Argos/Blue Bomber Game Thread

[gilthethrill]

Well folks, week 5 is already here. Sitting at 0-3 but showing fight against BC is a positive. Friday night in Winnipeg will be a challenge, but who thought Montreal would manhandle the 'Cats last week? Walker has a breakout game.

[Wobbler]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_Nk56bUwAEAHXs.jpg:large

Lemon is out, and we've changed kickers. Otherwise pretty similar to last week.

[ArgoGabe22]

Did Lemon get injured? Maybe I'm not seeking news as I once did or it really isn't reported anymore. Who knows? Google is my friend, i guess. Or the twitter search function (sometimes more useful).

[Wobbler]

He's on the one game IR.

[argolio]

I'm almost always optimistic right before game day, but this game scares me.

[jerrym]

Matt Nichols will be playing despite having being injured after being hit by Kevin Brown last week against the Redblacks and not returning to the game. Adam Bighill, who missed last week's game, will also be back.
If the Argos can contain Andrew Harris from having a big game rushing, I think they have a decent chance of winning.

[Wobbler]

The team needs the sort of work that isn't possible on short weeks with road games (i.e. we're in trouble next week too). Still, I'm hoping that we can experiment a little and lose with some dignity.

[mchesher03]

I can't say I share any optimism toward a win here but I do appreciate that this team put up a fight against BC and really should have won that game, if not for the debacle of the last couple minutes.

That said, I'd like to see the same defensive effort, may be tough without the DL pressure from Lemon but such is life.

On offence I'd like to see time of possession improve, MBT get some time to progress on his reads and to start getting SJ and Derrell Walker more involved in the process. I love what Armanti Edwards brings to the table, but there is no way in heck he should be racking up more touches, etc. then Walker or Green.

Time of possession would give Wilder more opportunities too. While I didn't like some of his decision making in the BC game (he ran right into tackles a few times) - he also played a big role in the ill-fated comeback and can be a powerhouse.

Anyhow, we will see how it goes! Go Argos!!

[Jon Gonzo]

If we are down by 10 going into the half, I'll be ok.

If we lose by 20 and under, I won't feel sick.

But if they DO go 0-4, the prospects of hitting labour day with only one or two wins is highly probable.

I had this team picked for 8 wins, but if the above scenario is the case, then we will be fortunate to finish with 4 or 5 wins.

It's early and anything can happen in the CFL, but should the worst happen, we will have to have a long, hard and honest talk about Jim Popp's reign here in Toronto.

When I compare the performance of his former Lt. here in Ottawa his winning %, drafting record, and free agent signings have much to be desired.

I hope we won't have to have the chat.

Go Argos!

[1971GreyCup]

The Argos will have their backs to the wall for the foreseeable future starting the season with three West Coast games due to the Toronto Indy. Structurally this local event really puts the team in a very difficult position and hasn’t helped the last four seasons. Four out of five away games against the West.

[ArgoGabe22]

With zero expectations, Argos might just surprise and win this. It’s the games vs Lions or Alouettes that make me the most anxious because I know a win is very possible but the team will somehow find a way to mess up.

[Argo57]

Hoping for the best, expecting the worst.
Will be somewhat surprised if the Argos don’t get their asses handed to them tonight.
Matt Webster at safety and Beltre at DE, oh boy😟

[argotom]

I just do not see under any circumstance how the team could pull the upset of the year, similar to what the Als did to the Cats last week.
Even though the BB have no players leading in any of the important defensive or offensive catagories, the Argos are brutal on all sides of the ball.
We will be lucky to keep it a 3 TD spread game.

[Neely2005]

WTF?!? No one even tried to tackle him!!!

[Joe Barnes]

WTF?!? No one even tried to tackle him!!!

Oh. My. F-ing. God....

[Argo57]

WTF?!? No one even tried to tackle him!!!

#39 lost containment.
Argos have the slowest most inept coverage teams in the CFL.

[Neely2005]

Walker starting to get frustrated at being open and not being targeted.

[Neely2005]

WTF is going on?!? First 2 kick returns 184 Yards!

[Argo57]

Fire the ST coordinator immediately.
4 minutes into the game and it’s over, beyond embarrassing.

[Neely2005]

Fire the ST coordinator immediately.

Don't stop there!

[paulwoods13]

I try not to advocate anyone losing their job, but this has to end tomorrow. McDiarmid and Jackson have to go. Now.

[argotom]

Way too easy for the BB.
Horrid ST for the Argos as no one at all in the outside lanes, I counted 5 BB.
We have Walker open on an inside deep route and the QB can't hit it.
Enough said.

[argotom]

Let's also mention how the buck must stop at the top, Chamblin is out of his sort.
Has to go now.

[Neely2005]

And we start the drive with a too many men in the huddle penalty! What a gong show.

[Neely2005]

Wilder doesn't seem to have it anymore either.

[Argo57]

I try not to advocate anyone losing their job, but this has to end tomorrow. McDiarmid and Jackson have to go. Now.

This coaching staff on the verge of completely losing this team.
Body language says it all.

[paulwoods13]

This almost seems like Huard 2.0.

[Argo57]

Wilder doesn't seem to have it anymore either.

I’m going to cut Wilder some slack, O-Line blocking piss poor.

[Neely2005]

Let's also mention how the buck must stop at the top, Chamblin is out of his sort.
Has to go now.

Unlikely with the new coaches salary cap.

[argotom]

It's too bad O'Shea signed a new contract with the BB I think last year.

[Neely2005]

4 Winnipeg possessions, 3 Winnipeg Touchdowns. Still 4+ minutes left in the first quarter FFS.

[Argo57]

Covington beaten like a rented mule on that play, this could be a blowout of biblical proportions👎

[argotom]

It's like men playing against boys.
I suggested a win by 3 TD's, but not in the first quarter still.

[Mightygoose]

Does the CFL have a mercy rule?

[Argo57]

Unlikely with the new coaches salary cap.

Not good for the league when teams are handcuffed with a horrendous coaching staff like the 2019 Argonauts are.

[Argo57]

Does the CFL have a mercy rule?

The plane is running.

[Neely2005]

MBT is not good.

[argotom]

MBT horrible throw into triple coverage for Walker.

[jerrym]

The game and the Argos are ugly.

[Mightygoose]

If it's any consolation, we won't go down by a walk off single today.

[Neely2005]

This might be the worst Argonauts team that I've ever seen.

[jerrym]

The interception was totally Noel's fault although he's one of the few good things this year.

[argosrule2415]

I started following the team during the Cleo Lemon days. Even back then the team wasn't this bad. Wow.

[Neely2005]

At least the D seems to be trying now.

[argotom]

The interception was totally Noel's fault although he's one of the few good things this year.
Yes.
Might as well put Prokup in the second half?

[Argo57]

This might be the worst Argonauts team that I've ever seen.

I’ve seen some horrific Argo teams over the last 4 decades but this team is right up there.

[Mightygoose]

Hey are D forced a 2 and out! Are the Bombers bored already?

[Argo57]

Yes.
Might as well put Prokup in the second half?

He might refuse to go in.

[jerrym]

Five Bombers in the backfield as Wilder gets the ball tells all you need to know about the Argo OL.

[argotom]

Green has to make that catch.

[Argo57]

Five Bombers in the backfield as Wilder gets the ball tells all you need to know about the Argo OL.

I’ve been critical of Wilder in the past but with the blocking he is getting upfront I really feel sorry for him.
Argos have some talent at receiver but the rest of the roster is sadly lacking which falls directly on Jim Popp, especially considering some of the vets he has cast adrift this season (Bear Woods, Coombs, Ball, Van Zeyl).

[argosrule2415]

Close to turning this off.

[argotom]

Our DB's are horrid of course, but Kanneh is the worst of the bunch as he got smoked on that TD and has been regularly bad.
He is another one who must get his walking papers after tonight.

[jerrym]

I came back from a quick trip to the washroom to see another TD pass by Nichols. I don't see any improvement in the pass defence from the 64 point rout by the Tiger Cats. The defensive backfield looks like they have no system at all.

[jerrym]

On three running plays in a row the Argos either overrun or arm tackle Harris and Whitehead.

[Neely2005]

Hey guys, they didn't get a TD!

[argosrule2415]

Rare TD.

[Ryan52]

Close to turning this off.i just tuned in after the jays game to a 31-6 score. first play, missed convert....

[Neely2005]

Close to turning this off.

Me too. It would be another first for me to go along with leaving a game early for the first time at the home opener this season.

[mchesher03]

This team is so bad apathy will be setting in even more so than before. Most of us season ticket holders are stuck but I have to feel for the poor saps trying to sell single game tickets to the 6 remaining home games. Good luck

[Topshelf]

I wagered on winnipeg to score more that 33 pts this game,
Didn't think it would be a winner by halftime
They are running this score up like a US college team.
Second half will be interesting

[jerrym]

More terrible tackling on Harris's 52 yard run.

[mchesher03]

Can we fire mcdiarmond at the half?

[Topshelf]

I was going to say how much of an issue is the american d line vs canadian o line
But our d line hasnt done anything
We have 156 passing yards vs 170 winnipeg.... maybe we can win on analytics

[Bleeds Double Blue]

i just tuned in after the jays game to a 31-6 score. first play, missed convert....

Of course he missed it. This team has so many holes to fill but one of them has to be to find a kicker that can make an extra point. We just keep recycling guys that we've already cut because they can't do the job.

[jerrym]

The Argos were only saved from having another TD scored on them after the long run by Harris because the Bombers chose to go for the safe FG with only seconds remaining and the ball on the five.

[jerrym]

267 kick return yards for Winnipeg at the half! I had to look three times to believe it.

[argotom]

Starting each half the same.....like crap.

[Neely2005]

I don't want to see any of our players smiling and shaking hands with Winnipeg after this game ends.

[jerrym]

The Argos answer the bell for the second half with an immediate fumble by Wilder. I can't remember seeing this level of incompetence ever.

[ArgoTD]

Oh my -where to start. There is not 1aspect of this team right now that is even borderline good. I’ve seen some bad Argo teams over the past 4decades but this is the worst I’ve ever seen. Even the Cleo Lemon days had some positives but this is beyond anything I’ve ever witnessed from Argo teams. Poor recruitment, bad FA signings, atrocious coaching, terrible schemes on O, D and ST’s and horridly poor game prep. Sad to say this but we’re only 4games in and it seems that the season is already lost.

[Joe Barnes]

Kudos to Edwards for that non-celebration after the TD.

[1971GreyCup]

TV sets are turning off in southern Ontario. Next chance we might have to win again might be Moncton. Let’s see what senior management does next. Changes have to come. If only to save this franchise. I can’t see CFL rules or budget driving the franchise in the most important TV market to a winless season.

[Joe Barnes]

Oh my -where to start. There is not 1aspect of this team right now that is even borderline good. I’ve seen some bad Argo teams over the past 4decades but this is the worst I’ve ever seen. Even the Cleo Lemon days had some positives but this is beyond anything I’ve ever witnessed from Argo teams. Poor recruitment, bad FA signings, atrocious coaching, terrible schemes on O, D and ST’s and horridly poor game prep. Sad to say this but we’re only 4games in and it seems that the season is already lost.
I've been watching this team since 1971, I can't recall anything as bad as this...maybe toward the end of a lost season, where players phone it in, but 4 games in? This really is the worst. I honestly don't know what they do...

[Will]

Cleo Lemon's 2010 Argos went 9-9 you all forget. This is simply much, much worse.

Chamblin's gotta go -- full stop -- Popp with him -- but do any of you trust Manning to make any sort of football hire?

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Can anyone explain the cap ramifications of letting coaches go at this point? Can we make a change or are we saddled with this group until the fast approaching offseason?

[mchesher03]

If I’m a guy like manning I struggle to see how results like this are tolerable. This is just pathetic

[Will]

If I’m a guy like manning I struggle to see how results like this are tolerable. This is just pathetic

They shouldn't be -- but once again I do not trust the hire to be in his hands so to speak.

[Ryan52]

Of course he missed it. This team has so many holes to fill but one of them has to be to find a kicker that can make an extra point. We just keep recycling guys that we've already cut because they can't do the job.time to give dee a chance. see if he has it or not, move on if he doesnt

[gilthethrill]

I've been watching this team since 1971, I can't recall anything as bad as this...maybe toward the end of a lost season, where players phone it in, but 4 games in? This really is the worst. I honestly don't know what they do...

The 1981 Argos started out 0-11 on their way to a well deserved 2-14....2009 under Bart Andrus was equally as bad.

[Neely2005]

Wow we actually converted a TD!

[Mightygoose]

Walker with his 2nd TD.

Argos have reached their season high in points scored....and a successful convert to boot

It's progress!

[ArgoGabe22]

Challenging a no-yards shows the incompetency of Chamblin.

[Joe Barnes]

The 1981 Argos started out 0-11 on their way to a well deserved 2-14....2009 under Bart Andrus was equally as bad.

Yeah, okay...I think I may have blocked those from my memory!

[gilthethrill]

Yeah, okay...I think I may have blocked those from my memory!

Give me some pointers as how to do that...

[argotom]

Challenging a no-yards shows the incompetency of Chamblin.

As well as 3rd and 2 from near mid field and we are punting in the beginning of the 4th quarter??

[Joe Barnes]

Give me some pointers as how to do that...

Right now, I can't remember...

[Neely2005]

1st and goal from the 2 and we come away with 0?!? FO.

[argotom]

Chaps as OC has proven no imagination on those calls on the 1, three times right up the gut.
He has to go as well.

[jerrym]

The Argos can't score from first and goal on the two and second and goal on the one. The OL didn't do its job and Prukop did not help.

[jerrym]

The Argos should not be fooled by the "improvement" in the second half. Winnipeg lost some of its intensity but took over once the Argos had even the remotest chance.

[Argo57]

Chaps as OC has proven no imagination on those calls on the 1, three times right up the gut.
He has to go as well.

20 yard end zone to work with and you essentially run the same play 3 times up the middle.
Chapdelaine looks like a deer in the headlights.

[argotom]

The Argos should not be fooled by the "improvement" in the second half. Winnipeg lost some of its intensity but took over once the Argos had even the remotest chance.

Exactly.
The BB took their foot off the accelerator.
At this pace, we will soon be an 0-8 team.

[Neely2005]

That seemed unnecessary.

[Argo57]

0-6 a distinct possibility.

[OV Argo]

0-6 a distinct possibility.

How bout 0 & 18 ?

Dumb teams stick with weak personnel and lame-a$$ coaches.

BIG changes needed all over the board here.

[Neely2005]

How many years does Popp have left on his contract?

[Argo57]

How bout 0 & 18 ?

Dumb teams stick with weak personnel and lame-a$$ coaches.

BIG changes needed all over the board here.

I’m taking it in 6 game segments OV😏

[Argo57]

How many years does Popp have left on his contract?

Pretty sure his contract expires after this season.

[Wobbler]

I'm not sure what you guys are complaining about. When the team moves to Ajax they won't be our problem any more.

[Rich]

I thought the Argos played the Bombers pretty even tonight on both offence and defence. Full blame IMO for the loss goes on special teams. When you give up essentially two kick return touchdowns in the first five minutes you are already in deep trouble. But the specials never improved. Bombers had over 350 yards in kick returns which is ridiculous. And our kicking game was gawdawful, and so was our return game. I’ve never seen worse specials on an Argonaut team.

But other than that I see continued improvement on both offence and defence, and I remain optimistic that things will get turned around if they can do something about the special teams.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

I would love to know what happened in that locker room at halftime.

[Shatto]

Another disappointing one-sided loss. Good teams find a way to win and poor teams always seem to find a way to lose. In this game they were down 2 touchdowns before the Winnipeg offense got on the field---game over right there.

Positives:
.DL played a good game and had pressure on the QB, all game.
.Walker was finally utilized well.

Negatives:
.Special teams were terrible, terrible, terrible!
.DB's can't cover. The only reason they weren't picked apart worse than they were, was because the DL was putting pressure on the QB
.The team looks disorganized, confused, ill-prepared and plays with no imagination or flair--that is down to the coaching, which frankly may be the weakest element of the team. Changes needed here, even more than the defensive backfield.
. The OL has to be better. Play calling didn't help but really 3 cracks from the 2 and they cant push it over!
.Recruitment has been poor. The team does not have the talent necessary to win --down to the GM--needs to be replaced.
.After the debacle against Hamilton, it was obvious, changes had to be made---they weren't--Head Coach and GM needed to have been much more pro-active. Now it is approaching a point where it may well be too late to save this season.
.The kicking game still looks barely adequate. With all the kickers they had in camp, you would have thought they would have found personnel to do the job

Unless a miracle occurs, it is going to be a long and miserable season.

[West Hill Wide Out]

The Argonauts have some very good receivers, running backs and d-linemen, as well as some good backers and secondary, but the o line is so inconsistent, no-one seems to understand containment on special teams or how to run down the field in a wave on a kick-off. The issues the Argonauts face range from a starting line-up with gaping holes to coaching, but most especially to the general manager. We need a Canadian kicker who executes and understands the CFL game. Why is Van Zeyl in Hamilton? Where is our starting QB? Change is past due.

[Jon Gonzo]

This is a very poorly coached team

[Will]

This is a very poorly coached team

You can say that again.

[paulwoods13]

I endured this in person. Great stadium, and the Bombers are so much a part of the fabric of Winnipeg that I am way beyond envious.

My quick takes:

ST coaches have to be fired now. Not next week, now.

Unfortunately that's the only change I can see being made because of this stupid football ops cap, which I knew would bite some team in the butt. If I were Manning I would be on the phone to Ambrosie making very clear that the Argonauts have no intention of abiding by the cap and will not accept any penalty for failing to do so.

I give a lot of credit to MBT. When it seemed a lot of his teammates had quit in the first half, he was pushing as hard as ever to make things happen. I feel as if the players eventually rallied around each other, as if they were playing hard to spite the coaches.

Darby needs to figure out that you cannot tackle A Harris by slapping his arms.

Medeiros punted well. And the missed XP was on a bad snap. Don't know if that caused the miss but it can't have helped.

[argolio]

O-line not good, special teams terrible, too many drops, too many turnovers, too many delays getting plays in.

Awe was very good. Dude brought it on D and punt coverage.

Good to see Walker have a big game. He just oozes talent. If there is any chance of becoming competitive, riding Walker gives us the best shot.

On the missed convert, it was a bad hold. When the laces face the kicker, kicks are far more likely to drift left or right.

[Stevoman]

Walker and Awe were the positives. Wilder was running hard as well. I liked that they didn't fold but man those specials were brutal.

[Nob]

Lots to agree with all that has been said.

The one thing that really annoys me is that Popp always drafts players in the Canadian draft with the purpose of those players being ST players. He always seems more focused on drafting players for ST rather than getting players that can be regulars.

With that being the case then tonight’s performance reinforces his poor performance on the job.

All the other comments about the lack of fresh talent, finding a QB, kicker, et al, are true as well.

And one other sober thought - there will be no fresh talent coming in for a while. NFL camps are about to open. There won’t be many players available until cuts are made and players are convinced that they can’t latch on with other NFL clubs. How long will that take........until September? End of September? Later than that? By that time those players won’t have any impact for this season and the Argos May be 0-for season by then.

[Rich]

Walker and Awe were the positives.

Walker and Awe were brought in this year not just to contribute, but to be the leaders on the offence and defence respectively. Becoming a team leader is a chemistry thing and rarely happens overnight, but tonight for the first time these two players put their personal stamp on their respective squads with outstanding performances. I think there’s a lot there to build on.

[Rich]

I give a lot of credit to MBT.

He’s a competitor for sure, but we still need better QBing. The 388 yards passing is mostly a testament to the remarkable collective skill of this receiving corps. MBT threw 17 incompletions and that is simply too many.

[doubleblue]

Good to see somebody finally got into Chapdelaine's ear that Walker wasn't signed to be a decoy. I started to think it was a boycott Carter situation all over again.
Jim Popp seemed to do a great job signing free agents in the off season and maybe it is taking time for all the new guys to come together as a team. But it seems we got the left overs when it comes to the Coaching staff. I can see a big turn over there coming in the off season.

To me two big areas that were weaknesses weren't addressed this past off season and it is showing. The offensive line needs two dominant Tackles and IMO right now we don't see that. Holmes, McEwen and Bomben have to stay in the middle because of the ratio but Popp should be looking for the best Import Tackles he can find, and that probably means paying more money than what the present ones are getting. I could see keeping Cage as one of the three Imports on the roster but the other two aren't in the class of some of the better Tackles in the League. It was obvious this was an area that needed upgrading in the off season and all we got was a discard from Calgary.

It was also obvious that only two starters on the D Line were good enough. Laing and Lemon. But there again the hold overs and new players haven't made an impact.

I'm not a great fan of Bethel-Thompson but if he goes down before Franklin returns this team will look like an expansion team. Also somebody should show Prukop how to run the shortage play. IMO they should have kept Bridge instead.

[paulwoods13]

He’s a competitor for sure, but we still need better QBing. The 388 yards passing is mostly a testament to the remarkable collective skill of this receiving corps. MBT threw 17 incompletions and that is simply too many.

We need better everything, no? IMO QB play is way down the list of issues with this team. The 388 yards were mostly meaningless, given how quickly we fell behind 21-0. What I liked was how when everything around him was crap, and players like Rainey were yelling at coaches like Chapdelaine on the sideline, MBT refused to change his demeanour. He kept acting like a QB should, in the huddle, at the line and on the sideline. Couldn't say that about a lot of other guys. The 17 incompletions is partly a function of how many passes he threw, the fact that we clearly were never going to work a running game (again) and the fact that at least three of them were deflected at the line of scrimmage.

[Will]

I endured this in person. Great stadium, and the Bombers are so much a part of the fabric of Winnipeg that I am way beyond envious.

My quick takes:

ST coaches have to be fired now. Not next week, now.

Unfortunately that's the only change I can see being made because of this stupid football ops cap, which I knew would bite some team in the butt. If I were Manning I would be on the phone to Ambrosie making very clear that the Argonauts have no intention of abiding by the cap and will not accept any penalty for failing to do so.

I give a lot of credit to MBT. When it seemed a lot of his teammates had quit in the first half, he was pushing as hard as ever to make things happen. I feel as if the players eventually rallied around each other, as if they were playing hard to spite the coaches.

Darby needs to figure out that you cannot tackle A Harris by slapping his arms.

Medeiros punted well. And the missed XP was on a bad snap. Don't know if that caused the miss but it can't have helped.

The coaching cap is an inconvenient truth the Argos face right now. Errors were made in the selection of the offensive coordinator, special teams coordinator and dare I say head coach. The Argos need to find a way to get these parties out of here and it isn't easy. Unfortunately, the rule is the rule.

[1971GreyCup]

We need better everything, no? IMO QB play is way down the list of issues with this team. The 388 yards were mostly meaningless, given how quickly we fell behind 21-0. What I liked was how when everything around him was crap, and players like Rainey were yelling at coaches like Chapdelaine on the sideline, MBT refused to change his demeanour. He kept acting like a QB should, in the huddle, at the line and on the sideline. Couldn't say that about a lot of other guys. The 17 incompletions is partly a function of how many passes he threw, the fact that we clearly were never going to work a running game (again) and the fact that at least three of them were deflected at the line of scrimmage.

Don’t disagree about QB. The aspect of MBT’s game that concerns me this year, and last, was that hasn’t been able to get the Argos into the game early. Opposition offences have put the game out of reach, then he puts up the numbers. Very good demeanour, size and passing skills are top notch.

[1971GreyCup]

I endured this in person. Great stadium, and the Bombers are so much a part of the fabric of Winnipeg that I am way beyond envious.

My quick takes:

ST coaches have to be fired now. Not next week, now.

Unfortunately that's the only change I can see being made because of this stupid football ops cap, which I knew would bite some team in the butt. If I were Manning I would be on the phone to Ambrosie making very clear that the Argonauts have no intention of abiding by the cap and will not accept any penalty for failing to do so.

I give a lot of credit to MBT. When it seemed a lot of his teammates had quit in the first half, he was pushing as hard as ever to make things happen. I feel as if the players eventually rallied around each other, as if they were playing hard to spite the coaches.

Darby needs to figure out that you cannot tackle A Harris by slapping his arms.

Medeiros punted well. And the missed XP was on a bad snap. Don't know if that caused the miss but it can't have helped.

Coaching cap. Someone in the CFL recently called this the MLSE rule. It was brought in after the team changed ownership specifically to counter a coaching arms race when HC Trestman was there. Given the sad state of affairs, this rule will at least hamper the franchise future success.

[1971GreyCup]

Even the Argos social media account manager threw the towel in last night. 🙁

“Friendly reminder that there is a person behind the twitter account who has zero effect on the game that reads all your mentions and replies :)

#PullTogether

@torontoargos

[Argo57]

Coaching cap. Someone in the CFL recently called this the MLSE rule. It was brought in after the team changed ownership specifically to counter a coaching arms race when HC Trestman was there. Given the sad state of affairs, this rule will at least hamper the franchise future success.

If this is indeed true it is working brilliantly, the franchise in the countries largest market is now saddled with a high school level coaching staff and spiralling into a player mutiny.
Sound business model👍

[Antwon]

Coaching cap. Someone in the CFL recently called this the MLSE rule. It was brought in after the team changed ownership specifically to counter a coaching arms race when HC Trestman was there. Given the sad state of affairs, this rule will at least hamper the franchise future success.

It was actually the Sask rule. They were paying Jones and his large staff big bucks.

[Mightygoose]

I wouldn't put any blame based on the coaching cap. Hires like Chamblin and Chap were made after it was implemented so there should be a waiver based on bad decisions.

With 6 out of 9 teams making the playoffs and there seems to be 4 pretty bad teams this year, the season is not lost and the onus is on this staff to turn things around with the resources they have. A knee jerk reaction from MLSE right now will make things worse IMO.

Popp's contract is up after this season so there won't be a penlaty in making a change in the off season. I'm not sure if Manning is the right person to oversee this. Changes need to come higher up too.

[Argo57]

I thought the Argos played the Bombers pretty even tonight on both offence and defence. Full blame IMO for the loss goes on special teams. When you give up essentially two kick return touchdowns in the first five minutes you are already in deep trouble. But the specials never improved. Bombers had over 350 yards in kick returns which is ridiculous. And our kicking game was gawdawful, and so was our return game. I’ve never seen worse specials on an Argonaut team.

But other than that I see continued improvement on both offence and defence, and I remain optimistic that things will get turned around if they can do something about the special teams.

Argos looked marginally better in garbage time when Winnipeg was already in celebration mode (probably around halftime), once the Argos scored the Bombers then decided to squash them like a bug.
Sadly it looked like a community college team against a well run professional football team last night which in itself is incredibly humiliating.
My biggest concern moving forward is the players may have already checked out on this coaching staff 4 games into the season which in itself has to be some kind of CFL record👎

[timlb01]

The uniforms looked good.

[ArgoGabe22]

I wouldn't put any blame based on the coaching cap. Hires like Chamblin and Chap were made after it was implemented so there should be a waiver based on bad decisions.

Cap might have no effect this season but after this season (or even during the season) when changes must be made to coaching staff, the stupid cap interferes with hiring potential new staff, especially with guaranteed contracts. But MLSE should just take the hit and pay the fine.

[Shatto]

I have not been a particular supporter of MBT in the past but must admit I was impressed with his composure, determination and solid performance last night.

[cfl-cis fan]

I wouldn't put any blame based on the coaching cap. Hires like Chamblin and Chap were made after it was implemented so there should be a waiver based on bad decisions.

With 6 out of 9 teams making the playoffs and there seems to be 4 pretty bad teams this year, the season is not lost and the onus is on this staff to turn things around with the resources they have. A knee jerk reaction from MLSE right now will make things worse IMO.

Popp's contract is up after this season so there won't be a penlaty in making a change in the off season. I'm not sure if Manning is the right person to oversee this. Changes need to come higher up too.

Popp has certainly put his stamp on this team and suspect he is not finished. Priority seems to have been to get rid of as many Barker players as he can. Unfortunately most were good players. Who will he get rid of next....

[Stevoman]

I have not been a particular supporter of MBT in the past but must admit I was impressed with his composure, determination and solid performance last night.

Definitely impressed with his composure and work ethic. It truly is what you want to see out of your starting QB. My only issue with his performance yesterday was the multiple throws that came up short of the receivers that either bounced before they got there or the receivers had to adjust by coming backwards or bending awkwardly to catch it. I'm pretty sure SJ Green would've scored if it hit him in stride but instead was slowed by the throw and then the Argos failed to score from 1st and goal. That being said, he did much more than Nichols did and had his best game of his career and yet the Argos were no where close to winning.

[SkalbaniasGhost]

And one other sober thought - there will be no fresh talent coming in for a while. NFL camps are about to open. There won’t be many players available until cuts are made and players are convinced that they can’t latch on with other NFL clubs. How long will that take........until September? End of September? Later than that? By that time those players won’t have any impact for this season and the Argos May be 0-for season by then.

The CFL stopped doing the Bob O'Billovich airlifts around the turn of the century.You might get the odd CFL vet cut(Derel Walker-2017) whose motivated to get a salary but that is about it.Players/Agents would rather exhaust options waiting for a NFL practice roster spot nowadays.

The XFL is also going to begin signing players at the end of the month which only makes it more difficult for the current staff.They also will be going hard after NFL cuts in September for their player allocation draft.They have over 450 roster spots to fill for their 2020 season.

The Argos need to go with the team they have at the moment.I would be curious to see if Vince Magri/John Murphy leaves for another opportunity due to the current situation.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

With the football ops cap the way it is the only option that I see to rectify the coaching situation is to reassign personnel already on the payroll. For example, and I am not advocating this, Popp takes over for Chamblin and the waterboy takes over special teams. I think I would be good with that second one.

[gilthethrill]

Not sure if Eiben can somehow be reassigned with STC duites while firing both MacDiarmid and Jackson. Must admit watching MBT throwing bombs to both Edwards and to....finally Walker was very enjoyable. However too many pre snap penalties, fumbles and confusion on offense hindered any type of improbable comeback.
I get the feeling each week one problem will be rectified but something else will kill any chance for victory.

[ArgoZ]

With the football ops cap the way it is the only option that I see to rectify the coaching situation is to reassign personnel already on the payroll. For example, and I am not advocating this, Popp takes over for Chamblin and the waterboy takes over special teams. I think I would be good with that second one.

LOL, or play him. Bobby Boucher!

[ArgoZ]

My only issue with his performance yesterday was the multiple throws that came up short of the receivers that either bounced before they got there or the receivers had to adjust by coming backwards or bending awkwardly to catch it. I'm pretty sure SJ Green would've scored if it hit him in stride but instead was slowed by the throw and then the Argos failed to score from 1st and goal.

A few of us were saying that all last season. He constantly under throws and is inaccurate on the deep passes. One reason we rarely (never?) see the corner routes that we want so much. Everything else is great though and he could very well be the best backup in the league.

[jerrym]

A few of us were saying that all last season. He constantly under throws and is inaccurate on the deep passes. One reason we rarely (never?) see the corner routes that we want so much. Everything else is great though and he could very well be the best backup in the league.

His greatest strength is that he doesn't get flummoxed, no matter the situation. His weakness is, as you say, under throwing and in accuracy on his long passes. He was better yesterday in his long throws but that was partly because several of these tosses were to wide open receivers who he didn't have to thread the needle for.

[AngeloV]

I have not been a particular supporter of MBT in the past but must admit I was impressed with his composure, determination and solid performance last night.

I agree with this.

My overall takes after a weekend to digest:

Laing and Awe were both outstanding in this game. Deserving of serious recognition.
Special teams was a joke. From the opening kickoff. Who the hell puts any defensive end, let alone a rookie on outside contain? AS soon as Lucky made his first inside move and Robbie Smith bit, there was no chance for Smith to recover. Dumb, dumb, dumb coaching decision. You need someone with speed and quickness on contain, someone with the ability to change directions quickly.
MBT was very good, and I know there are a lot of people that don't want to hear that. He had 4 drive killing drops (2 by Noel--1 which turned into an INT-- and 2 by Edwards), or I believe the Argos would have scored over 30 points, and likely would have only been down by 10 or 14 points heading into the 4th, rather than 21.
I have been complaining about a lack of a wide screen game all year. They threw one to Walker, who made the DB miss the tackle attempt and went for a good gain. This stuff slows down opposing pass rushes. Argos need to do more of it.
I'm still of the belief the Argos need to get a bigger DE to play opposite Lemon when he's in the line-up or Freddie Bishop this past week. Having rush end type DE's on both sides is not ideal. You need more of a physical presence on the short side of the field. That's why Lemon and Victor Butler were great together.
Ian Wild was ok this week, but I would love to see Onyeka or Kwemo get a shot to replace him at weak side. I think an injection of youth and athleticism would do wonders there.
Time to give Dowling a shot at boundary corner. Covington is young, but I like a bigger corner on the short side similar to Patrick Watkins, Delvin Breaux and Tommy Campbell.
I know I'm the eternal optimist, but I thought they played with the Bombers for the most part of the game. They just have to stop giving up the big play, 4 of which was the difference in the game Friday night.

[gilthethrill]

I keep hearing that Winnipeg let their foot off the gas in the 2nd half. I don't buy it. The Argos could have made a game of it not for another end zone int and that poor attempt of short yardage where Winnipeg stuffed them at the 1. Special Teams killed us early on, that was just too much to overcome.

Calgary looked beatable Saturday night.

[AngeloV]

I keep hearing that Winnipeg let their foot off the gas in the 2nd half. I don't buy it. The Argos could have made a game of it not for another end zone int and that poor attempt of short yardage where Winnipeg stuffed them at the 1. Special Teams killed us early on, that was just too much to overcome.

Calgary looked beatable Saturday night.

I agree. Winnipeg definitely did not let up. They continued trying to throw deep and as a result, Nichols took a bit of a beating.

[Jon Gonzo]

I agree. Winnipeg definitely did not let up. They continued trying to throw deep and as a result, Nichols took a bit of a beating.

Inside the lines, and inside game time is all that matter. This talk of Winnipeg letting up is pure conjecture. We judge what we see and I saw a team that didn't quit but suffered from poor coaching and giant mental lapses. When a team loses by that much but still has some potential player of the week nods, you know that this inequity must be addressed. And in short order. Still hope. But the water is rising.

[Jon Gonzo]

I believe MBT can become one of the better back ups in the game. He can win you a game, but his passing doesn't inspire the receiving core or threaten the defense enough to be a starter, overall

[Neely2005]

https://3downnation.com/2019/07/15/the-ship-is-sinking-emptying-the-notebook-on-the-now-0-4-argos/