ARGOS GAME THREAD - Preseason Week 2 - Toronto ARGOS @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats

[Will]

I am beyond elated that it has now come time to post the first game thread of the year.

The Argos will be taking on the Tiger-Cats at the Donut on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 7:30 PM. I will be making the trip down myself, but the game is also on TV for those who will not be able to do so. I do not suspect that #15 will play, but interesting to see how both Franklin and Bethel-Thompson performs and who gets the reps at middle linebacker.

[PullTogether73]

This thread has quickly made the upcoming season real for me.:hug:

[R.J]

Johnny Football !

[ArgoRavi]

I read an article somewhere yesterday about how Jim Popp is excited to see Hec Creighton winner Noah Picton up against Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. It is believed that this kind of QB matchup has never happened before.

[jerrym]

Bryan Tyms is still ticked over being cut by Hamilton. With the talent level he showed last year and the extra motivation that comes from being cut, I wouldn't be surprised if he stood out against the Tabbies.

[hugoagogo]

Hey everybody... been a while since I've been on this site. Looking forward to watching the game with the Tiger-Cats this week. Wondering if anyone has heard any discussion on how much playing time each quarterback might expect to see this week?

[paulwoods13]

Depth chart is up. Not a single regular starter from last year is starting, and only six (by my count) are even dressing for the game. B-T gets first reps at QB. Sackey, J Campbell and Kolankowski all start at o-line and I expect the first two will play virtually every snap as I see no reason to put McEwen or Holmes in. Davis and Beltre get first dibs at the two DE spots. Only six DBs even dressing, which is a little scary.

[R.J]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argos</a> depth chart vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ticats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ticats</a>, preseason.......... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFL</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TorontoArgos</a> <a href="https://t.co/70TreXmnPM">pic.twitter.com/70TreXmnPM</a></p>&mdash; CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/1002207203489656832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ticats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ticats</a> depth chart vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argos</a>.........Preseason......<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFL</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/Ticats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ticats</a> <a href="https://t.co/m9S8YkVlIR">pic.twitter.com/m9S8YkVlIR</a></p>&mdash; CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/1002206073074388993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Will]

Ryan Reid (lined up at the one LB spot) is listed as a DB on the roster so technically the Argos have 6 DB's in the lineup tomorrow.

Interesting to see Darby lined up at HB.

[Wobbler]

I recognize more guys on the Hamilton chart than I do on ours!

(Which is great - let's see what the new guys can do)

[Will]

Misread/misunderstood the way the Ticat depth chart was set up.

[R.J]

Less that 150 tickets left for the game. I wonder why a pre season game has sold so well ?
I'll be there (STH).

[ArgoGabe22]

Less that 150 tickets left for the game. I wonder why a pre season game has sold so well ?
I'll be there (STH).

1) STHs get additional tickets
2) Johnny Football

I wanted to go but cheapest seated tickets are $50 (fees included). So $100 for a piar. A bit much for preseason IMO.

[paulwoods13]

I found a great seat (40-yard line, 14 rows up behind Argo bench) on StubHub for $29 US. Face value $87 Cdn. Lots of inventory on StubHub.

[doubleblue]

Times have certainly changed with veterans being held out of pre-season action now to avoid injury. The Coaches know what they can do. Not really fair though to charge season prices for these pre-season games though to watch a mistake/penalty laden game.

But in Hamilton's case it's all about going to see Johnny, who I expect he will look not bad as Teams play vanilla defenses in pre-season. When the real bullets start flying it will be different defenses though we know. I hope he does alright as it will be good for the ratings.

[gilthethrill]

Curious to see how converted DE Jeff Luc does at MLB. Noah Picton will outplay Manziel.

[Shatto]

A couple of surprises in the depth chart:
.Woodson not dressed--thought after missing most of last year the would want to give him some game action
.Jones not dressed--if there was a possibility of trading him, thought they might want to showcase him
.Bishop dressed but not Sulley

In any of the above cases, it may be that the individuals are slightly injured

Wonder if they will get a sell out? The Sask vs Edmon game had 28,374 Interesting to see if the beat that.

[PullTogether73]

The Sask vs Edmon game had 28,374 Interesting to see if the beat that.

Since Tim Horton's Field has a stated capacity of 24,000, I doubt they will beat 28,374.

[Shatto]

A sellout would be an outstanding result

[Wobbler]

2) Johnny Football
I'm preeetty sure that R.J's question was rhetorical.

Not sure if I'm going to leave work early to watch this one at home or find a quiet corner to watch it on my phone, but I'm pretty excited. My only concern with our all-noob lineup is that the QBs might not be able to perform optimally (or, uh, survive) behind that O-Line. Fingers crossed that we won't need to send in the cavalry, and that our future starters will emerge - there and elsewhere.

[argolio]

.Jones not dressed--if there was a possibility of trading him, thought they might want to showcase him.
Jones sat out Wednesday's practice with what looked like a hamstring.

[Argo]

I read an article somewhere yesterday about how Jim Popp is excited to see Hec Creighton winner Noah Picton up against Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. It is believed that this kind of QB matchup has never happened before.

Very cool.

[AngeloV]

Jones sat out Wednesday's practice with what looked like a hamstring.

Another TC, another injury for Jones. Virtually impossible to get time on anything other than special teams if you can't compete in camp.

[paulwoods13]

Matthews used to say, you can't make the club from the tub.

[jerrym]

Another TC, another injury for Jones. Virtually impossible to get time on anything other than special teams if you can't compete in camp.

Will he even survive the cuts? Perhaps the Argos are ready to move on.

[jerrym]

Mike Hogan summarizes who one is likely to see in the game.



Which potential starters will dress on offence? At receiver, there’s a battle to replace DeVier Posey, now in the NFL. There are six International receivers, including returnees Brian Tyms (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/brian-tyms/159281/), Chandler Worthy (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/chandler-worthy/161317/)and Cole Watson (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/cole-watson/162125/). Bralon Addison (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/bralon-addison/), Christopher Harper (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/chris-harper/) and Jonathan Epps (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/jonathan-epps/163473/) will also play against Hamilton.
Depending on where the Argos decide to start their Canadians, there’s likely at least one job open for a Canadian receiver to get substantial playing time. Jimmy Ralph (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/jimmy-ralph/159127/), Malcolm Williams (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/malcolm-williams/161919/), Alex Charette (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/alex-charette/161504/) and Llevi Noel (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/llevi-noel/162320/) will all be in the lineup Friday night.

How about on defence? Shawn Lemon (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/shawn-lemon/158017/) will occupy one starting spot at defensive end, but who will man the other side with Victor Butler (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/victor-butler/144502/) gone? Troy Davis (https://www.argonauts.ca/?post_type=player&p=26907160126/) looked very good when asked to play last year, while newcomer Frank Beltre (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/frank-beltre/159474/) has fit right in so far. Both will play.
With Bear Woods out for at least the first game or two of the regular season, Khalil Bass (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/khalil-bass/161276/) is looking to get a serious look at playing time. He’ll play Friday as well.
In the secondary, Alden Darby (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/alden-darby/162639/) played exceptionally well before he was injured, highlighted by a 75-yard pick six against Montreal. Johnnie Sears Jr. will also suit up against his former team.

What about special teams? This has become a battle that nobody expected. With Lirim Hajrullahu now with Hamilton, the job to be the Argos kicker was expected to go to Swayze Waters (https://www.argonauts.ca/?post_type=player&p=26616156354/), back in Double Blue after a couple of years in the NFL and CFL. But the popular Waters has been inconsistent so far in camp, opening the door for Ronnie Pfeffer (https://www.argonauts.ca/players/ronnie-pfeffer/161667/) to be involved in a serious competition. The fact that Pfeffer is Canadian may help him immensely, but one would think Waters may still have an advantage. The two pre-season games may decide this completion. Friday night’s game is vitally important for both players.


https://www.argonauts.ca/2018/06/01/game-preview-preseason-argonauts-vs-hamilton/

[jerrym]

Trestman talks about the game, the competition and who will play today below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNllYjC7VSI&l=

[argolio]

Another TC, another injury for Jones. Virtually impossible to get time on anything other than special teams if you can't compete in camp.And the other time I saw him in camp, he looked mediocre at best. Not looking good. By contrast, Cam Walker participated in tons of drills after signing the day before. It was like he never left.

Hogan might be right that the kicking job is up for grabs. Pfeffer punted much better than Waters on Wednesday.

[OV Argo]

Will he even survive the cuts? Perhaps the Argos are ready to move on.

Should have maybe moved on by now - after zero receiver playing time last season - for a 1st round pick in his 2nd season; not a fit (a big target slot) for this Argo offence? maybe not good enough for the pros inspite of the excellent college ball resume and excellent athletic testing #s for a big receiver?

Not sure he would have much trade value? - but I'd give the Esks a call - they have little for NI receivers. Ottawa might be a fit too - he's more in the Sinopoli mold, and they don't have a real similar style NI back-up.

[argotom]

Fast pace start to the game, a couple of turnovers for the Cats.
Bethel-Thompson starting looks somewhat immobile in the pocket to begin.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Just wondering if Rod Black is wearing a Manziel jersey.

[jerrym]

Just wondering if Rod Black is wearing a Manziel jersey.

I think we know the answer without looking.

[Mightygoose]

What a run...and jump...by Brandon Burks!

[jerrym]

Bethel-Thompson looking pretty good so far going 9/11 for 122 yards and 2 TDs late in the second quarter.

[ArgoZ]

Bethel-Thompson looking pretty good so far going 9/11 for 122 yards and 2 TDs late in the second quarter.

The beard helps, but his playing style sure reminds me of former Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

[Wobbler]

I am loving Pfeffer's punts. I don't remember if he can kick field goals, though; can we afford to dress two kickers?

[Argo]

I am loving Pfeffer's punts. I don't remember if he can kick field goals, though; can we afford to dress two kickers?

IIRC, Pfeffer made a timely 52 yard (or thereabouts) FG as an Argonaut, i.e., he can kick FGs too. Keeping Pfeffer and Waters would be an enjoyable luxury; in any case I'd like to see Pfeffer make the team.

[Argo]

Johnny M will be starting by week N, where N is a small natural number. : ))

[argotom]

I am loving Pfeffer's punts. I don't remember if he can kick field goals, though; can we afford to dress two kickers?

It's going to be hard since Pfeffer a Canadian gives the team the ratio ability unlike Waters.
If possible, i would keep both.

[jerrym]

Manziel looked the best of the Ticat QBs going 9/11 for 80 yards while Masoli was 8/13 with a TD but 2 interceptions.

[OV Argo]

Hey Ravi - what happened to your big Manziel (Heismann) vs. Picton (Hec) match-up this game? - Jim Popp was so looking forward to it. What the heck, huh? LOL !

[OV Argo]

Player of the game IMO - Argo newcomer DB Trumaine Washington - tight coverage and knock-downs, a pick, and a sack on Manzeil

Watson showed good hands at receiver; same for Alex Charette.

Greg Morris looked powerful with some carries late.

Bethel-Thompson & Franklin both looked pretty good.

That young DE (?) looked impressive late in the game.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Franklin wasn't getting much help from his center. Those snaps were all over the field.

[Argo57]

Player of the game IMO - Argo newcomer DB Trumaine Washington - tight coverage and knock-downs, a pick, and a sack on Manzeil

Watson showed good hands at receiver; same for Alex Charette.

Greg Morris looked powerful with some carries late.

Bethel-Thompson & Franklin both looked pretty good.

That young DE (?) looked impressive late in the game.

Just back from THF, Washington had a great game, Franklin and Bethel-Thompson got lots of practice scraping bad snaps from their shoelaces most of the evening.
Some tough decisions coming as Popp has assembled some impressive talent in the off season.

[Wobbler]

Franklin wasn't getting much help from his center. Those snaps were all over the field.
Yeah, the snapping was perhaps the only real negative in an otherwise strong game by our guys.

[argotom]

Brandon Burks had the play of the game, could be a keeper.

[argotom]

For me, Manziel was average at best today.
Showed some flashes, but nothing evenly remotely close to Flutie like.
But, there is no question in my mind Masoli is their first stringer now and for the rest of the season save and except if there is a similar Collaros meltdown.

[Rich]

Showed some flashes, but nothing evenly remotely close to Flutie like.


And how did Flutie look in his first CFL pre-season game? If I was a betting man I'd put money down on Manziel starting by the Labour Day Classic.

[Argo57]

For me, Manziel was average at best today.
Showed some flashes, but nothing evenly remotely close to Flutie like.
But, there is no question in my mind Masoli is their first stringer now and for the rest of the season save and except if there is a similar Collaros meltdown.

Disagree regarding Masoli, the minute he falters the Ticat faithful will be screaming for Manziel to replace him and I suspect June Jones will oblige, trust me Hamilton has not brought Manziel in to stand on the sidelines.

[Argo57]

And how did Flutie look in his first CFL pre-season game? If I was a betting man I'd put money down on Manziel starting by the Labour Day Classic.

It won’t take that long Rich.

[Rich]

Brandon Burks had the play of the game, could be a keeper.

Yeah Burks looked good but so did Boom Williams, who also had a great kick return. What happened to Khiry Robinson? The backup RB spot is gonna be a real tough decision, and Morris looks like a player too.

[Rich]

Franklin wasn't getting much help from his center. Those snaps were all over the field.

I thought Franklin started to look really good on that one 4th q drive, it all came together for a few plays. His footwork is so crisp and he moves so smoothly, and it looks like they have indeed added some read-option type stuff for him, getting him on the move to hand off the ball. But he also looked good running the familiar Ricky plays from last year too. He is going to add another dimension to this offence that will make it even harder to stop.

[argolio]

I know it was only a pre-season game, but our #2s and 3s dominating their #1s and 2s on the road is about as good as it gets. A lot of the new guys made really good cases for themselves.

Not even going to criticize Rod Black for his endless Manzel-mania because I fully expected him to go all out and pander to the ESPN audience.

[ArgoRavi]

Hey Ravi - what happened to your big Manziel (Heismann) vs. Picton (Hec) match-up this game? - Jim Popp was so looking forward to it. What the heck, huh? LOL !

Not meant to be, I guess.

[R.J]

For me, Manziel was average at best today.
Showed some flashes, but nothing evenly remotely close to Flutie like.
But, there is no question in my mind Masoli is their first stringer now and for the rest of the season save and except if there is a similar Collaros meltdown.
Umm Manziel's only been up here for 2 weeks. You may also want to check into how Flutie did his first year - hint : it wasn't pretty. Flutie is the greatest CFL player of all time I'm not even sure why the comparison is even being made.

Masoli still doesn't look like a bonafide starter to me, he's unquestionably the starter right now, but I'd bet that Manziel will be the starter around Labour Day (give or take 2 weeks).

[R.J]

It's Pre Season, so no point in putting too much stock into this game, but I liked what I saw from #27 Dowling and #35 or 36 ? On defence. Watson the receiver really impressed me with his ball security, everytime he felt a hit coming, he made sure he hand two hands on the ball - the coaches will notice that.

Ticats did not look good at all, and I'd be surprised if Whitlock is with the team week one.

EDIT: The Burk TD run was impressive, even though the Ticats looked like the couldn't tackle lol.

[R.J]

I know it was only a pre-season game, but our #2s and 3s dominating their #1s and 2s on the road is about as good as it gets. A lot of the new guys made really good cases for themselves.

Not even going to criticize Rod Black for his endless Manzel-mania because I fully expected him to go all out and pander to the ESPN audience.
I haven't had a chance to rewatch the game on pvr yet, but if anyone added Johnny Manziel to the Rod Black drinking game: I think they may have passed out drunk by the first quarter lol.

[Ron]

TSN was in fine Johnny Football mode tonight. Bet they bought all the KY in Toronto before this broadcast.

[gilthethrill]

The kicking game looked really good Pfeffer punted really well and Watters kicked well. Not sure what happened on Swayzes missed PAT but he was upset about something before he kicked the ball.

[Flutie]

It's Pre Season, so no point in putting too much stock into this game, but I liked what I saw from #27 Dowling and #35 or 36 ? On defence. Watson the receiver really impressed me with his ball security, everytime he felt a hit coming, he made sure he hand two hands on the ball - the coaches will notice that.

Ticats did not look good at all, and I'd be surprised if Whitlock is with the team week one.

EDIT: The Burk TD run was impressive, even though the Ticats looked like the couldn't tackle lol.

A real dominating performance by mainly Argo backups, it will be tough to choose who makes the team.
The Ticats had their first team out there for the first half and showed nothing. Whitlock will be back on defense, so much for his "two-way" play.
The Ticats made only one FA change this season and going with the same team as last year. Looks like a mistake, but it is early.
If that was the Ticats first team in the first half, they are likely going 0 - 9 in the first half of the time.

[Will]

Argos committed what seemed to be a lot of time looking for JWJ's backup. Greg Morris and Branden Burks both had a few long runs while 'Boom' Williams only had 12 yards on 6 carries. Khiry Robinson did not play at all, and maybe they take a look at him next week. Morris had a catch for 18 yards and Burks had, of course, his Bashir Levington-esque catch-and-run for the touchdown. I don't make a habit of getting up and cheering at an away pre-season game (I clap sitting down), but I did for Burks touchdown.

Like last year, Cole Watson caught a ton of balls, but no other receiver stood out. Argos were not about to show the Ticats their cards yesterday offensively.The TOP was about even, but Argos only ran 44 offensive players (23 run, 21 pass) while the Ticats ran 58 plays (23 run, 35 pass).

The QBs both played solid, MBT struggled a bit at first missing a few passes, but settled in quite nicely, I thought he was a lead foot when forced from the pocket so I was kinda laughing when he caught the Ticat defenders napping late in the 2nd half. Franklin was fine too except he got saddled with the back-up, back-up centre who struggled snapping the ball so he was sacked twice as a result of a poor snap.

Defensively, Argos did allow 140 yards on the ground, although if memory serves a lot of that was in the second half. The standard vanilla defence in the pre-season so anything is with a grain of salt.

Argos secondary, obviously Washington was a positive, I didn't hear Dowling's name too much which is a good thing for a DB and that was a nice pick by Matt Webster early in the game.

Eiben isn't going to be happy with that punt return TD although Angelo is correct Waters kicked it to the exact centre of the field. Both Pfeffer and Waters handled themselves well yesterday so the competition continues.

Basically, you have to consider that it is pre-season but I suppose you'd have to be slightly concerned if you are a Ticat fan because your #1 offence stayed out there for nearly a half and couldn't score against the Argos #2 and #3s until the last drive, and they committed 10 turnovers. Though some were turnover on downs where they wouldn't have gone for it in the regular season it still is an awful look even in a pre-season game.

[AngeloV]

For me, Manziel was average at best today.
Showed some flashes, but nothing evenly remotely close to Flutie like.
But, there is no question in my mind Masoli is their first stringer now and for the rest of the season save and except if there is a similar Collaros meltdown.

I don't know what you were expecting. He's only been here for like 10 days and the playbook was very simple. I thought all things considered he was very impressive.

[Wobbler]

Franklin was fine too except he got saddled with the back-up, back-up centre who struggled snapping the ball so he was sacked twice as a result of a poor snap.
Did we change centers? I thought that the interior line (Sackey-Kolankowski-Faciane) stayed the same. I wasn't paying close attention, but if McEwen started the game I missed that. (I find it hard to believe that he would have snapped the ball into Brian Tyms thigh at the end of the first quarter, though)

Regardless, Kolankowski looks like a below-average center at this point. Maybe it's wise that Sackey has been working on his snapping...


Argos secondary, obviously Washington was a positive, I didn't hear Dowling's name too much which is a good thing for a DB and that was a nice pick by Matt Webster early in the game.
Seriously! That wasn't even a bad throw by Masoli. Washingon's interception was more of a gift, but Webster looked like a pro on that play.

On an unrelated note, Wilder Jr. is a very effective cheerleader. It's nice to see what appears to be sincere and enthusiastic support for his teammates. I guess I was somewhat aware of that before, but he really stood out for me today, even in limited shots of the sidelines.

[AngeloV]

Not even going to criticize Rod Black for his endless Manzel-mania because I fully expected him to go all out and pander to the ESPN audience.

Sometimes I think people will blame Black for putting on those old hi-lite packages of Manziel. Black isn't a great PBP guy, but the hate for him is way over the top IMO.

[AngeloV]

Watson the receiver really impressed me with his ball security, everytime he felt a hit coming, he made sure he hand two hands on the ball - the coaches will notice that.



Watson looked good, but his biggest challenge is that the only opening for a starter on the receiving core is at boundary wide out. I don't see him playing there, and he obviously has no chance to start over Green or Edwards. I think he's in good to make the team this year though.

[R.J]

I don't know what you were expecting. He's only been here for like 10 days and the playbook was very simple. I thought all things considered he was very impressive.
I get the feeling that AT and some others are a little jealous that Manziel is with the Cats.

[gilthethrill]

Wobbler I remember Kolankowski playing centre in the preseason against Montreal 2 years ago. He struggled with his shotgun snaps then too. Can't be an easy trade to master.

[paulwoods13]

Kolankowski snapped in the first half, Sackey in the second half. Sackey's snaps were worse.

IMO we did not establish a replacement for Posey. None of the receivers, including Watson, did anything to get me excited. Tyms is clearly going to make the team but I think the search continues for Posey's replacement.

I'm surprised some folks thought Waters and Pfeffer both kicked well. IMO Pfeffer was miles better last night. He had at least two kickoffs inside the five and near the numbers. He had at least two towering and deep punts. And I think he made all of his place-kicks. Waters was inconsistent and missed an extra point. His kickoffs were much shorter. IMO the job is now Pfeffer's to lose. (And that surprises me as I was not particularly high on him before.)

Washington is a lock to make the team. The whole secondary (all backups/rookies except for Johnny Sears, who didn't play much) all looked pretty good, but Washington made four huge plays: two deep pass knockdowns, an INT with a big return, and a sack on Manziel.

If Pfeffer makes the team and they don't need an INT kicker, I wonder if Prukop might be kept as a ST guy in a role similar to McDaniel last year. Even after his brief appearance at QB late in the game, he was out there seconds later making a tackle on a kickoff.

We look like a very deep team, considering we left all of our projected starters either in street clothes or dressed but not playing. We could use another NAT o-lineman but I don't see a lot of other holes at this point.

[Argo]

I don't know what you were expecting. He's only been here for like 10 days and the playbook was very simple. I thought all things considered he was very impressive.

I agree, AV. His post-game interview showed that he has the necessary football IQ, and that calling him intense wouldn't be an understatement.

[Argo]

Sometimes I think people will blame Black for putting on those old hi-lite packages of Manziel. Black isn't a great PBP guy, but the hate for him is way over the top IMO.

Time, the great leveler, works both ways. Eventually many of us will become nostalgic for those days when RB called CFL games. To be fair, RB did do a fine job on a playoff game (IIRC) last season.

[R.J]

Kolankowski snapped in the first half, Sackey in the second half. Sackey's snaps were worse.

IMO we did not establish a replacement for Posey. None of the receivers, including Watson, did anything to get me excited. Tyms is clearly going to make the team but I think the search continues for Posey's replacement.

I'm surprised some folks thought Waters and Pfeffer both kicked well. IMO Pfeffer was miles better last night. He had at least two kickoffs inside the five and near the numbers. He had at least two towering and deep punts. And I think he made all of his place-kicks. Waters was inconsistent and missed an extra point. His kickoffs were much shorter. IMO the job is now Pfeffer's to lose. (And that surprises me as I was not particularly high on him before.)

Washington is a lock to make the team. The whole secondary (all backups/rookies except for Johnny Sears, who didn't play much) all looked pretty good, but Washington made four huge plays: two deep pass knockdowns, an INT with a big return, and a sack on Manziel.

If Pfeffer makes the team and they don't need an INT kicker, I wonder if Prukop might be kept as a ST guy in a role similar to McDaniel last year. Even after his brief appearance at QB late in the game, he was out there seconds later making a tackle on a kickoff.

We look like a very deep team, considering we left all of our projected starters either in street clothes or dressed but not playing. We could use another NAT o-lineman but I don't see a lot of other holes at this point.
I'm glad you mentioned Pfeffer vs. Waters, because I agree, but my views on Waters are well known, so coming from me I doubt they would've held any weight.

[jerrym]

The most impressive thing to me is the depth this team has. It's also reassuring because injuries are going to happen and in most cases we seem to be in good position with regard to replacements. I suspect that some of our cuts are going to end up with other teams.

[PullTogether73]

Sometimes I think people will blame Black for putting on those old hi-lite packages of Manziel. Black isn't a great PBP guy, but the hate for him is way over the top IMO.

Completely agree.

The only thing worse (for me) about having Rod Black and Duane Ford call 90% of the eastern teams' games, is the incessant whining about it from fans.

I do wish that TSN would replace Black with Gord Miller (who I think does a very good job calling CFL games) and move Ford to the panel where he can use his knowledge of players far more than he can doing colour commentary on a game. No idea who would replace him on the games though.

[R.J]

Completely agree.

The only thing worse (for me) about having Rod Black and Duane Ford call 90% of the eastern teams' games, is the incessant whining about it from fans.

I do wish that TSN would replace Black with Gord Miller (who I think does a very good job calling CFL games) and move Ford to the panel where he can use his knowledge of players far more than he can doing colour commentary on a game. No idea who would replace him on the games though.
Rod Smith will be calling more games this season. I actually like Forde as the colour, provides a lot of information and has no biased, unlike Suitor, but I think I'm in the minority.

[Wobbler]

Kolankowski snapped in the first half, Sackey in the second half. Sackey's snaps were worse.
Thanks. I find that somewhat encouraging, honestly. For a guy just starting to learn the position (apparently), Sackey wasn't that bad. His snaps were consistently low, which seems pretty correctable.

[Argo57]

I was impressed with Pfeffer a couple of years ago when he filled in as kicker and wouldn’t be surprised if he wins the job.
Love Swayze for nostalgic reasons but I suspect he is nearing the end of the line.

[Stevoman]

Fun to watch some Argos football and yes, it looks like the team has some quality depth. This is going to be a good season but even more so after getting past playing the West for 6 straight to start.

[jerrym]

I know it's been said before but I salute Popp and Trestman on the great job they have done on rebuilding the team into not only a winning Grey Cup team but a team with depth at QB and throughout the squad in just over a year.

[Shatto]

Just finished watching the pre-recorded game. I was again reminded how difficult/almost impossible it is to gauge a players performance on TV. One sees only what the camera is showing which is like watching with blinkers on. That said and with great trepidation, here are some very subjective thoughts:
. The game was far closer than the score indicates --a plethora of Ti-Cat turnovers really decided the outcome of the game.
. Watson, who has looked excellent in TC looked very good- crisp routes, quick moves and good hands
. Worthy showed ability to get good separation on his TD reception
. Washington looked excellent at DB Even when he was not on the tackle, he seemed always to be in the area. Right now--looks like a keeper.
. Both QB's looked competent. Both appear to be capable of being a starter.
. Punt return unit needs to improve. Last year this almost cost us the Eastern final.
. Beltre seemed to play with good pursuit and hustle
. Dickson was impressive with his quickness and speed. He knocked the ball down twice with his hustle. Always around the play. Like to see more of him.
. Pfeffer does seem to be edging ahead in the kicking battle but perhaps too earlier to call a winner.
. Sears, though not in the game a great deal, looked sharp when on the field.
. Burks had a brilliant run showing great balance, quickness and speed. Looks like a good backup to Wilder.
. Morris showed he could be Coombs' backup Need to see how he is as a receiver.

[paulwoods13]

I suspect that some of our cuts are going to end up with other teams.

That's certainly possible but I expect we will not lose anyone we don't want to lose. These days, between the 46-man roster, the practice roster and the injury lists, teams generally have 60-65 players around. We likely have to cut only 10 or so to get there.

[Rich]

The other thing I loved about this game -- other than the little whiff of Franklin magic that is coming our way -- was the one penalty for 5 yards. When was the last time an Argonaut team took only one penalty in a game? Trestman did say when camp opened that they were going to work hard on cutting down penalties, but there's no way he could coach the 2nd and 3rd stringers that well, is there?

I'm guessing and hoping that the refs have been instructed to swallow the whistle a little bit this year and let the borderline calls go. 30-penalty games have not been uncommon in recent years and I think too many flags is the biggest negative about the CFL on-field product. Hamilton had 9 on Friday, so 10 total sounds just about where it should be every game IMO.

[Wobbler]

Wobbler I remember Kolankowski playing centre in the preseason against Montreal 2 years ago. He struggled with his shotgun snaps then too. Can't be an easy trade to master.
Well, either that or...