Defense last year?

Chamblin will be a Head Coach again, and much of it will be based on what he has accomplished this season.

To me, Ray and Reilly both played a pretty good game.....but I thought Zylkstra and Gable were better than Green and Whitaker. Sometimes you have to give the other team credit.

Following the past couple of seasons and the late start that Popp and Trestman were given; I think fans should feel fortunate that we've just clinched a spot in the dance; cos in the dance, anything can happen.

And yes, this league is pretty tight.

[ArgoGabe22]

Not sold on Chamblin? Is someone is forgetting how bad this team was on Defense last year?

Chamblin will be a Head Coach again, and much of it will be based on what he has accomplished this season.

To me, Ray and Reilly both played a pretty good game.....but I thought Zylkstra and Gable were better than Green and Whitaker. Sometimes you have to give the other team credit.

Following the past couple of seasons and the late start that Popp and Trestman were given; I think fans should feel fortunate that we've just clinched a spot in the dance; cos in the dance, anything can happen.

And yes, this league is pretty tight.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[Argo57]

Not sold on Chamblin? Is someone is forgetting how bad this team was on Defense last year?

Chamblin will be a Head Coach again, and much of it will be based on what he has accomplished this season.

To me, Ray and Reilly both played a pretty good game.....but I thought Zylkstra and Gable were better than Green and Whitaker. Sometimes you have to give the other team credit.

Following the past couple of seasons and the late start that Popp and Trestman were given; I think fans should feel fortunate that we've just clinched a spot in the dance; cos in the dance, anything can happen.

And yes, this league is pretty tight.

Exactly Gonzo, Chamblin has done a brilliant job putting together a defence largely consisting of new players for the Argonauts.
Stubler's D was an embarrassment last season, Chamblin's D is a huge reason this team has improved in 2017.

[AngeloV]

Not sold on Chamblin? Is someone forgetting how bad this team was on Defense last year?

Chamblin will be a Head Coach again, and much of it will be based on what he has accomplished this season.

To me, Ray and Reilly both played a pretty good game.....but I thought Zylkstra and Gable were better than Green and Whitaker. Sometimes you have to give the other team credit.

Following the past couple of seasons and the late start that Popp and Trestman were given; I think fans should feel fortunate that we've just clinched a spot in the dance; cos in the dance, anything can happen.

And yes, this league is pretty tight.

Agree with all of that, except the part of Zylsra being better than Green. They were a wash IMO on Saturday, with Green actually probably having a slight edge. Definitely Gable was the big difference in the game (Thanks Hamilton).

[Will]

The defence under Chamblin has played much better than I anticipated. However, their play over the past 3 weeks against Hamilton, Saskatchewan and Edmonton is a cause for concern.

[Scooter McCray]

I do believe if they are able to field all of their starters in the playoffs they can compete with every team in the league and they will not be outcoached by any team. This doesn't mean they will win but it means they have a shot. Ottawa fully healthy knowing they host the GC will be a hard team to beat regardless of where the game is played.

[argolio]

I like the call 3rd and 5 with the HC going for it, but the play of a swing pass then the receiver having to advance the ball and get tackled is plain stupid.Clearly that wasn't Ray's first option. He wanted to go downfield but was forced to check down because he got pressured right away.

That was a 4-man rush we couldn't handle in a crucial spot. Giving up too many pressures is the achilles heel of this team.

Bunch of officiating calls I didn't like:
-illegal contact (Plummer) on Edmonton's first offensive possession
-no call when Wynn clearly got held on the 2nd last play of the first quarter
-Edmonton #57 holding (make up call?) on their next possession, which wasn't holding, and didn't matter since we sacked Reilly on the play
-no call on Edmonton #45 for tackling Jackson after he fumbled

Also wasn't a fan of the RTP call on Laing.

Trestman's challenge was also ill-advised. I think he did that one out of emotion.