Game Thread Argos at Stampeders Thursday July 18th

[jerrym]

Since there are only two days until the game and no one has started a thread on the game, I will. Once again the Argos are in tough against a talented team. Since Calgary is only 2-2 and lost their last game, I think they will be out to prove they are still a top contender from the start of the game. It could be a bad outcome for the Argos. On the other hand, Calgary lost to Ottawa, whose inexperienced QB, Dominique Davis has the worst QB efficiency rating (75.1) in the league, and beat BC by only four points. Arbuckle is inexperienced but is showing significant promise. MBT had the best game of his career last week statistically but that was after the Bombers had built up a large lead, were only rushing three or four consistently, and appeared to have let their feet off the gas pedal. If the Argo OL can hold back what I suspect will be a relentless rush and MBT can perform reasonably well, I think the Argos have a chance. Then of course, the Argo defence and perhaps most important, the ST have to also do a decent job. A lot of ifs for the Argos, but not impossible.

[gilthethrill]

The first roster move for the Argos since the Winnipeg game has OL DJ Sackey, a National backup being placed on the PR according to CFL.ca transactions. Could Shane Richards, the #1 overall pick in this years CFL draft who played his college ball in the NCAA be coming off the IR?

[Joe Barnes]

Winning a game in Calgary would be a challenge even in a good year and based on the way the Argos have been playing they shouldn't have a chance. But the Stamps are struggling a little bit, so Argos will take this one.

[gilthethrill]

According to Frank Z, Shawn Lemon is not injured and did not make the trip to Calgary.

[Neely2005]

Wild and Richards are injured:

https://torontosun.com/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts/roster-moves-could-be-dramatic-if-argos-dont-turn-their-season-around

[Stevoman]

Calgary is not the same dominant team as last year but I'll be happy if the Argos are close at half time rather than getting blown away from the opening kickoff.

[mchesher03]

not being run off the field in the first quarter would be a good start. As usual, comes down to the line play on both sides of the ball. Win or lose, let's just be able to watch the team be competitive over full 60 minutes.

[Mike Hogan]

https://www.argonauts.ca/2019/07/17/week-6-whos-whos/

(https://www.argonauts.ca/2019/07/17/week-6-whos-whos/)

[Wobbler]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_snOCBVUAE-6YD.jpg:large

Fingers crossed for Boateng at field corner. If he takes over that job it'll create some nice flexibility.

[gilthethrill]

Lemon has his best game of the season against BC and gets surpassed in the lineup by Beltre? I guess Noels drops in Winnipeg may have cost him a start. Oline looks awfully thin.

[BantOarsman]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_snOCBVUAE-6YD.jpg:large

Fingers crossed for Boateng at field corner. If he takes over that job it'll create some nice flexibility.

Boateng started on the corner the last two games, contrary to the depth chart. Darby has been at Safety and Webster on the bench. Activating Smith and starting him ahead of Noel is peculiar. I'm not sure that's even an upgrade at SB, and playing two Nationals on the back end, one a rookie, and one who has not looked good at Safety at all (remember the game vs SSK) doesn't seem like a move that will yield a better performance from the secondary. We're really missing Gabriel.

[jerrym]

Activating Smith and starting him ahead of Noel is peculiar. I'm not sure that's even an upgrade at SB, and playing two Nationals on the back end, one a rookie, and one who has not looked good at Safety at all (remember the game vs SSK) doesn't seem like a move that will yield a better performance from the secondary. We're really missing Gabriel.
I was never a fan of Smith who even when he caught the ball often fell down or dropped to the ground at the slightest touch.

[lazycro]

Smith was a big part of the pre-season packages

[cfl-cis fan]

I was never a fan of Smith who even when he caught the ball often fell down or dropped to the ground at the slightest touch.

thinking Noel is banged up quite a bit ......

[Neely2005]

5 weekday games in a row, 3 on the road with late kickoffs for those watching from Toronto, 3 on Thursday nights. Seems like a solid way to build the fanbase.

[paulwoods13]

This is the first game I can remember in which we have dressed just six o-linemen. Big risk IMO. I guess Gaydosh is the emergency guy in the event of two injuries on the line.

[Rich]

Smith was a big part of the pre-season packages

And I thought he looked excellent in the pre-season, like a different player than the one we saw last year. It's like he found another gear. I'm excited to see what he can do for this offence.

[Jon Gonzo]

This is the first game I can remember in which we have dressed just six o-linemen. Big risk IMO. I guess Gaydosh is the emergency guy in the event of two injuries on the line.

I recall Calgary dressed 6 against us a couple of seasons ago and had 3 guys go down in the game. They beat us with 2 Defensive Lineman playing the O-Line if my memory serves correct.

[Jon Gonzo]

I am in favour of the move to Smith over Noel. A possession receiver must possess and Noel's drops in the last game were bad ones. Not writing him off, but those mistakes must be accounted for.

[AngeloV]

thinking Noel is banged up quite a bit ......

Thinking 3 glaring dropped balls the last 2 games all with no defender near him is more the truth. I hope he can find his way back into the line-up. I really do like him.


I am in favour of the move to Smith over Noel. A possession receiver must possess and Noel's drops in the last game were bad ones. Not writing him off, but those mistakes must be accounted for.

Now, well I agree with you as you can see by my comment above, why do the 2 huge drops by Edwards not result in him being replaced? Maybe Smith replacing him while Rainey replaces Noel in more of a hybred position.

[AngeloV]

I recall Calgary dressed 6 against us a couple of seasons ago and had 3 guys go down in the game. They beat us with 2 Defensive Lineman playing the O-Line if my memory serves correct.

I remember that. Quinn Smith, he of the steroid suspension, was one of them.

[BantOarsman]

I am in favour of the move to Smith over Noel. A possession receiver must possess and Noel's drops in the last game were bad ones. Not writing him off, but those mistakes must be accounted for.

Great response. If they had another burner on the field I could support a big possession target like Smith. I'd argue that SJ and Edwards are both also possession guys. Ralph sure earned his starting spot in camp but I'd like to see a burner there. Maybe give Chandler Worthy a shot--or get Rainey on the field more

[argolio]

Our o-line is still getting the same push. Depressing.

[Neely2005]

Last week we're first and goal from the 2 and we come away with 0. This week 3rd and well less than 1 and we get stopped. What the hell is wrong with this team?!?

[argotom]

Last week we're first and goal from the 2 and we come away with 0. This week 3rd and well less than 1 and we get stopped. What the hell is wrong with this team?!?
A good start holding the Stamps at two and out, then with decent field position we throw it all out again with Chaps again calling his third and one up the middle again.
After three similar fiascos in Winnipeg, you would think he would learn off tackle maybe a end around.
He has to go.

[argolio]

Laing gets held, still makes the sack.

[Neely2005]

D looks very good so far.

[argotom]

So far the D has come out to play with a quick start.
That's impressive.

[argolio]

Clearly we need to be in 2nd & 2 instead of 1 to convert.

[BantOarsman]

C'mon Holmes

[Golden Fleece]

Why am I only noticing just now that MBT looks like Will Ferrell with a helmet on?

[argolio]

Borderline holding.

We're winning, we're winning!

[Neely2005]

A good start holding the Stamps at two and out, then with decent field position we throw it all out again with Chaps again calling his third and one up the middle again.
After three similar fiascos in Winnipeg, you would think he would learn off tackle maybe a end around.
He has to go.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

[argotom]

Wow small miracles, a lead for the second time this year.
Good start so far.

[argotom]

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Absolutely.
What's the chance we see it again.....likely.

[argolio]

Chalk one up for the rook!

[Neely2005]

Another INT for MBT.

[BantOarsman]

Smith and Roberson on that side, I'd suggest MBT looks to the other!

[Neely2005]

Here comes a Calgary TD...

[Neely2005]

Called it.

[argolio]

Not sure what happened there. Green did not come back to that ball at all.

And there goes the lead.

[argolio]

Team effort there. LBs and DBs did not pick up Brescacin until it was too late.

[Argo57]

Expected momentum shift happening👎

[Argo57]

2nd and 5 = 3 yard completion......woooohooo!

[argotom]

Instead of trying to attack downfield, again the dink and dunk throws for 5 yards will not get it done.

[argolio]

2nd and 5 = 3 yard completion......woooohooo!We need more speed. Maybe give Chandler Worthy a shot.

Special teams are still terrible.

[Argo57]

Nice ST work👍

[Neely2005]

Our punt is blocked, again and somehow we manage to take a no yards penalty too. Embarrassing.

[Argo57]

We need more speed. Maybe give Chandler Worthy a shot.

Special teams are still terrible.

All good points my friend👍

[Neely2005]

We need more speed. Maybe give Chandler Worthy a shot.

Special teams are still terrible.

Need a QB too. MBT sucks.

[argotom]

The offense typically has stalled after the initial early game flurry.

[Argo57]

WTF was that run play?
Chapdelaine is a mess.

[argotom]

Absolutely.
What's the chance we see it again.....likely.

We did.

[argolio]

Gotta say, that took guts. It was 6 or nothing.

[Argo57]

Love that Chapdelaine guy😀

[ArgofanIan]

That was an excellent drive for the good guys.

[Neely2005]

WTF was that run play?
Chapdelaine is a mess.

He must have heard you.

[argotom]

Close at the half between to inept teams.

[argolio]

Love that Chapdelaine guylol!

[Argo57]

What, no more music?

[argolio]

Wow, even when we win we lose.

Assuming this stands.

[Neely2005]

Not sure how that's a fumble. Replay crew in Toronto drunk again.

[argolio]

Close play, but I think it was a legitimate fumble.

[Neely2005]

Chasing the game yet again.

[Argo57]

Close play, but I think it was a legitimate fumble.

I think so as well, tough break.

[argolio]

Our D is still playing well. At least that's something.

[argotom]

A bad throw from MBT as he did not look off the DB.

[Neely2005]

Another INT for MBT.

Another INT for MBT.

[Neely2005]

That'll do it. This team sucks and is going to finish worse than last season.

[argotom]

Poor defense to include a stupid penalty as the floodgates open up.

[Argo57]

That'll do it. This team sucks and is going to finish worse than last season.

I suspect they maybe on pace for a perfect season.

[jerrym]

Boateng takes a totally unnecessary penalty on a great play by Woodson helping Calgary score.

[jerrym]

Another unnecessary facemask penalty on the kickoff.

[argolio]

Nice drive.

[argotom]

Wilder is our best offensive player tonight as he has not mailed it in.

[jerrym]

Wilder looked like his old self on that drive.

[Argo57]

Wilder is our best offensive player tonight as he has not mailed it in.

I’d include SJ Green as well.

[Neely2005]

I suspect they maybe on pace for a perfect season.

Ugh I certainly hope not!

[Neely2005]

Great now Laing is down.

[argotom]

I’d include SJ Green as well.

Maybe these two leading by example will wake up the entire team if not tonight then in Edmonton next week.

[argolio]

Those two major penalties were on rookies. They'll learn.

Awe never gives up!

[argolio]

15 more baby!

[Neely2005]

Awe and Walker battling to see who is the best free agent signing.

[jerrym]

Awe, our best defender, puts Argos in great position with the interception.

[argolio]

15 more baby!
Or not.

[Neely2005]

15 more baby!

Nope. Refs changed their minds.

[Neely2005]

Another INT for MBT.

Another INT for MBT.

[Argo57]

Nope. Refs changed their minds.

Of course they did, zero consistency in how they interpret the rules.

[argotom]

Too much of a good thing as MBT throws another pick.
Greenwood would certainly look good back on our side.

[jerrym]

What a comeback year by Greenwood, whose 4 defensive tackles tonight, puts him back in the league lead and now an interception. We could sure use him.

[Argo57]

Another INT for MBT.

Pretty much the same story each week, MBT with huge passing yards negated by turnovers.

[Neely2005]

Pretty much the same story each week, MBT with huge passing yards negated by turnovers.

Yup. He is what he is.

[argolio]

Pretty much the same story each week, MBT with huge passing yards negated by turnovers.Last pick was a bad pass. Second one was a good read, but the DB came off his man and undercut Noel. Not sure if the first one was more MBT's fault or Green's.

Not like Arbuckle is playing any better. They're just playing better as a team.

[argolio]

Desperate challenge or legit?

[Argo57]

Yup. He is what he is.

TBH not really too pissed with MBT, the guy is playing hard and IMO is a capable backup QB forced into action due to injury.
Problem is our injured starter hasn’t really provided evidence that he is any better.

[argotom]

Another stupid and wasted challenge by Chambliss.

[jerrym]

[QUOTE=argolio;142902
Not like Arbuckle is playing any better. They're just playing better as a team.[/QUOTE]
The difference is MBT has been playing pro ball since 2012 and so what you see is what you get. Arbuckle is 25 and playing decently for somebody in his second year in only his fourth start so he potentially could become much better.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

TBH not really too pissed with MBT, the guy is playing hard and IMO is a capable backup QB forced into action due to injury.
Problem is our injured starter hasn’t really provided evidence that he is any better.

Exactly. Does anyone know what Ricky Ray is doing next week?

[Neely2005]

D looks very good so far.

D holding us in. If we only had a QB...

[jerrym]

Another stupid and wasted challenge by Chambliss.

I haven't seen one all season that looked likely to be won by the Argos.

[argolio]

The difference is MBT has been playing pro ball since 2012 and so what you see is what you get. Arbuckle is 25 and playing decently for somebody in his second year in only his fourth start.Not today he isn't. I think the Stamps lose this game against any other opponent.

Well, maybe not B.C.

[Neely2005]

Exactly. Does anyone know what Ricky Ray is doing next week?

Lol, would definitely be an upgrade.

[Neely2005]

You have to be kidding. Every game is a friggin comedy of errors.

[jerrym]

What a comedy of turnovers!

[argolio]

6 turnovers to 2. Any other team would be beating us by 20+.

Well, maybe not B.C.

[argolio]

Great close by Woodson.

[Neely2005]

Looking forward to hearing what BS spin Chamblin has tonight.

[argotom]

Drives me crazy, 2nd and long under three minutes and we check down to Wilder for 5 yards....then dropped.
Great call Chaps.

[argolio]

I'd say why punt, but then again a pick-6 or fumble return is probably our best chance.

[Neely2005]

I'd say why punt, but then again a pick-6 or fumble return is probably our best chance.

Whatever call our OC makes you can probably bet that it will be the wrong one.

[argolio]

Drives me crazy, 2nd and long under three minutes and we check down to Wilder for 5 yards....then dropped.
Great call Chaps.That wasn't the first read.

[jerrym]

Not today he isn't. I think the Stamps lose this game against any other opponent.

Well, maybe not B.C.

By decently, I mean he managed the team to a victory despite his inexperience by avoiding a lot of glaring errors.

[Will]

MBT has has three straight 300 yard passing games...and 54 points (at least) to show for them.

5 of 6 Argo turnovers have been on Calgary's side of the field.

[argotom]

That wasn't the first read.
It was a check down regardless, offense has to go vertical not sideways.

[Neely2005]

Another INT for MBT.

Another INT for MBT.

[Neely2005]

MBT has has three straight 300 yard passing games...and 54 points (at least) to show for them.

5 of 6 Argo turnovers have been on Calgary's side of the field.

He sucks. I was hoping that they wouldn't bring him back after last season.

[argolio]

It was a check down regardless, offense has to go vertical not sideways.The line broke down. There was no time to go vertical. Kind of a major theme this season.

[Argo57]

Edmonton-Winnipeg-Edmonton coming up, not looking good for a win anytime soon.

[argolio]

Game basically died with the fumble return TD. We're way too fragile to recover from that, though props to the D for its effort

Among our many problems, I think the biggest is that our offence can't consistently block our opponents. Unless that changes, we are doomed to more losses.

[Argo57]

The line broke down. There was no time to go vertical. Kind of a major theme this season.

Opposing DC’s recognize this for sure.
Chapdelaine’s systems looks as crappy and boring as last year’s under Trestman.

[Shatto]

Could we be seeing a 0-18 season. Looks quite possible.

[jerrym]

Rodney Smith had only one reception in three attempts for five yards. i don't see as part of the solution.

[gilthethrill]

A game the Argos should have won. #$%%&@# am I ticked. Find a new way to lose each week. Stupid turnovers at the worst possible times. #$%%&@#!!!!

[Neely2005]

A game the Argos should have won. #$%%&@# am I ticked. Find a new way to lose each week. Stupid turnovers at the worst possible times. #$%%&@#!!!!

Yup should be 2-3 right now, instead we're 0-5.

[Argo57]

Rodney Smith had only one reception in three attempts for five yards. i don't see as part of the solution.

That’s actually a good game for him, zero clue why he is in the lineup.

[Joe Barnes]

Edmonton-Winnipeg-Edmonton coming up, not looking good for a win anytime soon.

Agreed. Calgary was ripe for the picking last night but Argos couldn't get out of their own way. Of this difficult stretch, last night was the one to have.

[gilthethrill]

That’s actually a good game for him, zero clue why he is in the lineup.

Why dress Brandon Burks when you can include a very dangerous Chris Rainey in the offence? Was that not the plan all along? It does look like Chamblins Defence from 2017 is starting to appear, but so what? The Keystone Cops Offence, which is loaded with talent, fumbles it all away.

[mchesher03]

A game the Argos should have won. #$%%&@# am I ticked. Find a new way to lose each week. Stupid turnovers at the worst possible times. #$%%&@#!!!!

agree 100%. getting beat straight up talent wise is one thing, losing due to self inflicted wounds is worse imo.

[Neely2005]

agree 100%. getting beat straight up talent wise is one thing, losing due to self inflicted wounds is worse imo.

Yup as I already said we should be 2-3 right now but we're 0-5.

[paulwoods13]

The game (like the BC game) was thoroughly winnable, and lost because of mistakes.

Poor coaching is probably the one consistent element of this entire season. Whether it's the continuing special-teams debacle (a blocked punt, after the Stamps also blocked one last week?), the hopeless challenges, ripping poor Robbie Smith a new one for his (admittedly stupid) penalty, poorly designed offensive schemes -- add it all up and it's evident we have the worst coaching staff in the league. And we are apparently stuck with it for the rest of what is already shaping up as a lost season.

Our pass blocking was OK most of the night, but the line had a terrible fourth quarter, especially Will Campbell who was blown up at least three times. Run blocking is non-existent, it seems.

We still play way too much man coverage, and it invariably results in open receivers several times a game.

Despite his INTs, I remain satisfied with what MBT is managing to produce out of an offence that seems scheme-challenged. I do not believe there is any likelihood that we'd be more competitive with Prukop.

Awe is clearly a beast, not the overrated cheap-shot artist someone described him as more than once around here.

Herdman-Reed was not overly noticeable out there but the defence in general played well, especially considering they are being asked to play too much man.

Medeiros does not get tons of distance on his punts, but great hang time.

I feel sorry for Bill Manning and his staff -- the task of increasing interest in this team in this market has gotten tougher, and it's only to going to get worse since winning seems far away.

[Neely2005]

I feel sorry for Bill Manning and his staff -- the task of increasing interest in this team in this market has gotten tougher, and it's only to going to get worse since winning seems far away.

I'm not convinced that Manning actually cares about the Argonauts. We need our own president. Can you imagine the leafs and Raptors sharing the same president? Shanahan being in charge of the Raptors too? Ujiri being in charge of the leafs too?

[paulwoods13]

I'm not convinced that Manning actually cares about the Argonauts. We need our own president. Can you imagine the leafs and Raptors sharing the same president? Shanahan being in charge of the Raptors too? Ujiri being in charge of the leafs too?

Is this based on anything other than a general sense that the job requires full-time attention? I've spoken to him, and came away completely convinced he cares about the Argonauts. The Leafs and Raptors are in a much different stratosphere than Argos and TFC, and are not even remotely comparable in terms of governance structures. Arguably TFC fans have more right to be mad that their president has shared responsibilities than Argo fans do -- after all, TFC has a much bigger payroll and draws many more fans to (twice as many) home games.

[Neely2005]

Is this based on anything other than a general sense that the job requires full-time attention? I've spoken to him, and came away completely convinced he cares about the Argonauts. The Leafs and Raptors are in a much different stratosphere than Argos and TFC, and are not even remotely comparable in terms of governance structures. Arguably TFC fans have more right to be mad that their president has shared responsibilities than Argo fans do -- after all, TFC has a much bigger payroll and draws many more fans to (twice as many) home games.

I've heard him speak and IMO he has a TFC first, Argonauts second mindset. True the CFL owners are probably more difficult to manage than the NHL and NBA owners.

[1971GreyCup]

I've heard him speak and IMO he has a TFC first, Argonauts second mindset. True the CFL owners are probably more difficult to manage than the NHL and NBA owners.

He doesn’t have to deal with the CFL owners. Dale Lastman is the Argos representative on the Board of Governors.

[Stevoman]

Can't turn the ball over 7 times and expect to win, simple as that. I really like Awe though.

[BantOarsman]

Hey all, I wrote up a game summary for CFL Fans Only on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1626415874309039/permalink/2470977206519564/)

Your thoughts? What's you think of the decision to punt with 2:39 remaining? Can we spin this loss pretty?




The Argos Report: 19-July-2019

The Toronto Argonauts lost their fifth game of the season to the Calgary Stampeders in a mistake-filled game that saw the Argonauts turn the ball over seven times. Calgary managed to score 22 of their 26 points following those costly turnovers, five of which happened in the Stampeders' half of the field, leading to a 26-16 final score.

Argonauts fans are furious at the result, and calls for GM Jim Popp, HC Corey Chamblin, or OC Jacques Chapdelaine to be fired are mounting. One should be careful when cherry-picking numbers to make a loss look flattering, but if you remove the turnovers from the stat-line you would swear the Argonauts had won this game. In spite of the aforementioned turnover stat, they were still in the game until the waning minutes. They had nearly twice the offensive production and their defense put forth their best effort of the season, forcing 10 punts, getting to Nick Arbuckle four times, intercepting him twice, and limiting Rogers, Ambles, and Begelton to 65 yards receiving combined! Other bright spots were the play of Justin Herdman-Reed, getting his first start at middle-linebacker, and Micah Awe, who had his best game as an Argo, having moved to the will linebacker position. At a key juncture at the end of the third quarter, he picked-off a pass at midfield and returned it deep into Stampeder territory. He made an impact from sideline to sideline and was part of the effort that limited Calgary to 85 yards rushing.

In the end, the mistakes could not be overcome by the solid defensive effort. McLeod Bethel Thompson served up four interceptions, and was part of a bad handoff exchange that led to a fumble. James Wilder Junior had a large impact on the game with 112 yards from scrimmage and a TD, but was part of the aforementioned fumble. He also took a holding penalty, and came up short on third-and-one gamble.

A pivotal play came in the opening possession of the third quarter with the Argos threatening to usurp the lead. Armanti Edwards fumbled having been hit by two Stampeders, the second which produced an audible crack from a helmet to helmet blow. There was no penalty on the play, and coach Chamblin chose not to challenge it. It's possible the league will review it this week. In any case, it was arguably the turning point of the game, as Tre Roberson returned the fumble 93 yards for a touchdown that put the Stamps ahead 19-9.

Corey Chamblin will be on the hot seat for a few questionable decisions in the game. Down two scores with just 2:39 remaining he elected to punt from the Argos' 44 on 3rd and 9. In another moment he showed unrestrained anger when he mercilessly berated DE Robbie Smith following the rookie's second penalty. Chamblin kept in the player's face for an uncomfortably long verbal assault. It will be interesting to see how his players respond to this outburst from their head coach. It's notable that veteran Tyler Holmes didn't get the same treatment when he took two penalties on an Argos' drive earlier in the game.

While the loss was upsetting, and the turnovers infuriating, there were some notable improvements in the team's effort and execution. Could their first win come next week vs the Edmonton Eskimos, who will be coming off of a short week?

Other bright spots:

- The Argos seem to have settled on the kicking duo that they should have settled on coming out if training camp. Medeiros and Crapigna, both brought back after being released by the Argos earlier in the year, each played well.
- The defensive line had their best game, with plenty of push inside from Cleyon Laing and Ken Bishop, and a solid effort from DEs Fred Bishop, Tobi Antigha, and 2019 draft selection Robbie Smith
Draft pick Matt Boateng is growing game by game in the secondary

[AngeloV]

My thoughts:

As has been mentioned, this game was there for the taking.
MBT taking a lot of heat, but to me, his only bad pass was the pick on the corner to Noel. Noel was behind the coverage, and had the ball been thrown further and more to the sidelines to allow Noel to run under it, would have been a big play. The first pick to Green was just a good play by the defender who fought harder than Green to get to the ball. The pick over the middle seemed to be a read difference between he and Smith. Smith stopped while MBT expected him to keep crossing. The last one didn't matter.

O-line gave good pass protection most of the night, but run blocking left a lot to be desired. Didn't matter if it was Wilder or Burks, the backs were getting hit early.

No complaints at all about the D. Anthony Woodson needs to start. He seems to be the best tackler in the secondary, and in limited playing time through his career, I have seen him come up and hit a receiver on a hitch screen for a loss more than the rest of the DB's combined.

Micah Awe is proving to be a steal in free agency. He has been outstanding.

Cleyon Laing is Cleyon Laing. As good a DT as there is in the league.

Now, as some of you may know, I happen to keep contact with one of the CFL referees. The most important play of the game, in which Armanti Edwards was hit and fumbled which turned into a TD return, should have been over ruled by the replay official, ruled a rough play, Argos retain possession 15 yards up from the fumble. (This is the ruling the ref, who also works command centre told me should have been made.) Argos were in sure FG range, with momentum they had, a TD was not out of the question. Calgary scores a TD with a 2 point covert. At the very least, that is an 11 point swing, possible 15.
I won't get into the head ref I know or which ref was in command centre as I wouldn't want to lose my contact, but that is brutal, and something that has not been talked about enough.

Another difference making call came on the spearing penalty Boateng received. Argos would have had the Stamps in 2nd and 13, instead it's first and goal. Another likely 4 point swing. Did he make contact? Yes, but nowhere near as bad as the missed call on Greenwood.

As for Argos negatives, I really didn't like seeing Chamblin go nuts on young Robbie Smith. It was a bad penalty, but he doesn't show up veteran players like that when the miss tackles or get undisciplined penalties. That really bothered me.

Also, why in the world are you punting on 3'rd and 9 down by 10 with 2:30 left? Especially after wasting your time out on a challenge you knew your weren't going to win. I think Chamblin is a good football coach, but he really makes some bad in game decisions.

Having said all that, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Edmonton in the next 3 games. I don't like their chances.

[Argo57]

My thoughts:

As has been mentioned, this game was there for the taking.
MBT taking a lot of heat, but to me, his only bad pass was the pick on the corner to Noel. Noel was behind the coverage, and had the ball been thrown further and more to the sidelines to allow Noel to run under it, would have been a big play. The first pick to Green was just a good play by the defender who fought harder than Green to get to the ball. The pick over the middle seemed to be a read difference between he and Smith. Smith stopped while MBT expected him to keep crossing. The last one didn't matter.

O-line gave good pass protection most of the night, but run blocking left a lot to be desired. Didn't matter if it was Wilder or Burks, the backs were getting hit early.

No complaints at all about the D. Anthony Woodson needs to start. He seems to be the best tackler in the secondary, and in limited playing time through his career, I have seen him come up and hit a receiver on a hitch screen for a loss more than the rest of the DB's combined.

Micah Awe is proving to be a steal in free agency. He has been outstanding.

Cleyon Laing is Cleyon Laing. As good a DT as there is in the league.

Now, as some of you may know, I happen to keep contact with one of the CFL referees. The most important play of the game, in which Armanti Edwards was hit and fumbled which turned into a TD return, should have been over ruled by the replay official, ruled a rough play, Argos retain possession 15 yards up from the fumble. (This is the ruling the ref, who also works command centre told me should have been made.) Argos were in sure FG range, with momentum they had, a TD was not out of the question. Calgary scores a TD with a 2 point covert. At the very least, that is an 11 point swing, possible 15.
I won't get into the head ref I know or which ref was in command centre as I wouldn't want to lose my contact, but that is brutal, and something that has not been talked about enough.

Another difference making call came on the spearing penalty Boateng received. Argos would have had the Stamps in 2nd and 13, instead it's first and goal. Another likely 4 point swing. Did he make contact? Yes, but nowhere near as bad as the missed call on Greenwood.

As for Argos negatives, I really didn't like seeing Chamblin go nuts on young Robbie Smith. It was a bad penalty, but he doesn't show up veteran players like that when the miss tackles or get undisciplined penalties. That really bothered me.

Also, why in the world are you punting on 3'rd and 9 down by 10 with 2:30 left? Especially after wasting your time out on a challenge you knew your weren't going to win. I think Chamblin is a good football coach, but he really makes some bad in game decisions.

Having said all that, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Edmonton in the next 3 games. I don't like their chances.

Chamblin has the reputation of showing his players up, didn’t like last night display with Smith either, respect breeds respect in my books.
I thought Greenwood’s hit on Edwards was questionable at best, I’ve seen lesser hits penalized.
Interesting to see the penalty reversed on the MBT slide especially considering the premium supposedly put on QB safety.
The frustrating part seems to be the lack of consistency in regards to rule interpretation by CFL officials.

[Shatto]

A number have given excellent analyses of the game. Just a couple of questions:
. What is the story with Lemon?
. Did Chamblin subsequently realize his behaviour with Smith was televised?
. Regardless of the coaching cap, how long can the team go before one or two coaching changes are made?
. Why was Smith (WR) dressed?

[argolio]

Now, as some of you may know, I happen to keep contact with one of the CFL referees. The most important play of the game, in which Armanti Edwards was hit and fumbled which turned into a TD return, should have been over ruled by the replay official, ruled a rough play, Argos retain possession 15 yards up from the fumble. (This is the ruling the ref, who also works command centre told me should have been made.) Argos were in sure FG range, with momentum they had, a TD was not out of the question. Calgary scores a TD with a 2 point covert. At the very least, that is an 11 point swing, possible 15.Popp was on Overdrive Friday and brought up this play. He said someone told him the exact same thing. Maybe he has the same contact.

[Rich]

MBT taking a lot of heat, but to me, his only bad pass was the pick on the corner to Noel.

Angelo I can't believe you blamed SJ Green of all people for not fighting hard enough for a pass. That is almost sacrilege :-) IMO that was a bad read, the throw had to be perfect and it wasn't.

I can think of two more bad passes off the top of my head. At the end of the first half after we scored the first TD, we line up for the 2-pointer and MBT throws a simple 5-yard pass high and behind a crossing Walker. Luckily there was roughing the passer, so on the next try MBT completely misses a wide-open Smith, a really easy pass that MBT sent soaring 10 feet over his head.

That sequence was MBT in a nutshell. Impressive drive with some nice completions soon followed by an inexplicably bad read or throw. This is the exact same MBT we have seen in every game since his second start in the league. Some impressive moments and drives, and then some inexplicably bad throws or reads that take all the steam out of the Argos offence. It's like he consistently gets these brain cramps that undo a lot of his good work. Last year I came to the conclusion that he will always be this way, and I've seen nothing this year to change that view.

[paulwoods13]

As for Argos negatives, I really didn't like seeing Chamblin go nuts on young Robbie Smith. It was a bad penalty, but he doesn't show up veteran players like that when the miss tackles or get undisciplined penalties. That really bothered me.

Also, why in the world are you punting on 3'rd and 9 down by 10 with 2:30 left? Especially after wasting your time out on a challenge you knew your weren't going to win. I think Chamblin is a good football coach, but he really makes some bad in game decisions.


Chamblin's behaviour towards Smith was absolutely atrocious. That's the kind of stuff that turn a football team against you. You want to rip a guy, you do it in private. And you rip veterans and rookies equally, or not at all.

And the punt at that point was utterly ridiculous. We have played way too conservatively far too often this year.

While we likely have to ride out the string with this coaching staff, five games in I'm already convinced Chamblin will not be the head coach next season.

[paulwoods13]

. What is the story with Lemon?


Unfortunately since there are no good reporters covering the team full-time, we'll likely never know, but I suspect that is a powder keg that's about to blow. He was "injured" last week (but according to Zicarelli not actually injured) and he was rostered but sat this week. It's possible he was actually hurt a week ago, and then recovered enough to get cleared this week, but since he was not with the team he could not get on the game roster. But that all seems a bit far-fetched to me. I would not be surprised if he is traded (again) or even released.

[1971GreyCup]

CC now has a 1-20 record in the last 21 games going into the Edmonton game. Can the new CFL coaching rule override common sense at the Argos over the balance of this season? A heck of a time to bring in that new rule! It is a new reality for longtime Argos fans. At least in the past there was short term optimism with a mid season coaching change.

Today being the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, it’s heartening to know it only took 7 years from concept to reality for man to complete this goal. 💪💪

[gilthethrill]

CC now has a 1-20 record in the last 21 games going into the Edmonton game. Can the new CFL coaching rule override common sense at the Argos over the balance of this season? A heck of a time to bring in that new rule! It is a new reality for longtime Argos fans. At least in the past there was short term optimism with a mid season coaching change.

Today being the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, it’s heartening to know it only took 7 years from concept to reality for man to complete this goal. 

Look at Hamilton a couple years ago. 0-8 with Kent Austin then 6-4 with June Jones. That move never would have happened if the cap was in place.

[1971GreyCup]

Look at Hamilton a couple years ago. 0-8 with Kent Austin then 6-4 with June Jones. That move never would have happened if the cap was in place.

I agree. Pretty shortsighted rule. The actual business loss to the Ticats could have been much higher keeping Austin. Empty sears, less beer sales. Only Voodoo economics says coaching rule saves money. Maybe Randy Ambrosie will reverse this rule in midseason like he’s been known to do in the past??

[paulwoods13]

A team (or teams) being stuck with bad coaching staffs for an entire season has been predictable (and predicted by some) since this idea of a football ops cap was first floated. I felt at the time it was implemented that it was mainly done for one or both of two reasons: to provide some leverage in collective bargaining, and to show prospective new owners that their costs are predictable and controllable. The former no longer matters, and the latter seems of less significance since the chances of an Atlantic franchise seem to be diminishing given that there is no viable stadium funding on the horizon. The new Mtl owners might find it helpful to know that there is a mgmt. expense cap, but they might also realize that being saddled with bad coaches if hiring mistakes are made (as they inevitably will be) is an idea that can drive fans away. This is a policy that needs to be jettisoned IMO.

[BantOarsman]

Yup, they messed up with the football ops SMS. I think the idea was sound as governors were upset, largely, with Chris Jones and the Riders for employing an army of scouts across the continent. It hurt the teams with poor revenues. So a dollar cap and a personnel cap was maybe a good idea. Where they totally screwed up is by including salary of departed staff. That was ludicrous. Make the rule apply to employed personnel only. In this case contracts would still be guaranteed, but staff could turnover as much as a team could afford. Being saddled with a staff and the salaries of departed personnel is completely ridiculous.

[Will]

I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the football ops SMS either, but doesn't it partly come across as sour grapes though?

Get the hire right, and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.

On the flipside of that though, do any other businesses have some sort of external force that would make it prohibitive from firing management they deemed as sub-par before it causes further damage to the product?

[Neely2005]

No mincing words: Argos need a QB and an offence:

https://torontosun.com/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts/no-mincing-words-argos-need-a-qb-and-an-offence

[Argo57]

Chamblin's behaviour towards Smith was absolutely atrocious. That's the kind of stuff that turn a football team against you. You want to rip a guy, you do it in private. And you rip veterans and rookies equally, or not at all.

And the punt at that point was utterly ridiculous. We have played way too conservatively far too often this year.

While we likely have to ride out the string with this coaching staff, five games in I'm already convinced Chamblin will not be the head coach next season.

Chamblin has a history of this behaviour, good DC but in over his head as HC.
Major top to bottom housecleaning needed at seasons end.

[Argo57]

A team (or teams) being stuck with bad coaching staffs for an entire season has been predictable (and predicted by some) since this idea of a football ops cap was first floated. I felt at the time it was implemented that it was mainly done for one or both of two reasons: to provide some leverage in collective bargaining, and to show prospective new owners that their costs are predictable and controllable. The former no longer matters, and the latter seems of less significance since the chances of an Atlantic franchise seem to be diminishing given that there is no viable stadium funding on the horizon. The new Mtl owners might find it helpful to know that there is a mgmt. expense cap, but they might also realize that being saddled with bad coaches if hiring mistakes are made (as they inevitably will be) is an idea that can drive fans away. This is a policy that needs to be jettisoned IMO.

The management cap is indeed idiotic, let teams assemble their football ops and coaching staffs as they see fit, does the league, coaches and most of all fans a huge disservice as the on field product suffers greatly.
The only way to combat this asinine rule is to sign coaches to one year contracts which opens up another set of issues, no staff continuity and constant movement amongst teams (bad for business).
Argos would have had a very good chance of hiring LaPolice this past off season but he declined as he rightfully wanted to choose his own staff, again a very good coach is held back and the on field product suffers.

[argolio]

Yup, they messed up with the football ops SMS. I think the idea was sound as governors were upset, largely, with Chris Jones and the Riders for employing an army of scouts across the continent. It hurt the teams with poor revenues. So a dollar cap and a personnel cap was maybe a good idea. Where they totally screwed up is by including salary of departed staff. That was ludicrous. Make the rule apply to employed personnel only. In this case contracts would still be guaranteed, but staff could turnover as much as a team could afford. Being saddled with a staff and the salaries of departed personnel is completely ridiculous.Makes sense.

[gilthethrill]

I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the football ops SMS either, but doesn't it partly come across as sour grapes though?

Get the hire right, and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.

On the flipside of that though, do any other businesses have some sort of external force that would make it prohibitive from firing management they deemed as sub-par before it causes further damage to the product?

Sign a bust of a high priced FA and you can fix that by cutting the player before Labour Day. Problem solved and the team is merely out a signing bonus. Sour grapes has nothing to do with it.

[paulwoods13]

I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the football ops SMS either, but doesn't it partly come across as sour grapes though?

Get the hire right, and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now.

On the flipside of that though, do any other businesses have some sort of external force that would make it prohibitive from firing management they deemed as sub-par before it causes further damage to the product?

This was always going to affect some team adversely, as some of us predicted months ago. We just happen to be the first team to apparently have our hands tied by this "rule," so inevitably it will seem as if we are full of sour grapes.

[paulwoods13]

The management cap is indeed idiotic, let teams assemble their football ops and coaching staffs as they see fit, does the league, coaches and most of all fans a huge disservice as the on field product suffers greatly.
The only way to combat this asinine rule is to sign coaches to one year contracts which opens up another set of issues, no staff continuity and constant movement amongst teams (bad for business).
Argos would have had a very good chance of hiring LaPolice this past off season but he declined as he rightfully wanted to choose his own staff, again a very good coach is held back and the on field product suffers.

The one-year requirement is already in effect for most assistants, I bet. I imagine some coaches who might be up here otherwise are not because of the lack of job security caused by one-year deals. And unfortunately, signing coaches to one-year contracts does not really "combat" the rule because you can still end up with a lame-duck staff for the better part of a full season.

[OV Argo]

The game (like the BC game) was thoroughly winnable, and lost because of mistakes.

Poor coaching is probably the one consistent element of this entire season. Whether it's the continuing special-teams debacle (a blocked punt, after the Stamps also blocked one last week?), the hopeless challenges, ripping poor Robbie Smith a new one for his (admittedly stupid) penalty, poorly designed offensive schemes -- add it all up and it's evident we have the worst coaching staff in the league. And we are apparently stuck with it for the rest of what is already shaping up as a lost season.

Our pass blocking was OK most of the night, but the line had a terrible fourth quarter, especially Will Campbell who was blown up at least three times. Run blocking is non-existent, it seems.

We still play way too much man coverage, and it invariably results in open receivers several times a game.

Despite his INTs, I remain satisfied with what MBT is managing to produce out of an offence that seems scheme-challenged. I do not believe there is any likelihood that we'd be more competitive with Prukop.

Awe is clearly a beast, not the overrated cheap-shot artist someone described him as more than once around here.

Herdman-Reed was not overly noticeable out there but the defence in general played well, especially considering they are being asked to play too much man.

Medeiros does not get tons of distance on his punts, but great hang time.

I feel sorry for Bill Manning and his staff -- the task of increasing interest in this team in this market has gotten tougher, and it's only to going to get worse since winning seems far away.


Chamblin is basically clueless as a HC - nice hire Popp.

MacBeth is not a CFL starting calibre QB = pretty obvious and time to give the back-ups some playing time.

Sorry - Awe is big-time over-rated - a "beast" for the odd big hit and an "athletic" guy maybe, but not even close to a top CFL LB (middle or OLB)/

Rodney Smith in at receiver ??? - passport only decision.

Wilder may be running hard at times, but he is not even close to a top CFL RB - sorry bout that ego-head - you are big time over-rated as well.

This team looks like a big-time joke = up there with some real bad Argo teams of the past. Looks good on the corporate clown owners.

0 & 18 = yep, good possibility = great way to build up new fans.

[Argo57]

The one-year requirement is already in effect for most assistants, I bet. I imagine some coaches who might be up here otherwise are not because of the lack of job security caused by one-year deals. And unfortunately, signing coaches to one-year contracts does not really "combat" the rule because you can still end up with a lame-duck staff for the better part of a full season.

As per the last part of my sentence one year contract present a whole other set of issues.
The cap needs to be scrapped.

[Neely2005]

With team in tatters, Argos GM Popp must take immediate action:

https://torontosun.com/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts/with-team-in-tatters-argos-gm-popp-must-take-immediate-action/

[Argo57]

With team in tatters, Argos GM Popp must take immediate action:

https://torontosun.com/sports/football/cfl/toronto-argonauts/with-team-in-tatters-argos-gm-popp-must-take-immediate-action/

What immediate action can he take?
They’re basically screwed at this point.

[Wobbler]

Wilder may be running hard at times, but he is not even close to a top CFL RB - sorry bout that ego-head - you are big time over-rated as well.
Wilder is the best receiving RB in the league, and has been for some time. When the OL does their job, we've seen that he can be a very good runner as well.

[AngeloV]

Sorry - Awe is big-time over-rated - a "beast" for the odd big hit and an "athletic" guy maybe, but not even close to a top CFL LB (middle or OLB)/



Proving once again that you have no clue what you talk about. I guess he can't measure up to Herdman-Reed of BC, who looked slower than most lineman trying to make plays in the open field tonight.

[Neely2005]

Proving once again that you have no clue what you talk about

Honest questions:

Is this really necessary?

There are so few Argonauts fans to begin with and even less of those actually take the time to post here. Why does it have to be such an unfriendly and unwelcoming place?

I believe Online Forum rule #1 is if you need to attack, attack the post Not the poster.

[1971GreyCup]

Chamblin is basically clueless as a HC - nice hire Popp.

MacBeth is not a CFL starting calibre QB = pretty obvious and time to give the back-ups some playing time.

Sorry - Awe is big-time over-rated - a "beast" for the odd big hit and an "athletic" guy maybe, but not even close to a top CFL LB (middle or OLB)/

Rodney Smith in at receiver ??? - passport only decision.

Wilder may be running hard at times, but he is not even close to a top CFL RB - sorry bout that ego-head - you are big time over-rated as well.

This team looks like a big-time joke = up there with some real bad Argo teams of the past. Looks good on the corporate clown owners.

0 & 18 = yep, good possibility = great way to build up new fans.

Thanks for this.

I always appreciate your unorthodox look at the team. I don’t always agree, but that isn’t the point. Keep the passion! 💪💪

[Argo57]

Chamblin is basically clueless as a HC - nice hire Popp.

MacBeth is not a CFL starting calibre QB = pretty obvious and time to give the back-ups some playing time.

Sorry - Awe is big-time over-rated - a "beast" for the odd big hit and an "athletic" guy maybe, but not even close to a top CFL LB (middle or OLB)/

Rodney Smith in at receiver ??? - passport only decision.

Wilder may be running hard at times, but he is not even close to a top CFL RB - sorry bout that ego-head - you are big time over-rated as well.

This team looks like a big-time joke = up there with some real bad Argo teams of the past. Looks good on the corporate clown owners.

0 & 18 = yep, good possibility = great way to build up new fans.

#1) IMO Chamblin is a good DC but seems overwhelmed as a HC, not impressed with the teams game prep and even less impressed with him showing players up in public (Robbie Smith), I suspect he is on the verge of losing the room (if he hasn’t already).
#2) I see MBT as a capable backup QB, nothing more nothing less.
To be fair I’m not sure what QB would look good behind this O-Line plus running Chapdelaine’s lame offence.
3) Awe has been a bright spot this season, very good signing IMO.
Plays hard, doesn’t stop competing and has made some big plays!
4) Rodney Smith, big receiver who doesn’t do anything well at all.
A complete mystery as to why he is still an Argo?
5) Wilder is a difficult guy to grade TBH, his performance since 2017 has declined but running behind this O-Line can’t be easy.
Admittedly I soured on him after he joined Victor Butler in bad mouthing the organization during contract negotiations after the 2017 season.
He really puts himself out there in social media as an elite RB but as time goes on it seems he talks a better game than he produces which I think further motivates opposition defenders to shut him down.
6) Unfortunately they do look like a joke so far this season and I don’t see any improvement coming soon, big time top to bottom housecleaning needed at seasons end.
7) Having a consistently entertaining and competitive on field product is the foundation for any marketing plan, Argos have failed in this department miserably.
Zero uptick in attendance or interest despite recently winning 2 Grey Cups, I realize you can’t win the Championship every season but roster and coaching instability resulting in disastrous seasons like 2016, 2018 and now 2019 eliminate any buzz.

[AngeloV]

Honest questions:

Is this really necessary?

There are so few Argonauts fans to begin with and even less of those actually take the time to post here. Why does it have to be such an unfriendly and unwelcoming place?

I believe Online Forum rule #1 is if you need to attack, attack the post Not the poster.

I would agree with you if every post from this poster didn’t have a not so hidden agenda.

How is this so different than you (and I) repeatedly calling CFLfan a troll? I didn’t specifically call him by a derogatory term. Compare that to his use of the word clueless and ask yourself, wat is the difference?

[1971GreyCup]

#1) IMO Chamblin is a good DC but seems overwhelmed as a HC, not impressed with the teams game prep and even less impressed with him showing players up in public (Robbie Smith), I suspect he is on the verge of losing the room (if he hasn’t already).
#2) I see MBT as a capable backup QB, nothing more nothing less.
To be fair I’m not sure what QB would look good behind this O-Line plus running Chapdelaine’s lame offence.
3) Awe has been a bright spot this season, very good signing IMO.
Plays hard, doesn’t stop competing and has made some big plays!
4) Rodney Smith, big receiver who doesn’t do anything well at all.
A complete mystery as to why he is still an Argo?
5) Wilder is a difficult guy to grade TBH, his performance since 2017 has declined but running behind this O-Line can’t be easy.
Admittedly I soured on him after he joined Victor Butler in bad mouthing the organization during contract negotiations after the 2017 season.
He really puts himself out there in social media as an elite RB but as time goes on it seems he talks a better game than he produces which I think further motivates opposition defenders to shut him down.
6) Unfortunately they do look like a joke so far this season and I don’t see any improvement coming soon, big time top to bottom housecleaning needed at seasons end.
7) Having a consistently entertaining and competitive on field product is the foundation for any marketing plan, Argos have failed in this department miserably.
Zero uptick in attendance or interest despite recently winning 2 Grey Cups, I realize you can’t win the Championship every season but roster and coaching instability resulting in disastrous seasons like 2016, 2018 and now 2019 eliminate any buzz.

We’ll put!

In bygone days Jim Hunt or Trent Frayne would be relied on to make these types of observations. New media at least provides for an outlet to share these types of thoughts. 🙏🙏

[Neely2005]

I would agree with you if every post from this poster didn’t have a not so hidden agenda.

How is this so different than you (and I) repeatedly calling CFLfan a troll? I didn’t specifically call him by a derogatory term. Compare that to his use of the word clueless and ask yourself, wat is the difference?

Perhaps add that poster to your ignore list? Just a thought. :-)

The difference is that IMO this poster is actually an Argonauts fan. The other isn't.

[AngeloV]

Perhaps add that poster to your ignore list? Just a thought. :-)

The difference is that IMO this poster is actually an Argonauts fan. The other isn't.

I honestly try to ignore him. I like to read all posts on here so I have no ignore list. But honestly, why should it matter if someone is an Argos fan or not? This particular fan is as likely as the other one to purchase tickets seeing as how they both live in Ottawa. You called me out, but it’s exactly the same thing.

[OV Argo]

Honest questions:

Is this really necessary?

There are so few Argonauts fans to begin with and even less of those actually take the time to post here. Why does it have to be such an unfriendly and unwelcoming place?

I believe Online Forum rule #1 is if you need to attack, attack the post Not the poster.


Hey - some posters on these type forums just can't stand or allow different opinions or viewpoints on CFL teams or players other than their own self-righteous, know-it-all views = nature of the beast.

So I think Awe is a mediocre, limited talent linebacker and some others here think he is a superstar talent: big deal /to each his own.


Arrrrrrgoooooos !!!

[Neely2005]

I honestly try to ignore him. I like to read all posts on here so I have no ignore list. But honestly, why should it matter if someone is an Argos fan or not? This particular fan is as likely as the other one to purchase tickets seeing as how they both live in Ottawa. You called me out, but it’s exactly the same thing.

I didn't call you out. I politely asked you a couple of questions. No insults, no personal attacks.

[AngeloV]

I didn't call you out. I politely asked you a couple of questions. No insults, no personal attacks.

OK, then I will put it this way. Any poster that continuously makes derogatory comments such as calling people clueless and calling people named Kavis, Bo Levi and Popp Mavis, Bovine and Poop should be open to having their knowledge questioned, which basically all I did here. No name calling, I just said he proved how little he knows which I don’t think was out of line.

[OV Argo]

No way the Argos cut Van Zeyl; Jordan Herdman is wayyy too slow to ever play LB in the CFL; Llevi Noel doesn't know how to run routes and can't dare compete against Rodney Smith type superior American talent to play receiver for the Argos; Tom Clements was a useless CFL QB : etc. etc, etc; = to each his own.

[Argo57]

We’ll put!

In bygone days Jim Hunt or Trent Frayne would be relied on to make these types of observations. New media at least provides for an outlet to share these types of thoughts. 🙏🙏

Thanks for the compliment👍

[1971GreyCup]

Frank Zicarelli reports the Cleo Lemon was listed on the 46 man roster for the game against Calgary, but was nowhere in sight. Is that true?

[AngeloV]

Frank Zicarelli reports the Cleo Lemon was listed on the 46 man roster for the game against Calgary, but was nowhere in sight. Is that true?

Pretty sure it’s Shawn Lemon and not Cleo.

[1971GreyCup]

Pretty sure it’s Shawn Lemon and not Cleo.

Clearly a Freudian slip! LOL

Frank Zicarelli reports the Shawn Lemon was listed on the 46 man roster for the game against Calgary, but was nowhere in sight. Is that true?

[paulwoods13]

Clearly a Freudian slip! LOL

Frank Zicarelli reports the Shawn Lemon was listed on the 46 man roster for the game against Calgary, but was nowhere in sight. Is that true?

It's true he was put on the 46 after a stint on the one-game IL. I obviously can't verify that he's not with the team, but that is certainly believable. If he really is injured, there'd be no good reason to move him off IL and on to the 46. So something is up, IMO.

[CrazyCanuck89]

No way the Argos cut Van Zeyl; Jordan Herdman is wayyy too slow to ever play LB in the CFL; Llevi Noel doesn't know how to run routes and can't dare compete against Rodney Smith type superior American talent to play receiver for the Argos; Tom Clements was a useless CFL QB : etc. etc, etc; = to each his own.

Herdman was fine at MLB. Your defense kept Arbuckle to under 200yards passing and held them 85yards rushing. It was you offence that let you down.

[Neely2005]

It's true he was put on the 46 after a stint on the one-game IL. I obviously can't verify that he's not with the team, but that is certainly believable. If he really is injured, there'd be no good reason to move him off IL and on to the 46. So something is up, IMO.

Trading him for BLM.
;-)

[doubleblue]

Trading him for BLM.
;-)

Who would have thought Edmonton could be persuaded to trade Ricky Ray to the Argos. I said at the time I thought it was a League decision to try and create interest in Toronto. Could be happening again. Anybody want to take a crack at what might be going the other way to Calgary if it ever happened? There would always be a #1 draft pick. But who else, Franklin? McEwen? Awe?

[1971GreyCup]

Who would have thought Edmonton could be persuaded to trade Ricky Ray to the Argos. I said at the time I thought it was a League decision to try and create interest in Toronto. Could be happening again. Anybody want to take a crack at what might be going the other way to Calgary if it ever happened? There would always be a #1 draft pick. But who else, Franklin? McEwen? Awe?

Edmonton has a good problem with Mike Reilly and Ricky Ray back then. Eric Tillman gambled and lost.

I don’t think John Hufnegal has the same problem. Plus he strikes me as not the gambling type.

[paulwoods13]

Edmonton has a good problem with Mike Reilly and Ricky Ray back then. Eric Tillman gambled and lost.

I don’t think John Hufnegal has the same problem. Plus he strikes me as not the gambling type.

Edm did not get Reilly until a year later. Matt Nichols started the 2012 East Semi against the Argos (and broke his leg in gruesome fashion that day).