Official Toronto Argonauts-Ottawa RedBlacks Game Thread September 7, 2019

[Argo57]

Absolute must win game this week against Ottawa.
Let’s see if the Argos can actually put together a solid 60 minute performance all around.
Go Argos!

[gilthethrill]

Not a chance in #@$*%!@ this Argos team loses on Saturday. John Jennings? No way he does much...no way. Our front 7 will be the difference and MBT gets the job done without a run game.

[argolio]

Not a chance in #@$*%!@ this Argos team loses on Saturday. John Jennings? No way he does much...no way. Our front 7 will be the difference and MBT gets the job done without a run game.I'm sensing some sarcasm.

If we win, my prediction is it will be by one point.

[gilthethrill]

I'm sensing some sarcasm.

If we win, my prediction is it will be by one point.

Not sarcasm, just frustration. The defense can't let Jennings have the same success as Average Dane Evans did on Labour Day. Still embarrassed.

[paulwoods13]

It's been so long since we won a game that wasn't close, I'm wondering whether our next win, whenever it comes, might be a blowout.

[Neely2005]

It's been so long since we won a game that wasn't close, I'm wondering whether our next win, whenever it comes, might be a blowout.

Lol, it's been so long since we won a game. Let alone a road game.

[RB957]

It's been so long since we won a game that wasn't close, I'm wondering whether our next win, whenever it comes, might be a blowout.


Ahh, so nice to dream.... an Argo blowout win. Honestly wish it was a realistic possibility, but this team has shown more ways to lose than to win, never mind win big.

[lazycro]

Awe is out on IL boo

[Stevoman]

They are all must wins (not that I have any hope of that happening) but while a few of us fans are still paying attention, this game needs to be a victory. Let's go Argos, get that 6th win in 2 years!

[GregR]

What happened to the game on TSN?? Replay tennis?!

[Argo57]

Someone should remind MBT that the Argos are wearing the white jerseys.

[doubleblue]

Someone should remind MBT that the Argos are wearing the white jerseys.

We're seeing two well matched teams. lol But they're trying hard I guess. But Murphy's Law is in affect.

Good to see Bear Woods back on the field though.

[doubleblue]

What happened to the game on TSN?? Replay tennis?!

I have all five TSN Channels. But that is ridiculous the game is only on 2 TSN channels. No wonder the viewership is down.

[doubleblue]

Walker is worth what ever they're paying. Great adjustment to that throw, and then Chappy remembered the Smith is still on the team for the TD!.

[Al&Kat]

I'm sensing some sarcasm.

If we win, my prediction is it will be by one point.

yes I agree, a one-point win is an excellent prediction. but the question is will the
Argos score more than 3 points in the second half???

[Al&Kat]

Half time observations
Welcome back Bear Woods, nice to see you get a chance to play

Clearly both teams' scouting has told them these are the two worst secondaries in the CFL, so
we are seeing more over-20 yard throws by both teams than we have seen all year.
makes for a more entertaining game to watch for us fans.

How do you overthrow Wilder on a 4-yard swing pass with no pressure?

This really is the Toilet Bowl, missed field goals, lost fumbles, interceptions all over the field including
the end zone, 13 men on the field, etc etc

[Al&Kat]

YES more than 3 points in the 2nd half! IT HAPPENED! Thank you Defence. I was beginning to think there was a
new CFL league rule in 2019 that Toronto was not permitted to score a defensive TD.

[doubleblue]

Just about everybody watching but Chapdelaine would know Ottawa would bring the blitz on that play, but he calls the same old 5 yard drop back. That ball should have been out almost as soon as MBT got it. Oh well......

[Al&Kat]

terrible fumble by MBT, just take the sack man!
Surprised the coach did not challenge it as an incomplete pass.
Would have lost the challenge of course, but what's new about that?

[Neely2005]

What happened to the game on TSN?? Replay tennis?!

I hate when TSN does this. I was out so I set the PVR. Got home clicked on the recording of this Argonauts game and got a replay of tennis! Missed the whole first half.

Looks like the replay of this game is Monday at 7AM on TSN2.

[doubleblue]

Good drive. MBT is learning. He looked off the DB on that completion to Green. Nice use of Wilder out of the back field.

[doubleblue]

I think I saw Herdman-Reed on the side lines with his left arm in a sling. Tough break for the kid if serious. Bear is playing well though.

[Neely2005]

I have all five TSN Channels. But that is ridiculous the game is only on 2 TSN channels. No wonder the viewership is down.

You would think that since TSN4 is the Ontario TSN Channel and two Ontario teams are playing they'd make sure that it was on TSN4!

I have all the TSN channels too so I really don't care what channel they put it on, just make sure the friggin Guide is accurate.

[Al&Kat]

End of 3rd quarter observations
Losing Pruneau in first 5 minutes balances off Argos without Awe.
Notice all the completed passes up the gut to Green. There you see the loss of Pruneau in effect.

Second and ten at critical point in 4th qtr and the RedBlacks go for a five-yard
check-down pass to the halfback!?! O-M-G. Visions of Trestman and 2018 come flooding into my brain.
Stop Stop I can't take anymore.

[Neely2005]

I like Wilder but he showboats to much for my liking.

[doubleblue]

That's how you burn the blitz, but Wilder didn't need to show boat.

[RB957]

It's been so long since we won a game that wasn't close, I'm wondering whether our next win, whenever it comes, might be a blowout.

Wow... you nailed this. Any insight on tonight's 6-49, lol?

[Al&Kat]

OK maybe the 1-point victory IS a bit off, however..nice TD Mr. Wilder.

22 point lead and nine min to go. Could the Argos still stumble and bumble their way to
another creative loss? Well allowing 40 yards on a kickoff return is a good indication that
Yes it is possible. But...one important point to consider:

Jennings is the opposing QB, and for those of us who weren't sure what Jennings is, against
a very weak Argo defence, it is becoming clear what Jennings is...

[Argo57]

Al Bradbury needs to catch his breath before making the call😂

[Argo57]

Where the hell has Bear Woods been all year, guy has played great!

[Neely2005]

Well it looks like we finally found a team worse than us!

[Al&Kat]

after allowing 29 and 22 points in the 2nd half alone in their last two starts, it's great to see
only single-digits given up in the 2nd half today.

[Neely2005]

Wow Franklin sees the field and it's not a short yardage situation.

[doubleblue]

Wow Franklin sees the field and it's not a short yardage situation.

Should be Prukop getting some reps IMO.

[Al&Kat]

If Ottawa looks the way they look today, at home after a Bye week, how will the
Argos look at home after a Bye week, against the Grey Cup Champs?!?

[Will]

W

[Al&Kat]

Guess there is NOT a league rule that the Argos may not win any road games...

Since the CFL went to an 18 game regular season (1986?) the worst Argo teams were
3-and-15 which has happened twice I believe... so with two home games against Ottawa
in October, will the Argos get to three wins or four wins in 2019?

Yes I am aware a road game in BC is also ahead, but seriously, the Lions will win that one.

[Argo57]

Rough start to this game for MBT but he showed great determination in getting his sh*t together.
Being named Nissan Titan player of the game looks good on him!

[gilthethrill]

Rough start to this game for MBT but he showed great determination in getting his sh*t together.
Being named Nissan Titan player of the game looks good on him!

I gain more respect for MBT each week.

[Stevoman]

A lot more good than bad this week and happy to see them get a well deserved victory after a quite well played 60 minutes!

[gilthethrill]

That's how you burn the blitz, but Wilder didn't need to show boat.

The team was 1 -9...let him have some fun.

[paulwoods13]

Wow... you nailed this. Any insight on tonight's 6-49, lol?

I don't, and I haven't even seen today's game yet (had to attend a memorial celebration of life) but I did really have an inkling something like this was about to happen.

[Jon Gonzo]

See what great leadership does for team in sports? Bear Woods was ALL OVER the place, and ALL OVER the players. He drilled them to stay focused. He was on Wilder too. As good as Awe is, it's great to see Bear back on the field.

He and MBT are two very tough hombres.

[ArgoGabe22]

Can anyone confirm that 10 Canadians started? No wonder we haven’t heard from OV, he’s still out celebrating somewhere.

[doubleblue]

Can anyone confirm that 10 Canadians started? No wonder we haven’t heard from OV, he’s still out celebrating somewhere.

10 starters? Let see, There may have been 10 that played a lot. 4 Off Linemen. Ralph at WR and FB Cross alternating. Laing and Smith on the DL. Herdman-Reid until he was injured.
Woodson started at one corner and Boateng came in for Darby, and Gabriel played some as well in the 2nd half. That's 12 and we know Levi Noel could start if needed. Cibasu started while Cross was injured. Pretty impressive. You have to give Jim Popp and his Canadian scouts a thumbs up. Only two busts, Woods and Foster since Popp came on board. And of course JIm Barker did a good job bringing in the older Canadian vets on the team.

[argolio]

Can anyone confirm that 10 Canadians started? No wonder we haven’t heard from OV, he’s still out celebrating somewhere.Not totally sure -- I think it was usually 8, and varied from 7 to 9 depending on regular substitutions and injuries.

This was a really good win coming off a short week, playing on the road, and against a team coming off a bye. Defence gave up some yards but no big plays and only one major, and caused turnovers. Great job bailing out MBT's second interception.

MBT bounced back from every turnover and moved the ball. O-line had a couple of breakdowns but played pretty well overall. Ottawa's D is the strength of their team, and we dominated them for most of the game. Two (!) TDs from the running game is a good sign.

Hopefully this game eases the pressure and allows the team to play confident football the rest of the season.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

On the one hand I am absolutely delighted that the Argos won a blowout road game for the first time since I was a young man. Okay, maybe not that long.

On the other hand I am bitterly disappointed to find that after setting my PVR to record the game (it was a work day) I ended up with a semi-final tennis match instead. Thank you TSN for switching your programming.

[paulwoods13]

Only two busts, Woods and Foster since Popp came on board.

For the record, both guys were drafted before Popp arrived/

[doubleblue]

For the record, both guys were drafted before Popp arrived/

I would like a second opinion on that one. Barker had traded away the first round pick for that year but was gone before the draft. So I believe it was Jim's first draft with the Argos.

[doubleblue]

I would like a second opinion on that one. Barker had traded away the first round pick for that year but was gone before the draft. So I believe it was Jim's first draft with the Argos.

Just looked it up. For the record Jim Popp was signed by the Argos February 28, 2017. Mason Woods and Foster were drafted that spring by Jim who obviously didn't know what he was doing. But he must have had a few coffees to get his heart started by the 4th round and picked Woodson. Has done pretty good ever since.

[Will]

DE Robbie Smith is coming along nicely.

[AngeloV]

Just looked it up. For the record Jim Popp was signed by the Argos February 28, 2017. Mason Woods and Foster were drafted that spring by Jim who obviously didn't know what he was doing. But he must have had a few coffees to get his heart started by the 4th round and picked Woodson. Has done pretty good ever since.

Whether people want to believe it or not, the Canadian draft for the most part is a crap shoot. My guess is there are more players drafted deeper in the draft that are successful than first rounders. I really think people put way too much emphasis on the first round, which is why I never have a problem trading a first round pick. In fact, I would always trade a first round pick for multiple picks further down in the draft if I was a GM.

IMO, Woodson is as good a Canadian DB as there is in the league. I’ve been calling for him to start for the last couple of years. Probably also the best tackler we have in the secondary.

[paulwoods13]

Just looked it up. For the record Jim Popp was signed by the Argos February 28, 2017. Mason Woods and Foster were drafted that spring by Jim who obviously didn't know what he was doing. But he must have had a few coffees to get his heart started by the 4th round and picked Woodson. Has done pretty good ever since.

Oops, my mistake, good catch. I must have confused the draft with that year's free agency which was handled by Zimmerman et al.

[argonaut11xx]

It's been so long since we won a game that wasn't close, I'm wondering whether our next win, whenever it comes, might be a blowout.

Good call Paul,

[Argo57]

DE Robbie Smith is coming along nicely.

I was thinking the same thing watching the game yesterday, good pick by Toronto.

[gilthethrill]

Whether people want to believe it or not, the Canadian draft for the most part is a crap shoot. My guess is there are more players drafted deeper in the draft that are successful than first rounders. I really think people put way too much emphasis on the first round, which is why I never have a problem trading a first round pick. In fact, I would always trade a first round pick for multiple picks further down in the draft if I was a GM.

IMO, Woodson is as good a Canadian DB as there is in the league. I’ve been calling for him to start for the last couple of years. Probably also the best tackler we have in the secondary.

The Argos have not drafted particularly well in the top rounds, but looking at the roster, late picks have really panned out.

[OV Argo]

Not near as many Argo gear wearing fans at Lansdowne for this game as in the past ? Nice game day and still a nice stadium to see a game - had a good time even if there were not as many Argo fans to celebrate with (had to keep my Arrrrrgoooos chant to a dull roar - sitting with my RedBlacks season ticket holder buddies who were nice enough to offer me a ticket ;o) ) Not a big crowd - plenty of empty seats - maybe some feared the rain forecast, but also a lot of Ottawa fans may have given up on this putrid team already ? Desjardins & Campbell are both candidates to be punted wayyyyy out of town IMO (what type of moron brings in Joe Paopao and thinks that dullard could help their offence - no wonder it is a joke ??? GOB deluxe there)

Argos looking better - MacBeth learning and getting better - and a strong receiving corps to throw too (Noel should be playing more though IMO - have him replace Smith or Ralph at times for some different looks); Declan Cross no longer any factor to get the ball and make yards and truck some DBs though - and this is a mistake IMO - Ottawa offence similarly to dumb to use a big H-back like Beauieu = ultra predictable / lacking variety CFL offences. Argo defence is getting better too - Bear Woods showed he can still play and help lots; Coleman is a solid DT; Woodson & Robbie Smith are 2 classic examples of under-rated Canadian talent who show they can play very well when given a CFL chance; secondary still weak in allowing receivers to get open wayyyyy too often though.

RedBlacks are the worst team in the league now IMO - yep, worse than the gong show in BC.

West cross-over a done deal unless the Argo go on a late season tear / win streak ?

[REAL]

Cross gets no targets at all ?

[Blue90]

Someone should remind MBT that the Argos are wearing the white jerseys.

Good point.

Perhaps an eye test would be helpful. He doesn't seem to identify when receivers are covered, and not throw the ball.

[AngeloV]

Good point.

Perhaps an eye test would be helpful. He doesn't seem to identify when receivers are covered, and not throw the ball.

Your expertise at QBing tells you that?

[argolio]

Good point.

Perhaps an eye test would be helpful. He doesn't seem to identify when receivers are covered, and not throw the ball.He threw no picks in August. That wasn't going to last forever.

[Argo57]

He threw no picks in August. That wasn't going to last forever.

MBT recovered quite nicely after a rough start👍

[Jon Gonzo]

Whether people want to believe it or not, the Canadian draft for the most part is a crap shoot. My guess is there are more players drafted deeper in the draft that are successful than first rounders. I really think people put way too much emphasis on the first round, which is why I never have a problem trading a first round pick. In fact, I would always trade a first round pick for multiple picks further down in the draft if I was a GM.

IMO, Woodson is as good a Canadian DB as there is in the league. I’ve been calling for him to start for the last couple of years. Probably also the best tackler we have in the secondary.

Amateur drafts are the backbone to one of the most important, if not most important, elements of building a CFL team. Even more so than other professional leagues as there are no Canadian Content regulations in the other leagues.

And yes, I have heard the word crapshoot used for any draft, but that is all relative. It doesn't make the point I have made above irrelevant. Follow the teams in any league and you will see amateur scouting and development as very high on the list, again, if not #1.

The difference is often economic. NHL teams spend MILLIONS of dollars every year with a phalanx of professional scouts. The CFL spends THOUSANDS, with one or two (sometimes) part time eyes.

Mistakes will be made in both cases, but more often in the CFL's case. But, again that is relative. It still doesn't change the fact that the team that drafts the best, builds their Cancon up quicker and the quicker and more efficiently you do that, the better the odds are of winning a Grey Cup.

The math is available that shows the effectiveness of the higher picks on a percentage basis. I have seen it somewhere along the line.

Also, while the number 1 overall picks have been complete misses in many cases (Josiah St. John, Faith Ekakitie, Mark Chapman, Linden Gaydosh and Shomari Williams) that has as much to do with the unique challenge that the CFL Draft presents.

It still remains that the other picks in the top 1 or 2 rounds are more likely to bring game-changing ratio busters to your team and help you win games.

Players like Alex Singleton, Alex Mateas, Sean McEwen, Sukh Chung, Branden Revenberg, Evan Johnson, Cameron Judge.

I get what you're saying, but I think you've underestimated the CFL Draft. I would say that history and math show us; the more picks the earlier, the better.

[paulwoods13]

Perhaps an eye test would be helpful. He doesn't seem to identify when receivers are covered, and not throw the ball.

Yeah, he's utterly terrible and should be punted out of town immediately.

[doubleblue]

Good post on the draft Jon Gonzo and you are correct scouting Canadian Talent is very important for the CFL because of the small pool of players and the ratio. Before the combine it really was a crap shoot except for the top few can't miss guys. But now a players weakness gets exposed during the drills at the combine and apparently the interviews. I wouldn't want to pick a player just on his interview as I have seen too many big talkers not be able to back it up. And there's the old saying "you got to watch those quiet guys".
So I was shocked back in the 2017 draft when Jim Popp picked Mason Woods at 10th overall and then passed over (like all other teams) Kwaku Boeteng in the 3rd round. Had their scouts not seen Boeteng play some games at Laurier and see him pancake Woods at the Combine. That's what I called an interview right there IMO.
With Foster maybe Jim was looking for a special teams demon because he wasn't big enough to play DE in the CFL. But I think he would have been available 3 rounds later. Then there was Jones and Sackey 1,2 in the 2016 draft by Jim Barker. But Jim and Jim have made many other good picks so we have to give them credit there. I don't have a real good feeling about the #1 pick this year. I hope I'm wrong and they can eventually plug him in at Guard down the road.
Sorry Mothers Woods, Foster, Jones and Sackey to be talking about your sons that way. I'm sure they are nice boys and will do well in the real world. But there's the old saying "all's fair in Love and War" and Pro Football is like War.

[Jon Gonzo]

Yeah, he's utterly terrible and should be punted out of town immediately.

Just imagine for a moment how unbearable this season would have been, without him.

Its that he's tough, his body language and that he never quits. That's what's kept me believing that we could surprise at almost anytime.

He's not perfect, but he's the best we've got. And that can be pretty darn good from time to time.

[AngeloV]

Amateur drafts are the backbone to one of the most important, if not most important, elements of building a CFL team. Even more so than other professional leagues as there are no Canadian Content regulations in the other leagues.

And yes, I have heard the word crapshoot used for any draft, but that is all relative. It doesn't make the point I have made above irrelevant. Follow the teams in any league and you will see amateur scouting and development as very high on the list, again, if not #1.

The difference is often economic. NHL teams spend MILLIONS of dollars every year with a phalanx of professional scouts. The CFL spends THOUSANDS, with one or two (sometimes) part time eyes.

Mistakes will be made in both cases, but more often in the CFL's case. But, again that is relative. It still doesn't change the fact that the team that drafts the best, builds their Cancon up quicker and the quicker and more efficiently you do that, the better the odds are of winning a Grey Cup.

The math is available that shows the effectiveness of the higher picks on a percentage basis. I have seen it somewhere along the line.

Also, while the number 1 overall picks have been complete misses in many cases (Josiah St. John, Faith Ekakitie, Mark Chapman, Linden Gaydosh and Shomari Williams) that has as much to do with the unique challenge that the CFL Draft presents.

It still remains that the other picks in the top 1 or 2 rounds are more likely to bring game-changing ratio busters to your team and help you win games.

Players like Alex Singleton, Alex Mateas, Sean McEwen, Sukh Chung, Branden Revenberg, Evan Johnson, Cameron Judge.

I get what you're saying, but I think you've underestimated the CFL Draft. I would say that history and math show us; the more picks the earlier, the better.

I would still rather have (for example) 5 picks in the first 3 rounds with no first rounders, than 1 pick in each of the first 3 rounds. I guess that was the point I was trying to make.

[paulwoods13]

Just imagine for a moment how unbearable this season would have been, without him.

Its that he's tough, his body language and that he never quits. That's what's kept me believing that we could surprise at almost anytime.

He's not perfect, but he's the best we've got. And that can be pretty darn good from time to time.

Yes to all of this. And his play has been at a very high standard for the past five games, to the point where even some (not all, sadly, but some) of those who have crapped all over him in the past have had to acknowledge it. If he continues to play at his current standard the rest of the way, he will not only be the strong favourite to be our starter next year (assuming he still wants to be here, which I would bet on) but he might very well end up as the East Division's all-star QB. Masoli getting hurt helped in that regard (and so did Franklin getting hurt, of course), but right now he is playing better than anyone in the league.

[gilthethrill]

Yes to all of this. And his play has been at a very high standard for the past five games, to the point where even some (not all, sadly, but some) of those who have crapped all over him in the past have had to acknowledge it. If he continues to play at his current standard the rest of the way, he will not only be the strong favourite to be our starter next year (assuming he still wants to be here, which I would bet on) but he might very well end up as the East Division's all-star QB. Masoli getting hurt helped in that regard (and so did Franklin getting hurt, of course), but right now he is playing better than anyone in the league.

When the Argos got shut out in Edmonton this season, I honestly thought MBT was playing his last game in Double Blue. He has bounced back nicely.

[OV Argo]

Amateur drafts are the backbone to one of the most important, if not most important, elements of building a CFL team. Even more so than other professional leagues as there are no Canadian Content regulations in the other leagues.

And yes, I have heard the word crapshoot used for any draft, but that is all relative. It doesn't make the point I have made above irrelevant. Follow the teams in any league and you will see amateur scouting and development as very high on the list, again, if not #1.

The difference is often economic. NHL teams spend MILLIONS of dollars every year with a phalanx of professional scouts. The CFL spends THOUSANDS, with one or two (sometimes) part time eyes.

Mistakes will be made in both cases, but more often in the CFL's case. But, again that is relative. It still doesn't change the fact that the team that drafts the best, builds their Cancon up quicker and the quicker and more efficiently you do that, the better the odds are of winning a Grey Cup.

The math is available that shows the effectiveness of the higher picks on a percentage basis. I have seen it somewhere along the line.

Also, while the number 1 overall picks have been complete misses in many cases (Josiah St. John, Faith Ekakitie, Mark Chapman, Linden Gaydosh and Shomari Williams) that has as much to do with the unique challenge that the CFL Draft presents.

It still remains that the other picks in the top 1 or 2 rounds are more likely to bring game-changing ratio busters to your team and help you win games.

Players like Alex Singleton, Alex Mateas, Sean McEwen, Sukh Chung, Branden Revenberg, Evan Johnson, Cameron Judge.

I get what you're saying, but I think you've underestimated the CFL Draft. I would say that history and math show us; the more picks the earlier, the better.


This year's Argo defence is featuring draft picks Laing, Gabriel, Herdman, Woodson and Robbie Smith - all solid D players who have contributed nicely; the Argos could have drafted Kwaku Boateng; they also once drafted Corey Greenwood (and could have re-signed him after he was with the Esks) - he is the best defensive player in the CFL this season (IMO). Nice to see some Canadian talent get a chance to play D in the CFL - the GOB trend the past number of years is to go with mostly imports on D (see Ottawa now with Desjardins, Campbell & Thorpe doing the thinking - yet they won their GC with mostly Canadians playing D-line).

The Als have an outstanding array of Canadian linebacker talent - Muamba, Ackie & Lokombo (with young draft picks and a vet like Plesius in reserve). They also went out and signed an all-star NI free agent D player in Loffler; draft pick from a few years back J-S Blanc could be starting at DE for them IMO, but he is used as a top special teamer more.

Smart CFL GMs & scouts can build a very good roster via the draft AND signing NI FAs or other team cuts or trading for Canadian talent - pay attention to Canadian talent and give them a shot to play - at ALL positions. 7 only thinking and always maximum number of imports on the game roster decisions takes away that chance to have a better team.

Gonzo is right IMO - hang to draft picks / acquire more PLUS sign top Canadian talent away from other teams when possible = you will have a very strong NI part of the roster and this could often equal MORE than half the battle (roster).

[KCargosfan]

This year's Argo defence is featuring draft picks Laing, Gabriel, Herdman, Woodson and Robbie Smith - all solid D players who have contributed nicely; the Argos could have drafted Kwaku Boateng; they also once drafted Corey Greenwood (and could have re-signed him after he was with the Esks) - he is the best defensive player in the CFL this season (IMO). Nice to see some Canadian talent get a chance to play D in the CFL - the GOB trend the past number of years is to go with mostly imports on D (see Ottawa now with Desjardins, Campbell & Thorpe doing the thinking - yet they won their GC with mostly Canadians playing D-line).

The Als have an outstanding array of Canadian linebacker talent - Muamba, Ackie & Lokombo (with young draft picks and a vet like Plesius in reserve). They also went out and signed an all-star NI free agent D player in Loffler; draft pick from a few years back J-S Blanc could be starting at DE for them IMO, but he is used as a top special teamer more.

Smart CFL GMs & scouts can build a very good roster via the draft AND signing NI FAs or other team cuts or trading for Canadian talent - pay attention to Canadian talent and give them a shot to play - at ALL positions. 7 only thinking and always maximum number of imports on the game roster decisions takes away that chance to have a better team.

Gonzo is right IMO - hang to draft picks / acquire more PLUS sign top Canadian talent away from other teams when possible = you will have a very strong NI part of the roster and this could often equal MORE than half the battle (roster).

Knowing is always half the battle!

[RB957]

Yes to all of this. And his play has been at a very high standard for the past five games, to the point where even some (not all, sadly, but some) of those who have crapped all over him in the past have had to acknowledge it. If he continues to play at his current standard the rest of the way, he will not only be the strong favourite to be our starter next year (assuming he still wants to be here, which I would bet on) but he might very well end up as the East Division's all-star QB. Masoli getting hurt helped in that regard (and so did Franklin getting hurt, of course), but right now he is playing better than anyone in the league.

I will admit I have been one of those who have crapped over MBT a bit... not all over him, but a bit. I always admired his grit and passion and he always projected as such a decent person on top of that. I just never thought he had the skill set. But I have to admit his play has improved greatly, but not to the point that I think he is our long-term answer at the QB position. Sorry, just can't go that far at this point, and I think it would be dangerous to draw too many conclusions from the fact he has played well over the past five games.