Game Thread: Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

[OV Argo]

This is a very exciting, big-play Argo team. They have a chance to go to the GC IMO, but the Als will be a big challenge if Argos get to the East final.

A few little tweaks to both O & D could help IMO.

More ground game, and maybe Hicks is the better change of pace quick & shifty guy to go with a bigger inside runner like Smith; but combined they should be getting 10 or more carries a game; also Mital or Ungerer on a jet sweep type play once a game would provide some diversity & surprise; as would a tight end release play like in the one to Jack Cassar earlier this season.. I hope Chad will cut down on INTs, especially when 3 points is there for the taking at a key moment, but gotta let him keep ripping deep shots.

D is getting tougher; like to see a bit more blitzing (Pickett is outstanding there, and bring a DB from the secondary once in awhile); and if they face a team that might try lots of run game early (like the Bombers with Oliveira last night doing damage), get a bigger body LB in the box to help stop the run, and then all CFL OCs will abandon it to go mostly pass, and then go back to smaller, quicker coverage guys like Tubener or Slwyka (and is Judge due back?) Kelly can win an all pass contest vs. any QB in the league, but a team like the Als that bring lots of diversity on O will be a real challenge - in a season where not a single team in the CFL can play real strong defence, even a decent D can help at least limit the offence and make a few big plays (take aways, key sack) and help win a high scoring match.

[ARGO57]

This Argos team might or might not get to the Grey Cup, but they are developing into one of the most exciting iterations of the team in a long, long time. Capable of making huge plays at any time. Last night there were piles of them: Coxie for 84 and 38 yards, Kahmann for 56, Grant for 128 (!), Grant's left-handed, long-distance lateral to Ungerer for 32. Plus four sacks (all of which were superb plays) and two INTs at key moments. The Argos can get bogged down at times both offensively and defensively, but they seem to be able to make in-game adjustments, and have a lot of playmakers.

Worth noting that this makes five years out of the past six with at least nine wins, and if they win one more game they will have been above .500 in each of those five seasons. Again, not what I expected this season with the horrendous schedule. Also worth noting that although they lost two of the three "home" games played away from home, they won in each of those three stadiums this year.

Credit to Barker, his football ops staff, the coaching staff and most importantly the players for this dramatic improvement over last seasons debacle.

[shatto]

Great win. Thought Kelly played a great game. His first interception was a 50/50 ball that actually hit Mital's hands but the fall jolted it free. Perhaps a ball Kelly shouldn't have thrown. The second interception was not his fault as a defensive player hit his arm just he tried to throw the ball. Blame that one on the O line.
It was good to see the running game working to some degree. Hicks gives the team a explosive RB the team has been lacking recently.
After the first 20 minutes it looked as if Winnipeg was going to roll right over the Argos but this team is showing it never quits. I still wish the team would use a strong and better runner at QB for short yardage situations. Arbuckle has done a good job but it really isn't his strength.

[TICATS SUCK !]

Janarion Grant's return aside, I was kind of concerned about how flat we looked early on. I was stunned by Winnipeg's TD on the short yardage play and was feeling sickened that we might lose on a play like that. I hope everyone enjoyed Grant's brilliant TD, because you're unlikely to ever see that happen again, thanks to Stewie. The team has persevered under difficult circumstances (obviously) and have a record so far that has exceeded my expectations, and the momentum we've been building lately certainly bodes well for the playoffs. I congratulate the entire organization on the turnaround this season.

[AngeloV]

I hope everyone enjoyed Grant's brilliant TD, because you're unlikely to ever see that happen again, thanks to Stewie.

I for 1 will be happy to see the new 15 yard end zones with the posts at the back. I will gladly give up 3 or 4 TD returns in a season for more offensive snaps. Teams are trying 70 FG’s a year and have been for quite some time. That is way too many IMO.

[TICATS SUCK !]

I hope everyone enjoyed Grant's brilliant TD, because you're unlikely to ever see that happen again, thanks to Stewie.

I for 1 will be happy to see the new 15 yard end zones with the posts at the back. I will gladly give up 3 or 4 TD returns in a season for more offensive snaps. Teams are trying 70 FG’s a year and have been for quite some time. That is way too many IMO.

Here are last year's kicking stats: On average, teams attempted 53.1 FG's, with a low of 41 and a high of 65. On another note, I'd love to get an update from you as to how many days it's been since Hamilton's last Grey Cup.

[AngeloV]

I hope everyone enjoyed Grant's brilliant TD, because you're unlikely to ever see that happen again, thanks to Stewie.

I for 1 will be happy to see the new 15 yard end zones with the posts at the back. I will gladly give up 3 or 4 TD returns in a season for more offensive snaps. Teams are trying 70 FG’s a year and have been for quite some time. That is way too many IMO.

Here are last year's kicking stats: On average, teams attempted 53.1 FG's, with a low of 41 and a high of 65. On another note, I'd love to get an update from you as to how many days it's been since Hamilton's last Grey Cup.

In 25 minutes it will be 9,800, and officially guaranteed to hit the 10,000 mark.

[gilthethrill]

Winnipeg was moving the ball at will early on, I assumed the Argos were feeling the effects of the playoff clinching win over Edmonton and were going to be easily defeated. However Winnipeg has a tendency to disappear in the second half. Argos seemed to figure out Dru and we're able to get to him often. Kelly reminded me that it only takes a play to get the team back into a game. Despite the Interceptions, he is the best QB in the CFL. Miller has time to get the run game where it has to be come playoff time. Argos are still in contention for first in the Eastern Football Conference, Fridays game was far from meaningless.

[Don_from_Dryden]

Ridiculous scheduling to play Winnipeg twice with both games played in Winnipeg and Argos on short weeks. First game should have been Winnipeg's home game. It's an area the CFL could improve upon.

Goes along with the back to back games they like so much where teams have a hard time introducing new strategy. Makes it easier for the coaches.

[Will]

That TD pass to Coxie was a thing of beauty.

I echo others that it'd be nice to get some sort of running game going.