Game Thread: Toronto Argonauts @ Ottawa Redblacks

[ArgoGabe22]

Ben Grant hit the nail with his latest post. Kelly wasn’t as bad as you think, and Carey got too few carries. Plus more.

https://3downnation.com/2024/09/08/chad ... -thoughts/

[OV Argo]

Ben Grant hit the nail with his latest post. Kelly wasn’t as bad as you think, and Carey got too few carries. Plus more.

https://3downnation.com/2024/09/08/chad ... -thoughts/

Kelly had all kinds of completions and yardage later in the game against a soft defence protecting a big lead = big deal.

He threw a dumb pick 6 early in the game that set the tone; a bunch more picks and was sacked often when he could have scrambled and ran. Sorry - it was real bad.

[ArgoRavi]

I will clarify a few things:

I have been extremely pissed off by the last two Argos' losses so anyone who accuses me of hoping the Argos would lose because of my extreme disappointment in Chad Kelly's behaviour is barking up the wrong tree. While Kelly's maturity has left a lot to be desired - and I can only hope yet again that he has finally learned his lesson and will grow up - I won't question either his talent or his work ethic. He played poorly in the first half in Ottawa and didn't give his team a chance to win. Was he the only problem? Absolutely not, but he was definitely a huge factor. Having said that, I expect him to play much better the rest of the way and I have a lot of confidence and hope that he will.

I never said that there was discord in the Argos' locker room. All I said is that what happened starting in the week leading up to the East Final has haunted this team since. How could it not be incredibly disruptive? They lost their starting QB and face of the franchise for the first half of this season after he lost his way in the East Final last year and with his behaviour (which he has now admitted to) before that, wasting an exceptional 16-2 regular season. There is no doubt in my mind that this disruption has had an impact on this team in 2024, but all is not yet lost.

The Argos have had more injuries than any team in the league this year and that has also been a significant factor, especially as they lost so much depth in the off-season. They need to get some key bodies back in the lineup, such as McManis and Brinkman on defence and Daniels, Hunter (on personal leave for the Ottawa game), Brissett and Ciraco on offence. I have no idea though whether the latter two will be back this year or not.

This season is not lost by any means with a third of it remaining, but they probably need to go at least 5-1 (including beating Ottawa) to have a shot at 2nd place or at least a shot going into the playoffs with strong momentum. This season has been the biggest test of Ryan Dinwiddie's head coaching career and we shall see how he and the coaching staff respond over the final third. Regarding Corey Mace, do they miss him? Perhaps, but he isn't exactly living up to expectations in Saskatchewan at the moment either.

[OV Argo]

I will clarify a few things:

I have been extremely pissed off by the last two Argos' losses so anyone who accuses me of hoping the Argos would lose because of my extreme disappointment in Chad Kelly's behaviour is barking up the wrong tree. While Kelly's maturity has left a lot to be desired - and I can only hope yet again that he has finally learned his lesson and will grow up - I won't question either his talent or his work ethic. He played poorly in the first half in Ottawa and didn't give his team a chance to win. Was he the only problem? Absolutely not, but he was definitely a huge factor. Having said that, I expect him to play much better the rest of the way and I have a lot of confidence and hope that he will.

I never said that there was discord in the Argos' locker room. All I said is that what happened starting in the week leading up to the East Final has haunted this team since. How could it not be incredibly disruptive? They lost their starting QB and face of the franchise for the first half of this season after he lost his way in the East Final last year and with his behaviour (which he has now admitted to) before that, wasting an exceptional 16-2 regular season. There is no doubt in my mind that this disruption has had an impact on this team in 2024, but all is not yet lost.

The Argos have had more injuries than any team in the league this year and that has also been a significant factor, especially as they lost so much depth in the off-season. They need to get some key bodies back in the lineup, such as McManis and Brinkman on defence and Daniels, Hunter (on personal leave for the Ottawa game), Brissett and Ciraco on offence. I have no idea though whether the latter two will be back this year or not.

This season is not lost by any means with a third of it remaining, but they probably need to go at least 5-1 (including beating Ottawa) to have a shot at 2nd place or at least a shot going into the playoffs with strong momentum. This season has been the biggest test of Ryan Dinwiddie's head coaching career and we shall see how he and the coaching staff respond over the final third. Regarding Corey Mace, do they miss him? Perhaps, but he isn't exactly living up to expectations in Saskatchewan at the moment either.

Sorry Ravi - the Riders, for one team, have had way more injuries than the Argos this year.

As far as Mace - he is a young HC with the Riders and yes struggling there; doesn't mean his loss from the Argos staff was not very significant, IMO.

I believe both Kelly and the entire Argo team can rebound this year and make a play-off run. We shall see, and IMO it will take way smarter coaching.

[ARGO57]

I will clarify a few things:

I have been extremely pissed off by the last two Argos' losses so anyone who accuses me of hoping the Argos would lose because of my extreme disappointment in Chad Kelly's behaviour is barking up the wrong tree. While Kelly's maturity has left a lot to be desired - and I can only hope yet again that he has finally learned his lesson and will grow up - I won't question either his talent or his work ethic. He played poorly in the first half in Ottawa and didn't give his team a chance to win. Was he the only problem? Absolutely not, but he was definitely a huge factor. Having said that, I expect him to play much better the rest of the way and I have a lot of confidence and hope that he will.

I never said that there was discord in the Argos' locker room. All I said is that what happened starting in the week leading up to the East Final has haunted this team since. How could it not be incredibly disruptive? They lost their starting QB and face of the franchise for the first half of this season after he lost his way in the East Final last year and with his behaviour (which he has now admitted to) before that, wasting an exceptional 16-2 regular season. There is no doubt in my mind that this disruption has had an impact on this team in 2024, but all is not yet lost.

The Argos have had more injuries than any team in the league this year and that has also been a significant factor, especially as they lost so much depth in the off-season. They need to get some key bodies back in the lineup, such as McManis and Brinkman on defence and Daniels, Hunter (on personal leave for the Ottawa game), Brissett and Ciraco on offence. I have no idea though whether the latter two will be back this year or not.

This season is not lost by any means with a third of it remaining, but they probably need to go at least 5-1 (including beating Ottawa) to have a shot at 2nd place or at least a shot going into the playoffs with strong momentum. This season has been the biggest test of Ryan Dinwiddie's head coaching career and we shall see how he and the coaching staff respond over the final third. Regarding Corey Mace, do they miss him? Perhaps, but he isn't exactly living up to expectations in Saskatchewan at the moment either.

Realistically looking at the Argos remaining schedule their immediate goal should be to lock up a playoff spot and go from there.

[AngeloV]

and with his behaviour (which he has now admitted to)

Ever consider the thought that he has admitted to it only because it was the only way he would be allowed to re-join the team?

[ArgoZ]

Apparently a head coach is supposed to call every one of his ex players that signed with another team in free agency. Is Pickett delusional or bitter for no reason?

[ArgoGabe22]

Apparently a head coach is supposed to call every one of his ex players that signed with another team in free agency. Is Pickett delusional or bitter for no reason?

Pickett took the most money offered as he always did. I doubt one phone call would've stopped him and I don't see the Argos paying him what Ottawa did since they chose to re-sign McManis. Pickett is just playing a heal. I don't think any other ex-teammate would have took a shot at their QB like that either. If Pickett has issues and isn't a team guy, then good riddance.

[AngeloV]

Apparently a head coach is supposed to call every one of his ex players that signed with another team in free agency. Is Pickett delusional or bitter for no reason?

Pickett took the most money offered as he always did. I doubt one phone call would've stopped him and I don't see the Argos paying him what Ottawa did since they chose to re-sign McManis. Pickett is just playing a heal. I don't think any other ex-teammate would have took a shot at their QB like that either. If Pickett has issues and isn't a team guy, then good riddance.

I asked him how many playoff victories he has been a part of in this league on Twitter. Crickets. Strange, he usually comes back at me.

[gilthethrill]

In an 18 game CFL season every team goes through slumps. Without Kelly the alternated wins and losses. Now it's the Argos turn to go through adversity. 3rd place in the Eastern Football Conference seems to be where this team is going to end up. After Saturday's debacle, especially after Pickett ran his mouth, I really want Ottawa in the Eastern Football Conference Semi Final. I want Kellly to shut him up.