Game Thread: Toronto Argonauts @ Calgary Stampeders

[RB957]

Calgary made halftime adjustments and the Argos didn’t.
This loss falls 100% on the O.

I agree with the first statement, but not totally with the second.

They adjusted their defence to account for Dukes's mobility, thus taking away a big part of Argos success in first half. Also, there were many plays where Dukes stood in the pocket for a LONG time - but couldn't get anyone open? The TV picture never gave a big enough view, but what was going on with our receivers? As for Dukes, he needs to get a better clock in his head and either get rid of the ball, or run. The worst team in the league for QB sacks sacked him 5 times, and IMO it is not all on the O-line.

Stamps were not running the ball well in 1st half, so they abandoned that for the short passes which were open to Maier because we never really got much pressure on him, even when we sent extra bodies, and our zone D leaves those open spots 5 - 8 yds from the line of scrimmage . 2nd down and short, with Tommy Stephens, is basically a gimme. That killed us.

While Dukes did not play bad in the first half, his numbers weren't great, and you had to believe Calgary would be making adjustments with him in mind. So here..., and I know this is Monday morning quarterbacking, and hindsight is never wrong... where it might have made sense to put Arbuckle in at QB. He is a totally different player, and that may have thrown off Calgary's defen't dosive adjustments a bit. I said it in my comments before the game, that coach Dinwiddie seems to let Dave Dickenson live in his head rent free. Once the momentum started to shift, it seemed like Argos couldn't do anything to get it back.

As for the PI call on Sopik, you can call it either way. It wasn't PI to me, but it was close enough such that there wasn't overwhelming evidence for it to be overturned by the Command Centre.

I love Kadeem Carey. I love his energy, his joy for the game and his unbelievable effort. Signing him was a great move.

Dukes has done his very best, but more experience is not going to overcome his biggest weaknesses. I honestly don't see him as a starting QB, but there are many things that could be created to take advantage of his legs in special situations.

While this was a game we certainly could have won, it is not time to abandon ship. Many posters on this site said earlier that if Argos were .500 by the time Chad Kelly's suspension is lifted, that would be a good thing. Well, that is basically where we are. The guys are fighting hard and there is still half a season to play.

[Stevoman]

Well, Argos shouldn't have won against the Bombers but should've won against the Stampeders. Evens out I guess.

[AngeloV]

Also, there were many plays where Dukes stood in the pocket for a LONG time - but couldn't get anyone open? The TV picture never gave a big enough view, but what was going on with our receivers? As for Dukes, he needs to get a better clock in his head and either get rid of the ball, or run. The worst team in the league for QB sacks sacked him 5 times, and IMO it is not all on the O-line.

My opinion? Dukes doesn’t have the ability to throw into small windows that most successful QB’s do in order to be successful. Whether it’s his confidence, or arm strength, or a combination of the 2, he won’t or can’t make these throws. Teams will give him the underneath stuff all day, but you need to at least be able to make the intermediate throws to be successful. Let’s be honest, he hovered around the 200 yard passing mark or below for the last 6 games. That is not a recipe for success in this league. Defence and return team aren’t going to score every game.

[IssuesMcgee]

You can blame the loss on play calling and the lack of run plays in the second half, but a better QB would have taken the offence into scoring position at least once in the second half.

As he has done all season long, Dinwiddie tailored the offence to Dukes' strengths.

As of right now, Dukes is not very good at throwing the ball over 10 yards. He doesn't scramble very well. He appears to not be able to read his options, as there were a few times a receiver was wide open and he either didn't see it or refused to go for it.

I still believe Dukes can be a legit starter, but that day will will come a few years down the road and on another team.

[argolio]

For whatever reason, Dukes does not trust his first read enough. That's the difference between him and pretty much every starter in the league. Daniels was only targeted twice yesterday. Coxie's three other receptions went for only 15 yards. Can't win consistently in this league if you don't threaten the secondary.

[OV Argo]

EE big first win over the Riders with Tre Ford at the helm: play selection: 22 pass attempts by Ford net 252 yards; 22 carries for the 2 RBs (Leake & Rankin), plus 5 carries by Ford, for over 270 rushing yards.

Argos recent win over the previously unbeaten Als: play selection by the Argos: 20 pass attempts by Dukes nets 131 yards; 26 combined carries using all 3 RBs (Carey, McMahon, Adebobye), plus 9 carries by Dukes, for over 180 rush yards.

Sorry bout that LaPo; sometimes it's good to look at actual on field play and see if stats tell a story. Football theories are fun too though.

[AngeloV]

EE big first win over the Riders with Tre Ford at the helm: play selection: 22 pass attempts by Ford net 252 yards; 22 carries for the 2 RBs (Leake & Rankin), plus 5 carries by Ford, for over 270 rushing yards.

Argos recent win over the previously unbeaten Als: play selection by the Argos: 20 pass attempts by Dukes nets 131 yards; 26 combined carries using all 3 RBs (Carey, McMahon, Adebobye), plus 9 carries by Dukes, for over 180 rush yards.

Sorry bout that LaPo; sometimes it's good to look at actual on field play and see if stats tell a story. Football theories are fun too though.

That’s all fine and dandy, but you won’t win a lot of games that the Argos did against the Als that way. Unless of course you are expecting a pick 6 and KO return TD every game.

Even in the first half last night, one of their TD’s was a 7 yard drive set up by a pick. Argos just make the fewest big plays in the league on offence. That’s why they are struggling offensively.

As for the Elks win, it was due to big plays on O. Not because of the mix of pass and run. 94 yard TD pass, 2 TD runs of 50+.

[OV Argo]

So i guess instead, we can expect a lot of CFL teams to win with mostly dink & dunk and check-down passing game with little run support ?

Evidence from the football field is a curious or interesting thing. The Als cemented their recent win with a TD pass to an H-back in a tight end release, where in most cases, the guy is wide-open , uncovered for a big gainer; but no, that play should only be tried by a couple of teams once every few games ?

The lack of variety and deference to same old simple offence is a hallmark of CFL offences now IMO, but whatever.

[ArgoGabe22]

Now that the football chatter was quieted down. Need a good review from Will and anyone else who visited Calgary. Did the steak make the trip worthwhile?

[Will]

Now that the football chatter was quieted down. Need a good review from Will and anyone else who visited Calgary. Did the steak make the trip worthwhile?

Went to Saltlik -- it was great steak.