Labour Day Argos - Tiger Cats Game

[jerrym]

Labour Day games between Argos and the Tiger Cats are always big regardless of where they are in the standings. But an Argo victory would give them a six point lead over the Tiger Cats and third place, which could be extremely important because of the strong possibility of a crossover occurring this year.

[jerrym]

Here are the injury reports for both teams.

https://www.cfl.ca/2022/08/31/ticats-injury-report-evans-shiltz-sit-out-wed-practice/

[bannedforlife]

THF is sold out and they are selling some extra tickets for the standing sections. The crowd may exceed the official capacity.

[ArgoRavi]

Labour Day games between Argos and the Tiger Cats are always big regardless of where they are in the standings. But an Argo victory would give them a six point lead over the Tiger Cats and third place, which could be extremely important because of the strong possibility of a crossover occurring this year.

Not that I want the Argos to lose but even a loss by less than 24 points will still leave them effectively two games ahead of the Ticats as the Argos will have won the season series. Obviously, a win would be all the bit better as it would effectively put them four games ahead when you include the tiebreaker.

[ArgofanIan]

It would be OK to win the Grey cup this year... but it would be great if we could retain the Ballard cup... #BringTheBallardCupHome

[gilthethrill]

Still awaiting the over/under on “Beleaguered” Franchise Hamilton QB Dane Evans will cry on the sideline at some point during the game.

[AngeloV]

Still awaiting the over/under on “Beleaguered” Franchise Hamilton QB Dane Evans will cry on the sideline at some point during the game.

Someone must have slipped sad pills into his water. He needs an Adam West like bat antidote.

[OV Argo]

Time for a Pussycats beat-down; then back to back smoking of LaPo's wimpy crew; then, cruise control to the East Final. This is surely do-able ?

[ArgoRavi]

Time for a Pussycats beat-down; then back to back smoking of LaPo's wimpy crew; then, cruise control to the East Final. This is surely do-able ?

It should be.

Looking at the latest injury report, I am surprised to see Trevon Tate on there, which means he is not on the 6-game list. He is obviously not playing this week but perhaps he could be back within the next few weeks?

[paulwoods13]

Looking at the latest injury report, I am surprised to see Trevon Tate on there, which means he is not on the 6-game list. He is obviously not playing this week but perhaps he could be back within the next few weeks?

Tate went on the six before Game 6, which means Monday will be his last game on that stint. He is allowed to practice after five games, which is presumably why he's on the injury report. Three DNPs this week do not inspire a lot of confidence he will be back soon, however.

[Will]

Time for a Pussycats beat-down; then back to back smoking of LaPo's wimpy crew; then, cruise control to the East Final. This is surely do-able ?

The Argos took the Redblacks lightly a month ago and lost. Ottawa's defense isn't bad and they've played MBT tough over the past two seasons.

[ArgoTD]

Dan Ralph tweeted that Newman is slated to be the starting QB for Hamilton tomorrow with Evans 3rd on depth chart due to his shoulder. Have to think if Evans can dress, and Newman struggles, they’ll put Evans in. Is Evans truly injured that much? Is Hamilton playing some games heading into the LDC to keep the Argos guessing?

[Will]

As I said earlier in the week, the Ticats will find a way to make Newman starting work because it is Labour Day.

[Argo57]

As I said earlier in the week, the Ticats will find a way to make Newman starting work because it is Labour Day.

I agree, I’m not particularly confident going into this game.
Argos seemingly invent new ways to melt down on Labour Day.

[Argo57]

Time for a Pussycats beat-down; then back to back smoking of LaPo's wimpy crew; then, cruise control to the East Final. This is surely do-able ?

I don’t think the Argos know how to “beat down” any opponent, expect another nail biter tomorrow.

[AngeloV]

Here is the Argos depth chart for tomorrow:
https://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Sept-5-2022-vs-HAM-LDC-PDF.pdf

With only 2 RB's and no FB's dressed, the Argos are dressing a lot of receivers (10) this week. Jeremeiah Haydel, Isaiah Wright and Tommy Nield all check in. Heydel supposedly has lots of speed and is a KR specialist. No changes to any of the starters from last week.

Here is the Ti-Cats depth chart.
https://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Depth-Chart-Roster-09-05-22.pdf

Only change from them comes at QB with Hello Newman starting.

[OV Argo]

The Argos took the Redblacks lightly a month ago and lost. Ottawa's defense isn't bad and they've played MBT tough over the past two seasons.

If the Argos can't make a serious statement, at this point of the season, by thoroughly whipping that lame-o Ottawa team, and twice in a row, then IMO they should start preparing for next season - make the rest of this season an extended TC with the notion of making plenty of changes, to get much better for next year.

[OV Argo]

I don’t think the Argos know how to “beat down” any opponent, expect another nail biter tomorrow.


That would be the sign of a good, well coached team IMO; to thoroughly beat a much less talented opponent. Ticats are a mess at QB; they start wimpy Don Jackson and his sub 4 yards/ carry average at tailback; their receivers should scare nobody. They do have some good talent on D though.

[ArgoRavi]

Here is the Argos depth chart for tomorrow:
https://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Sept-5-2022-vs-HAM-LDC-PDF.pdf

With only 2 RB's and no FB's dressed, the Argos are dressing a lot of receivers (10) this week. Jeremeiah Haydel, Isaiah Wright and Tommy Nield all check in. Heydel supposedly has lots of speed and is a KR specialist. No changes to any of the starters from last week.

Here is the Ti-Cats depth chart.
https://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Depth-Chart-Roster-09-05-22.pdf

Only change from them comes at QB with Hello Newman starting.

I am really looking forward to seeing Haydel return kicks on Monday.

[gilthethrill]

I am really looking forward to seeing Haydel return kicks on Monday.

I see Ottawa traded KR Terry Williams to BC for a 3rd round pick. I hope Haydel can be the answer. I felt if “Beleaguered” franchise QB Dane Evans was going to put it all together, it would have been on Labour Day. Mace has to have the D force Newman into obvious passing situations.

[Scooter McCray]

[QUOTE=OV Argo;162117]That would be the sign of a good, well coached team IMO; to thoroughly beat a much less talented opponent. Ticats are a mess at QB; they start wimpy Don Jackson and his sub 4 yards/ carry average at tailback; their receivers should scare nobody. They do have some good talent on D though.[/QUOTE
My gut feels like the Argos will administer a rare Labour Day beat down on Hamilton. And then lose the first Ottawa game on a short week and emotional come down from Labour Day. And win yhe second Ottawa game. I think Ottawa could be yhe second place team in the east now.

[jerrym]

Hopefully the Argos will make an extra effort to put pressure on the rookie QB Newman

[ArgoRavi]

That would be the sign of a good, well coached team IMO; to thoroughly beat a much less talented opponent. Ticats are a mess at QB; they start wimpy Don Jackson and his sub 4 yards/ carry average at tailback; their receivers should scare nobody. They do have some good talent on D though.
My gut feels like the Argos will administer a rare Labour Day beat down on Hamilton. And then lose the first Ottawa game on a short week and emotional come down from Labour Day. And win yhe second Ottawa game. I think Ottawa could be yhe second place team in the east now.

If the Argos beat Hamilton and then even split with Ottawa, it would be very difficult for them not to finish first in the East.

[Scooter McCray]

If the Argos beat Hamilton and then even split with Ottawa, it would be very difficult for them not to finish first in the East.100%. I like the Argos schedule and they have a chance with improving health and improving play to take full control. Same thing with Ottawas schedule. It all starts today. Argo defence can win this thing. I want to see the offense play within themselves and not make any mistakes.

[Will]

Just win!

[jerrym]

I hate to admit it but I loved the interaction of the fans and the players by the Tiger Cats just before the game. It builds energy among both the fans and players and help the casual fans feel its worth coming back to see the team again. Maybe the Argos should try something like this.

[Will]

The Argos are on the board first as MBT hits Markeith Ambles with a touchdown pass set-up by a 53-yard bomb to a wide open Speedy B.

[jerrym]

The Argos are on the board first as MBT hits Markeith Ambles with a touchdown pass set-up by a 53-yard bomb to a wide open Speedy B.

Yes. Great to see MBT starting out with a TD. Hopefully it foreshadows things to come.

[Will]

A high pass on a slant deflects off the hands of an Argo receiver into the hands of a waiting Ticat defender who takes it to the house.

Labour Day sorcery.

[ArgofanIan]

At one of the multiple fan organized viewing parties. Thanks to all that organized these...

[jerrym]

The Hamilton D will have to come up big to keep them in the game with a rookie QB and they have except on MBT's first drive when they played the Argo receivers up tight and got burned twice deep.

[Will]

The Hamilton D will have to come up big to keep them in the game with a rookie QB and they have except on MBT's first drive when they played the Argo receivers up tight and got burned twice deep.

They are doing their job.

[jerrym]

Peters INT timely as Hamilton's offence and rookie QB were starting to gain some confidence with their march down the field.

[Will]

Argos have been in Ticats territory 4 times and have only come away with 8 points.

Labour Day sorcery

[Will]

The game is tied 8-8 at halftime.

2 INTs by Argos in Ticat territory and a missed FG is keeping this game much closer than it ought to be.

Labour Day sorcery.

[kellynjk]

That first half epitomizes why I dislike MBT as the Argo quarterback - he's great for a couple of plays and then so bloody sloppy and inconsistent! It's so frustrating to watch. He sees that Gittens is not running his route, but he passes it anyway, right into the hands of Hamilton. He is incapable of thinking on his feet and it shows!! No way I will ever think he's one of the good quarterbacks in the CFL!

[Argo57]

The game is tied 8-8 at halftime.

2 INTs by Argos in Ticat territory and a missed FG is keeping this game much closer than it ought to be.

Labour Day sorcery.

No surprise, Argos will be life and death to win this game.

[jerrym]

Steinhauer's challenge kept Argos from getting at least a FG. He's the best at knowing when to challenge.
Gittens and MBT were not on the same page leading to MBT's second INT.

[jerrym]

Allowing weaker teams (and with a first game ever QB Hamilton definitely is) to stick around in a game, often leads them to think they can win and put out the effort to do so.

[OV Argo]

The Argo offence is just not good enough; not enough diversity; not enough ground game (give Adeboboye a couple of carries to see what he could bring); not enough accurate downfield passing - and Ambles & Banks - recycle jobs from other teams - aren't good enough to be starters in a good receiving corps. This needs offensive coaching help IMO.

[Argo57]

The Argo offence is just not good enough; not enough diversity; not enough ground game (give Adeboboye a couple of carries to see what he could bring); not enough accurate downfield passing - and Ambles & Banks - recycle jobs from other teams - aren't good enough to be starters in a good receiving corps. This needs offensive coaching help IMO.

The underwhelming offensive display continues, wind at their backs and nothing generated…..pitiful.

[Will]

The Argo offence is just not good enough; not enough diversity; not enough ground game (give Adeboboye a couple of carries to see what he could bring); not enough accurate downfield passing - and Ambles & Banks - recycle jobs from other teams - aren't good enough to be starters in a good receiving corps. This needs offensive coaching help IMO.

Getting some OL help to perhaps open up the running game is a neccesity!

[ArgoTD]

The offensive line is just that…..offensive. Their blocking, or where lack of is horrendous. Some of these guys are incapable of blocking one on one.

[Argo57]

D doing their jobs, this game shouldn’t be close.

[ArgoTD]

Clear fumble caused and no challenge??

[Ace]

Coach should have challenged Daniels catch - no one touched him.

[Ace]

Officials should not have whistled that fumble dead. We could have had it inside their 20 ( or even scored ).

[jerrym]

Finally a FG to take the lead again. You'd think they were playing a great team.

[jerrym]

Morton now at QB. Not sure this is a good move as Newton was avoiding making a lot of rookie first game mistakes. But we shall see.

[Ace]

Let's go - need a TD

[Ace]

Banks with the TD. 18-8

[jerrym]

Like I said switching QBs didn't seem the best choice for me. Good stop by Argos leading to a TD.

[ArgoTD]

Not sure about that call - QB sneak on 2nd and 3? Would like to hold onto the ball there and take time off the clock. Can’t start playing too conservative.

[Ace]

Wow. Another TD by Banks. Great throw. 25-8.

[jerrym]

Can Peters get the double hat trick?

[jerrym]

Banks having quite a homecoming with 2 TDs.

[jerrym]

Dinwiddie loses another low percentage challenge in contrast to Steinhauer's 17/25 record on challenges.

[jerrym]

Interesting that the Argos put Adeboboye with two minutes to go but not Chad Kelly.

[jerrym]

Newman didn't do a lot but avoided making a lot of mistakes and started to get in the groove in garbage time while Morton didn't show much of anything in his brief playing time.

[jerrym]

Argos break the Tim Horton's Field jinx where they had never won in the ten years of the field's existence!

[Argo57]

Love that Speedy B guy!!

[ArgoZ]

Banks comes through on Labour Day. Told you. :D

[AngeloV]

Coach should have challenged Daniels catch - no one touched him.

Would have lost the challenge as the whistle blew so he can’t advance the ball regardless if he was touched down or not.

[AngeloV]

Love that Speedy B guy!!

I’m not above admitting being a bandwagon Banks fan.

[AngeloV]

This was a typical wind/rain type of game. Defences were ahead, and the team with the least costly turnovers won.

The good:
Defence did not give up any points today. The rouge was on a unexpected big punt into the wind.
Speedy B with big plays, scoring twice and setting up the other.
WR screen to Gittens. I have been calling for these all season. It’s one way to slow down a pass rush. And I’m not talking about the flat passes off play action to Ambles.
MBT once again showing leadership. Throws 2 key blocks on the Speedy B rushing TD. People can dislike him all they want, but he is very popular amongst his teammates and has done nothing to deserve the criticism he gets.
Oulette played hard. Ran hard, caught the ball well out of the backfield.
Punt coverage team was great again.

The Bad:
O-line woes continue. A bit of a push in the running game woiuld go a long way to a consistent offence.
Again, lack of blocking in the return game.
Ambles, despite hi TD, has been dropping too many balls for my liking.

All in all, a good team win. We’ve lost to worse teams on Labour Day, so I have nothing bad to say about a 28-8 victory.

[argolio]

2022 Ballard Cup champions, baby!!!

[Argo57]

I’m not above admitting being a bandwagon Banks fan.

If he makes plays that help the Argos win then I’m all in.

[ArgoTD]

Will give credit where credit is due and deserved:
Banks was the player we need him to be - the contested catch for the TD was his best of the season
The Oline played it’s best football in the 4th Q, gave MBT time and they were actually able to run the ball late in the game when Hamilton knew they would
MBT once again comes through with a gutsy effort - just so wish he could do it for a full game, he’d be lights out!
D was fantastic again, the strength of the team, Ray really becoming more consistent, McManis is D player of the year and Peter’s is a ball hawk (though I still feel Amos is the most consistent DB overall)
Specials were solid, Heydal looked decent but little room to run, still think Leake is the best returner, cover team solid again

[ArgoGabe22]

Good job by the organization for somehow pumping in artificial noise and drawing those two time count violations

[Stevoman]

Banks and Ouellette were excellent today.

[Will]

Argos break the Tim Horton's Field jinx where they had never won in the ten years of the field's existence!

This was their first Labour Day win at THF. The Argos beat Tiger-Cats there in 2017 and 2021.

[primetime31]

Anyway, here are some observations on the game:

Loved the defensive play today. Not only did McManis and Peters stand out but so did Muamba, Robbie Smith, Barlow and Shane Ray. Their secondary is certainly one of the best in the league.

Just imagine what the offense, especially MBT, could do with a decent O-line. You have to give them some credit as they are working short handed. If only we had a good healthy left OT, then Blake could move to centre and Lawrence to the bench as he isn't really starting calibre. That puts the big onus on the personnel department to go and find someone to play there. Have to give Dejon Allen props for working his way through his injuries.

Ouellette is a beast. He was excellent today and his fighting spirit was definitely needed in a game like this.

Some of the play calling is suspect to be sure. We all know about the overly obvious runs on first down. As AV has commented, using Ambles on flat short slants is a recipe for no gains. Having Banks deliver a block to make the play work (even though he is a willing blocker) doesn't give the play the best chance to succeed. There is also too much incommunication betweeen MBT and the receivers. I don't know if that is down to MBT, the receivers or the game plan itself. I have a feeling that it is all three. Maybe moving the receivers around all of the time is not such as good idea if it causes these problems. Perhaps having Banks as the lone roving receiver may help.

I don't know what the problem with the return game is. Is it the personnel or blocking schemes or both? I know that many Als fans complained about Mickey Donovan's schemes last season so is it down to him?

Lastly, the referees are whistle happy across the league. Is that because they are concerned about player safety or want to control the game? It is true that the quick whistle would have prevented a Daniels TD even though he wasn't down by contact. Maybe it is time to provide some new direction in this regard to the officials in the off-season.

[gilthethrill]

Hard to believe its been 10 years since I wasn’t grumpy on Tuesday following Labour Day. The game didn’t start well with a quick 2 and out including a sack on 2nd down. The score really flattered Hamilton. Primetime31 mentioned a quick whistle, there was the Daniels TD catch and then the forced fumble by Ray that was deemed an incomplete pass in Hamilton territory when the game was still in doubt.
Not sure why Milt Stegal felt he had to do a negative segment on MBT especially after last week’s performance but MBT showed that he is the best QB in the East by far. Argo O Line did ok against Wynne and Co again. They have been playing their hearts out this season with injuries and playing out of position.
The D played great against 2 QBs who are not ready to play. The decision to replace Newman was odd at best but Coach O has been making questionable decisions all year.
On to the Nations Capitol on a short week for a rare Saturday afternoon game. I really want a dominant defensive performance so the calls for the return of Arbuckle (not from this forum) can be put to rest once and for all.

[Will]

2022 Ballard Cup champions, baby!!!

Change the name to the Sazio Cup!!!

[AngeloV]

If anybody has as sadistic a mind as I do, I suggest finding the podcast of the CHML 5th quarter following yesterday’s game. Mostly call ins to Rick Zamperin and he also reads out some Facebook posts. The crowd was angry my friends. Tommy Condell was the main target.

[paulwoods13]

Poor Condell. He's down to third- and fourth-stringers at QB, and an o-line that makes ours look good. Not saying he bears no criticism, because some of the Cats' play-calling has been crazy this year, but there are many reasons for their 3-9 record this year. Mistakes by Evans, bad decisions by Steinauer, defensive collapses at bad times, dropped passes, etc.

[OV Argo]

Poor Condell. He's down to third- and fourth-stringers at QB, and an o-line that makes ours look good. Not saying he bears no criticism, because some of the Cats' play-calling has been crazy this year, but there are many reasons for their 3-9 record this year. Mistakes by Evans, bad decisions by Steinauer, defensive collapses at bad times, dropped passes, etc.

Condell gets called an offensive mind for the CFL by some, but IMO he's as limited, predictable and boring as most CFL offensive minds. He does mix in a fair bit of run plays to receivers - jet sweeps or counter type plays - but still has little clue about an applied or consistent run game, and he likes his mostly dink & dunk passing.
Their receiving corps is Ok at best (Acklin - best (or close to) receiver in the league this season was a big loss though and now Addison is out too), but they don't go deep or intermediate enough, and yes Evans regressed to poor and sloppy and Shiltz is a mediocre at best; the 2 guys they had to trot out yesterday are obviously not ready to be starters. Don Jackson favored at RB over Erlington is classic GOB stupidity (compare their yds/carry averages - this year and career); they used a 1st overall draft pick on a guy - Jake Burt - who might play a very limited role as H-back, and has done little - moron, laughable 1st overall draft pick that could have been used to strengthen their O-Line (at least Chris Jones gifted them a starter in David Beard recently).

SO - ultra limited, boring, un-imaginative Condell as OC and saddled with average to weak talent all over the offence to work with = good luck doing much - have to win with their D - which is good but nothing that special or tough - hardly dominant.

[gilthethrill]

If anybody has as sadistic a mind as I do, I suggest finding the podcast of the CHML 5th quarter following yesterday’s game. Mostly call ins to Rick Zamperin and he also reads out some Facebook posts. The crowd was angry my friends. Tommy Condell was the main target.

I am enjoying listening to it!

[Shatto]

A few thoughts re the game:
. It was a wonderful feeling to win the Labour Day game for a change. Made my weekend.
. We often find fault with MBT but after seeing him block for Bank's T. D. one can understand why his teammates are so supportive of him. He is a superb team player.
. The DB's and LB's units may well be the best in the league.
. The DL is gradually become an effective unit. Ray is looking like the DE we expected him to be.
. When Rogers and Phillips return who will end up sitting out. Coxie or Ambles?
. The team still needs a returner.

[paulwoods13]

. When Rogers and Phillips return who will end up sitting out. Coxie or Ambles?
. The team still needs a returner.

I think Rogers is unlikely to return this season, just a gut feeling. I definitely want Phillips back ASAP but I would rather not sit either Coxie or Ambles (altho Ambles is starting to annoy me with his recent spate of drops). Maybe Banks goes back into a rotational role.

I agree we need to add a return game to our arsenal, but I'm not ready to give up on Haydel just yet.