Xs and Argos Podcast

It's perhaps the definition of a trap game, for those who believe in such things. Fresh off a convincing Labour Day victory in Hamilton, the 6-6 Toronto Argonauts are back at BMO Field on a short week to face a very well-rested Ottawa Redblacks team with nothing to lose. Ben Grant and JB get you set for Toronto's third home game of the season on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough. The guys start with the latest transaction involving Jordan Herdman-Reed before taking a look at the bigger picture in the East Division. With six games remaining, it's time to start talking Magic Numbers. What does Toronto need to do to secure a playoff berth, and where do the Argos stand in the race to host the East Semi-Final? With Ryan Dinwiddie returning to BMO Field, how different is he from Mike Miller as a head coach and offensive mind? Ben and JB discuss two coaches who actually have plenty in common, but also some fascinating differences. Then it's on to a game Toronto absolutely cannot afford to overlook. Ottawa comes in rested, motivated and with players fighting for their futures. Dinwiddie would undoubtedly love to beat his former team, and the Redblacks have nothing to lose. Meanwhile, Toronto is coming off an emotional Labour Day victory and has had little time to recover and prepare. The message to the Argos: bring everything you have. In OCDC, Ben looks at how Ottawa can attack Toronto by turning the game into a physical battle for the Argos' linebackers. For the Argos, the plan starts with something that worked extremely well against Hamilton: Kevin Mital as part of the protection scheme. But this time, Toronto can use that tendency against Ottawa by showing the same protection looks and leaking Mital into routes. And against a Redblacks defence allowing more than 130 rushing yards per game, there's no reason to abandon the ground game either. Plus, the Injury Report, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag. Toronto has fought its way back to .500 and taken control of second place in the East. Now comes a different challenge: beating a team everyone expects you to beat. It's Ottawa at Toronto, Ryan Dinwiddie is back at BMO Field, and we've got you covered on the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

Now that is how you respond. One week after a frustrating loss in Saskatchewan, the Toronto Argonauts went into Hamilton for the Labour Day Classic, outplayed the Tiger-Cats and came away with a convincing 37-22 victory in one of their most important games of the season. Ben Grant and JB break down a true full-team win on the latest Xs and Argos Postgame Reaction. Defensively, the challenge started with Tre Ford. Toronto did an excellent job containing one of the CFL's most dangerous athletes in the first half, preventing Ford from taking over the game with his legs and forcing Hamilton to find other ways to move the football. The defence bent at times after halftime, but the outcome never really felt in doubt. Offensively, Chad Kelly was dealing, but some of the biggest plays of the afternoon belonged to his receivers. Damonte Coxie, Jake Herslow, and Dave Ungerer III each found the end zone, and all three touchdowns were impressive physical plays in their own way. Toronto's receivers repeatedly put their bodies on the line to finish catches, turning accurate throws from Kelly into some of the defining moments of the game. And then there was Lirim Hajrullahu. Five games after missing a game-winning field goal in Hamilton and subsequently landing on the injured list, Lirim returned to the scene of the crime and looked every bit like the veteran professional Toronto has come to trust. He was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on converts, including a booming 52-yarder. There was no late-game heartbreak this time. The offence made plays. The defence did its job. Special teams delivered. And after letting a very winnable game get away in Saskatchewan, the Argos responded with one of their most complete performances of the season when they needed it most. Toronto is back to .500 at 6-6, has won the season series against Hamilton and has put itself firmly in control of second place in the East. It's Argos 37, Ticats 22 in the Labour Day Classic, and Ben and JB break it all down on the Xs and Argos Postgame Reaction.

Labour Day! The 5-6 Toronto Argonauts head down the QEW for the annual Labour Day Classic against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and this year's edition could have enormous implications for the East Division playoff race. Ben Grant and JB get you set for one of the biggest games on the CFL calendar on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough. The guys start with a surprising transaction: Toronto has released rookie kicker Brady Lidster, who handled the kicking duties for the past five games while Lirim Hajrullahu recovered from a hamstring injury. With Lidster gone and no other active kicker on the roster, is a familiar face about to return? There's also some off-field CFL news to dig into. The league has launched its new website, and Ben and JB discuss the early returns before turning their attention to the CFL's upcoming field-dimension changes. USPORTS and Football Canada won't be adopting the new dimensions in 2027, creating some logistical questions for teams that share facilities with university programs. This week's Pick Six asks a question that takes us back to the days of Condredge Holloway and Joe Barnes: whatever happened to quarterback tandems? If Chad Kelly is struggling, why not give Nick Arbuckle a series or two? Ben and JB examine why modern offences have largely moved away from rotating quarterbacks and whether there are situations where it could still make sense. Then it's time for the Labour Day Classic. The stakes are enormous. A Toronto victory would put the Argos four points ahead of Hamilton with a game in hand and secure the season-series tiebreaker, giving them a commanding advantage in the race for second place in the East. A loss would pull Hamilton level on points, hand the Ticats the tiebreaker and turn the final stretch of the season into a fight for playoff positioning. There's also some potentially significant news in the Injury Report, as a big name makes his return to practice. In OCDC, Ben looks at how Hamilton could use both Tre Ford and Harrison Frost - even within the same drive - to take advantage of a Toronto defence that has been forced to prepare for two very different quarterbacks. For the Argos, the question is how they respond if Hamilton follows Saskatchewan's second-half blueprint and leans heavily on man coverage. Ben wants Toronto to start with the running game, use stacks, bunches, reduced splits and motion to manufacture separation, and make Kevin Mital a central part of the plan. If Hamilton wants to turn its back to the football and challenge Toronto's receivers to beat man coverage, the Argos need to make the Ticats regret it. Plus, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag. It's Argos-Ticats. It's Labour Day. And for a Toronto team trying once again to get back to .500, this one could go a long way toward deciding where the East Final road runs through in November. We've got you covered on the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

In many ways, this might have been the Argos' worst loss of the season. Toronto went into Regina facing a Saskatchewan team ravaged by injuries, built a 22-12 halftime lead, and appeared to be in complete control. Instead, the Argos failed to score a single point on offence in the second half and watched another game slip away through a combination of missed opportunities, protection problems and costly mental mistakes, falling 28-24 to the Roughriders. Ben Grant and JB break down a frustrating night where the Argos should have put the game away long before Saskatchewan ever had an opportunity to come back. The first half is perhaps the most maddening part. Chad Kelly threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns before halftime, yet Toronto left an enormous number of points on the field. The Argos missed two converts, one of which Saskatchewan returned for two points, failed to connect on a wide-open touchdown, and somehow allowed the Riders to drive into field-goal range in the dying seconds of the half. A 22-12 lead could very easily have been 31-7. Then the offence disappeared. Toronto finished the entire game with just 15 rushing yards, repeatedly found itself in second-and-long, and once again struggled to keep Kelly clean. The quarterback finished with 416 yards and three touchdowns, but Saskatchewan's pass rush increasingly took over as the game progressed and the Argos couldn't put together a scoring drive in the second half. The defence, meanwhile, did enough to give Toronto an opportunity to win. The Argos held Saskatchewan to 28 points despite the offence's second-half struggles, produced a late safety to go up three, and had the Riders settling for a field goal from the four-yard line with just over three minutes remaining. And then came perhaps the most painful mistake of the night. An inexcusable offside penalty on the chip-shot field-goal attempt gave Saskatchewan a fresh set of downs. One play later, Tommy Stevens was in the end zone, turning what should have been a tie game into the touchdown that ultimately put Toronto away. This wasn't a game where the Argos were simply beaten by a better football team. They had opportunities to take control, opportunities to put Saskatchewan away, and an opportunity to get the ball back late with a chance to win. They wasted all of them. Ben and JB break down the missed opportunities, the complete absence of a running game, Toronto's recurring pass-protection problems, the second-half offensive collapse, and the mental mistakes that continue to turn winnable games into losses. The Argos are back below .500 at 5-6. And after eleven games, the question is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid: when do these stop being isolated mistakes and simply become who this team is?

This very quickly became a quarterback-themed episode. The 5-5 Toronto Argonauts head back on the road looking to climb above .500 again as they take on a Saskatchewan Roughriders team that has dropped two straight. Ben Grant and JB get you set for the first half of Toronto's two-game road trip on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough. The guys start with the latest transactions, including the release of defensive back Anthony Wilson and the addition of an intriguing new quarterback. Paxton DeLaurent arrives in Toronto after a monster season in the Indoor Football League, where he threw 64 touchdown passes, completed more than 70 percent of his throws and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. What does the former Southeast Missouri State star bring to the quarterback room and why sign him now? And speaking of quarterbacks... The people have spoken. Our inbox has been flooded with Chad Kelly contract extension questions over the past two weeks, and paranoia about Ottawa's involvement, so we thought we'd take a look at some of the smoke. Kelly is scheduled to become a free agent following the season, while smoke continues to build around the possibility of a reunion with former Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie in Ottawa. There's nothing remotely concrete, but with the Redblacks' quarterback situation deteriorating and Kelly potentially able to hit the open market in February, should the Argos be trying to get ahead of this and extend their star quarterback ASAP? This week's Pick Six keeps the quarterback theme going. How difficult is it for a QB to join a new CFL team in the middle of a season and actually play? Ben explains why learning the plays isn't necessarily the biggest obstacle, but learning an entirely new language is. Then it's on to Saskatchewan. The Riders are banged up and have lost two straight, while Toronto is coming off one of its best performances of the season against Hamilton. Chad Kelly is also 4-0 in his career against Saskatchewan. Can the Argos keep the momentum going and move above .500 for the first time since June? In OCDC, Ben looks at how Saskatchewan can protect an older, intelligent quarterback with an elite release by leaning on quick-game concepts and essentially replacing parts of the running game with short passes. For Toronto, the starting point is simple: don't forget what worked last week. Establish the running game again, then use Saskatchewan's response against them. Plus, the Injury Report, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag. It's Toronto at Saskatchewan, and we've got you covered on the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

Now that looked like the team the Argos have been trying to become. After an hour-long lightning delay at BMO Field, Toronto turned a tight game into a convincing 39-20 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, using a dominant second half to pick up a massive win in the East Division. Ben Grant and JB break down one of Toronto's most complete performances of the season. For weeks, we've talked about what the Argos need to do to help an offensive line that's struggled in pass protection. Against Hamilton, they found an even better solution: don't have to protect for very long and run the football. For the first time this season, Toronto showed a legitimate power running game. Isaiah Smith led the way with 99 yards on 15 carries as the Argos piled up 145 yards on the ground, giving the offence a balance it simply hasn't had. And that made life considerably easier for Chad Kelly. Kelly didn't need to play superhero. He played smart, efficient football, completing 26 of 34 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns, adding another on the ground. He took what Hamilton gave him, protected the football for most of the night and, perhaps most importantly, wasn't sacked once after the protection problems that plagued Toronto a week ago in Edmonton. Damonte Coxie also responded in a big way. After a difficult afternoon last week, Coxie bounced back with four catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, including a huge score in the fourth quarter. Defensively, the challenge was obvious: don't let Tre Ford's legs take over the game. Toronto accomplished that. Ford made plays through the air, but the Argos largely kept him contained as a runner, sacked him four times and produced one of the game's biggest plays with a strip-sack and recovery. The Argos trailed at halftime. They outscored Hamilton 24-3 the rest of the way.

It's CNE Game in Toronto, and this one feels bigger than most. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats come to BMO Field for one of the marquee dates on the Argos calendar, and with Toronto and Hamilton battling for position in the East Division, there's a lot more at stake than bragging rights. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a huge rivalry matchup on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough. The guys start with the latest transactions, as a banged-up Argos roster adds a pair of Canadians in defensive lineman Gabriel Maisonneuve and defensive back Istvan Assibo-Dadzie. What might those additions tell us about Toronto's injury situation heading into the weekend? Then it's time to dig into two Xs-and-Os questions that could have a major impact on Saturday's game. First: How does a defence prepare when it doesn't know who the opposing quarterback will be - especially when the two possibilities couldn't be more different? Harrison Frost is a traditional pocket passer. Tre Ford is one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in football. The guys explains why preparing for both isn't simply a matter of learning two players - it can be like preparing for two entirely teams. On the other side of the ball, Toronto has a problem of its own: pass protection. After the offensive line struggled again in Edmonton, what can the Argos do to protect Chad Kelly without simply asking the same five blockers to suddenly play better? Quick game, screens, moving pockets, chips, heavier protections, RPOs, tempo and formation can all help - because pass protection isn't exclusively an offensive-line problem. This week's Pick Six continues that discussion with a bigger CFL question: is there a genuine shortage of quality offensive tackles in the league, or are teams failing to properly develop the ones they have? Then it's on to the game itself. In OCDC, Ben looks at how Hamilton can take advantage of Tre Ford's extraordinary athleticism without repeatedly exposing him to hits, and why sometimes the threat of the quarterback run can be more valuable than the run itself. For Toronto, it's about making Hamilton process as much information as possible with motion, tempo and a variety of pre-snap looks. Plus, the Injury Report, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag. And Saturday is about more than just the game. It's the annual CNE Game, Argos jerseys are 40% off in-stadium, and franchise greats Kevin Eiben and Carl Brazley will officially become All-Time Argos during a halftime ceremony. The rivalry is renewed. The East Division race is heating up. And the Argos need an answer after an ugly afternoon in Edmonton. It's Hamilton at Toronto at the CNE, and we've got you covered on the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-684a4243-315c-8012-8233-2e0eb05acf92-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-684a4243-315c-8012-8233-2e0eb05acf92-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-364" data-turn="assistant"> This was an ugly one. The Toronto Argonauts went into Edmonton looking to build some momentum after last week's dramatic home win over Calgary. Instead, they leave with perhaps their most concerning loss of the season, falling 42-12 to the Elks and dropping to 4-5. Ben Grant flies solo for this edition of the Postgame Reaction to break down a game where the final score doesn't necessarily tell you which unit struggled most. Believe it or not, Toronto's defence played pretty well. The Argos came in with an excellent plan for Justin Rankin, completely neutralizing one of Edmonton's biggest weapons for much of the afternoon. But after repeatedly being put back on the field by mistakes elsewhere, the defence eventually ran out of gas. The bigger concerns came on offence and special teams. Toronto turned the ball over six times, struggled to establish any kind of running game and had a series of costly drops - including one from sure-handed Damonte Coxie that turned into an Edmonton pick-six. Special teams contributed two missed field goals, a shanked punt, and a fumble on a kickoff return. But perhaps the most troubling development was up front. The Argos' offensive line struggled to protect Chad Kelly even when Edmonton rushed only three or four defenders. When a defence can consistently generate pressure without blitzing, it can drop eight or nine into coverage and make life extremely difficult for any quarterback. Ben breaks down why that's such a major concern going forward - and some of the schematic answers Toronto can use to combat it. There are also some coaching decisions to discuss, including a pair of questionable third-and-short calls, an unusual penalty decision late in the first half, a head-scratching challenge, and the decision to go for two following Kevin Mital's huge catch. And then there are the injuries. Jonathan Kongbo, Kevin Mital, DaShaun Amos, LP Gauthier, Bubba Bolden, and Dave Ungerer all required attention at various points, although most were able to return. There isn't much to celebrate after a 30-point loss, but there is plenty to break down. What went wrong? What can be fixed? And after reaching the halfway point of the season at 4-5, what should concern Argos fans most about this team going forward? It's all on this edition of the Xs and Argos Postgame Reaction.

Fresh off a wild 33-30 victory over Calgary at BMO Field, the 4-4 Toronto Argonauts head west to take on the 6-3 Edmonton Elks in a rare Saturday mid-afternoon matchup. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a fascinating test against one of the CFL's best teams. This week, the guys start with the latest transactions as Toronto makes a couple of moves involving major NCAA programs, bringing former USC defensive back Akili Arnold back into the fold while moving on from former Florida State offensive lineman Darius Washington. Then it's time for a deep dive into late-game clock management. Toronto's final drive against Calgary ended with the win, but did the Argos leave the Stampeders far too much time? Ben breaks down the difference between Clock Preservation Mode and Last Possession Mode, explains when an offence should make the transition, and introduces his formula for determining how much time you should leave on the clock as you move into scoring territory. The guys also tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding the Argos through eight games. Chad Kelly's aggressive style has produced spectacular results, but also plenty of interceptions. This week's Pick Six asks whether Toronto should try to rein him in or accept the turnovers as the price of having one of the CFL's most dangerous quarterbacks. Then it's on to Edmonton. Ben and JB break down the matchup, including how the Argos can prevent Justin Rankin from taking over the game and how Edmonton can use its running backs to put Toronto's defence in conflict. On the other side of the ball, Ben explains why Toronto's receiving corps is perfectly suited for an option-based passing attack and why mesh could be the concept to watch on Saturday. Plus: The latest Injury Report OCDC One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag The Argos are back to .500 and sitting second in the East. Now comes another opportunity to show that the team that emerged from that brutal opening road trip is ready to make some noise in the second half of the season. It's Toronto and Edmonton, Saturday at 3:00 p.m. ET, and the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough has everything you need to get ready.

Home sweet home. After seven straight games on the road, the Toronto Argonauts finally returned to BMO Field and somehow found a way to pull out a wild 33-30 victory over the Calgary Stampeders. It certainly wasn't easy. On a night when the Argos' offence seemed determined to give the game away, Toronto's defence delivered its most complete performance of the season. The Double Blue held Calgary to under 250 yards of total offence, intercepted Vernon Adams Jr. twice - his first two interceptions of the season - and didn't allow him to throw a single touchdown pass. Those turnovers were especially important because Toronto was having problems of its own. Chad Kelly threw four interceptions as the Argos lost the turnover battle 5-3, yet a special teams touchdown and an outstanding defensive effort kept them within striking distance all night. And then, when they absolutely had to have it, the offence finally came alive. Trailing late in the fourth quarter, Toronto battled back, Sam Hicks ripped off a huge 40-yard touchdown run, and rookie kicker Brady Lidster gave the Argos the lead before Benji Franklin's interception slammed the door on Calgary. Ben Grant and JB break down one of the strangest and gutsiest wins of the season. How did the Argos survive five turnovers? What changed defensively after Calgary put up 58 points in their first meeting? And what can we take away from an offence that struggled badly for much of the night but still produced when the game was on the line? Plus, the guys discuss the other star of Toronto's long-awaited home opener: the new and improved BMO Field. From the pristine grass surface to the upgraded lights, sound system and video boards - and the brand-new North Pavilion boxes enjoyed by several Home Suite Home winners - the World Cup renovations have transformed the Argos' home. After two months away, the Argos are finally back at BMO. And they're back at .500.

After seven straight games on the road, the Toronto Argonauts are finally coming home. Ben Grant and JB get you set for Toronto's long-awaited home opener as the Double Blue welcome the Calgary Stampeders to a newly renovated BMO Field. Is this the game that marks the true beginning of the Argos' season? The guys explain why Thursday night feels like one of the biggest turning points of the year. This week's show begins with the latest roster news, including Toronto's trade for veteran centre Chris Kolankowski as the Argos continue to improve their roster as opportunities arise. Ben and JB also discuss linebacker James Neal joining the active roster and what the latest moves say about where this team is heading. One of the most fascinating conversations of the episode centers around a newly published peer-reviewed study examining travel in the CFL. The research found that teams travelling west for evening games consistently perform worse than those travelling east, raising an intriguing question: just how impressive was Toronto's 3-4 start after opening the season with seven consecutive road games? Ben breaks down the study and why it could change the way we think about scheduling in the CFL. Also on this week's episode: Home Suite Home, as the final winners are announced Pick Six, featuring a discussion on whether the Argos should be expected to play better now that they're finally home A full game preview of Thursday night's matchup with Calgary The latest injury report An in-depth Xs-and-Os breakdown of how each team can attack the other One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag Will the energy of the home crowd provide the spark the Argos have been waiting for? Can Chad Kelly and the offence keep Calgary's dangerous pass rush at bay? And after spending nearly two months living out of suitcases, are the Double Blue finally ready to show what this team is really capable of? Ben Grant and JB break it all down on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

The Argos have finally reached their second bye week, bringing an end to an unprecedented seven-game road trip to open the 2026 season. With Toronto sitting at 3-4, Ben Grant and JB take a step back to evaluate where the team stands, what they've accomplished, and what needs to improve as the stretch drive begins. The guys revisit each game from the opening half of the season - from the frustrating missed opportunities in Montreal and Hamilton to statement wins over Ottawa, Saskatchewan, and BC - and discuss why the Argos may be in a better position than their record suggests. With six of the final eleven games at home, Ben and JB explain why a strong second half should put Toronto in position to host a playoff game. The centerpiece of this week's episode is the Xs and Argos Midseason Report Card. Every positional group receives a grade as the guys evaluate what's gone right, what's gone wrong, and which units need to improve down the stretch. Also on this week's episode: Home Suite Home, with one final opportunity to win box tickets to Toronto's home opener Ben and JB's True CFL Power Rankings Pick Six, featuring the question: Which player on another CFL roster would make the biggest difference if he were an Argo? Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag The road trip is finally behind them. Now comes the opportunity. Ben Grant and JB break down why the Argos still have a legitimate path to finishing near the top of the East Division, and what they'll have to do over the final 11 games to get there.

The Toronto Argonauts couldn't have picked a better time to put together their most complete performance of the season. Facing what Ben Grant called a must-win game, the Double Blue delivered in all three phases, defeating the BC Lions 26-12 to head into the bye week with momentum and finally bring their marathon road trip to an end. The victory wasn't without its concerns. Chad Kelly was outstanding before leaving in the second quarter with what appeared to be a neck injury. Before exiting, he had the offence operating at an elite level, and while his status will be the biggest storyline over the bye week, Nick Arbuckle stepped in and guided the offence efficiently the rest of the way. He even showed off a little mobility, making several timely plays with his legs in a performance that helped secure the win. Defensively, the Argos were relentless. Toronto recorded four sacks - including two from newly signed veteran Shawn Lemon - and came within inches of several interceptions while consistently frustrating the Lions' offence. Special teams were equally impressive, as James Burnip continued his outstanding play with a 52.4-yard punting average, rookie Brady Lidster connected on four of his five field-goal attempts, and Janarion Grant repeatedly flipped field position with nearly 20 yards per punt return, including three explosive returns. Ben Grant and JB break down Toronto's most complete effort of 2026, discuss the impact of Shawn Lemon's return, hand out their Players of the Game and Plays of the Game, and bring you radio highlights from TSN 1050 with Mike Hogan. They'll also examine the injury concerns surrounding Chad Kelly, linebacker Owen Goss, and cornerback Benji Franklin, and what those injuries could mean as the Argos head into a much-needed bye week. Toronto now returns home at 3-4 with confidence, momentum, and a chance to reset before welcoming the Calgary Stampeders to BMO Field on August 6. The road trip is finally over—and the Argos may have found their identity just in time.

The Toronto Argonauts have reached a crossroads. After nearly two months on the road, the Double Blue head to Vancouver for what might be the most important game of the season. A win over the BC Lions sends Toronto into its bye week with momentum and in a good position in the standings before finally returning home. A loss would mean three straight defeats to backup quarterbacks and plenty of questions heading into the second half of the season. This week, Ben Grant and JB break down Toronto's latest roster moves, including the return of two familiar faces. Veteran pass-rusher Shawn Lemon is back for a third stint with the Argonauts, bringing 103 career sacks and three Grey Cup rings to a defensive line in need of reinforcements. DeWayne Hendrix also returns just one week after being released, as Toronto continues to shuffle its roster amid a growing list of injuries. The guys also congratulate Jack Cassar on being selected for induction into the Carleton Ravens Hall of Fame, recognizing one of the most accomplished defensive careers in program history and the outstanding CFL career he's continued to build with the Argonauts. Also on this week's episode: Home Suite Home, with another chance to win box tickets to Toronto's home opener Pick Six, featuring a listener question about what's changed with the Argos' defence over the past three weeks The latest injury report as Toronto limps toward a much-needed bye week A full game preview and detailed Xs-and-Os breakdown of Argonauts vs. Lions One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag Can the Argos finally put together a complete performance? Will Chad Kelly and the offence find the right balance against one of the CFL's best defensive fronts? And can Toronto avoid a third straight loss to a backup quarterback? Ben and JB break it all down as the Argonauts prepare for what could be the defining game of their season.

The Toronto Argonauts suffered a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday night, and while the lasting image will be Lirim Hajrullahu's missed 31-yard field goal as time expired, Ben Grant and JB explain why the game was lost long before the final kick. Yes, Hajrullahu missed the game-winning field goal. Yes, he also missed an extra point earlier in the contest. But football is the ultimate team game, and this defeat belonged to all three phases. On offence, the CFL's highest-scoring unit got off to a dream start, marching down the field for a touchdown on its opening possession. From there, however, Toronto managed just three points over the next three quarters before mounting a furious fourth-quarter comeback that ultimately came up one point short. Chad Kelly finished with over 320 passing yards, but the Argos simply waited too long to find their rhythm. Defensively, the numbers tell one story, but the film tells another. Holding Hamilton to 24 points should be enough to win most nights, but the Tiger-Cats did all of their scoring through the first three quarters. By the fourth, Hamilton was without both starting offensive tackles and had a fullback playing guard on an all-Canadian offensive line. The Argos finally took control defensively, but earlier in the game they struggled to contain Tre Ford, repeatedly taking poor pursuit angles and allowing him to escape what should have been drive-ending sacks. On this week's Postgame Reaction, Ben and JB dig into every turning point, every missed opportunity, and why it's far too simplistic to pin the loss on one player or one kick. They also highlight the bright spots, including the resilience Toronto showed in battling back to give itself a chance in the final seconds. The easy takeaway is that one missed field goal cost Toronto the game. The correct takeaway is that a collection of mistakes over four quarters left the Argos badly needing that kick. Ben Grant and JB break it all down on this week's Xs and Argos Postgame Reaction.

After five straight games away from BMO Field, the Toronto Argonauts finally get something close to a home game as they head to Hamilton to face the Tiger-Cats in a pivotal East Division showdown. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a matchup that feels like a must-win for both clubs. This week, the guys break down a busy stretch of transactions, including Toronto's release of defensive tackle Dewayne Hendrix and offensive lineman Anim Dankwah, a trade for a former All-SEC player for Alabama, and the signing of standout Windsor kicker Brady Lidster. The conversation then turns to Chad Kelly, whose candid comments about Toronto's unprecedented road-heavy start to the season made headlines well beyond the CFL. Ben and JB discuss whether Kelly's frustrations are justified, how much the constant travel has affected the Argos, and why finally getting closer to home could make a difference over the second half of the season. Also on this week's episode: Home Suite Home, with another chance to win box tickets to Toronto's home opener Another surprise visit to practice from a former Argo Pick Six, featuring a listener question about the Hamilton seating controversy Injury Report OCDC One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag With Bo Levi Mitchell sidelined, the Tiger-Cats enter the week searching for answers at quarterback, while Toronto has an opportunity to get back above .500. It's another packed edition of the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough, getting you ready for one of the biggest games of Toronto's season so far.

The Toronto Argonauts left Winnipeg feeling like they let one get away. Despite holding Brady Oliveira to just 64 total yards, forcing two turnovers, and limiting the Blue Bombers to a single offensive touchdown, the Argos fell 30-21 in a game where mistakes in all three phases ultimately proved too much to overcome. Ben Grant and JB break down a frustrating night at Princess Auto Stadium, where Chad Kelly turned in another strong performance and Makai Polk continued his emergence as one of the CFL's most dangerous receivers. But while the passing game generated big plays, the offensive line struggled to consistently handle Winnipeg's four-man rush, and after Sam Hicks burst through for a 26-yard run on Toronto's opening drive, the Argos managed just four rushing yards from him the rest of the night. The turning point came on special teams. Trailing by one score in the fourth quarter, Toronto missed a 40-yard field goal that was returned 129 yards by Trey Vaval for a touchdown - a devastating 10-point swing in a game ultimately decided by nine. Combined with other special teams miscues throughout the evening, it was the difference between flying home with a statement road win and leaving Winnipeg empty-handed. On this week's Postgame Reaction, Ben and JB examine the game through all three phases, discuss the early tackling issues on defence, why the unit still deserves plenty of credit for its overall performance, and where the offence and special teams must improve heading into next week's game against Hamilton.

The Toronto Argonauts continue their season-opening road trip with one of the toughest assignments in the CFL - a Friday night showdown in Winnipeg. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a pivotal Week 6 matchup as the 2-2 Argos look to climb the East Division standings and prove they're not the team some Power Rankings would have you believe. On this week's episode: Toronto's latest roster moves, including the exciting addition of Bubba Bolden Home Suite Home, with another chance to win box tickets to Toronto's home opener Pick Six, featuring a question about how the Argos prepare defensively without knowing Winnipeg's starting QB The latest injury report, including the impact of Dakota Shepley's return to practice and Cameron Judge's absence A full game preview and Xs-and-Os breakdown of both teams One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag Can the Argos slow down Brady Oliveira? Will Chad Kelly continue his strong start to the season? Ben Grant and JB break it all down on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

The Toronto Argonauts suffered their toughest loss of the young season Thursday night, falling 58-36 to the Calgary Stampeders in a game that slipped away just before halftime. For much of the opening half, the Argos were right where they wanted to be. The offence moved the football, special teams made several positive contributions, and Toronto looked poised to head into the break within striking distance. Then, with just 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Vernon Adams Jr. connected on a 73-yard touchdown pass that completely changed the complexion of the game. From that point on, Calgary seized control and never looked back. While the final score won't sit well with anyone in Double Blue, Ben Grant and JB explain why the offence wasn't the story. Chad Kelly and the Argos moved the ball effectively for much of the night, and there were encouraging performances across the offensive unit and on special teams. Instead, the difference was Calgary's ability to consistently attack Toronto through the air, as Vernon Adams Jr. put together the best passing performance of the young CFL season. On this week's Postgame Reaction, Ben and JB identify two specific areas Calgary repeatedly targeted on offence and discuss why it gave Toronto's defence so much trouble. More importantly, they examine whether those issues are correctable before next week's showdown with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. They'll also have radio replays with Mike Hogan from the call on TSN 1050. The Argos now have a full week to regroup before facing another major test on the road. Ben Grant and JB break down what went wrong, what still went right, and where the Double Blue go from here.

The Toronto Argonauts have won two straight and now head to Calgary for their fourth consecutive road game, looking to improve to 3-1 and continue climbing the East Division standings. This week, Ben Grant and JB celebrate two of the newest members of the All-Time Argos. The guys reflect on the remarkable careers of linebacker Kevin Eiben and defensive back Carl Brazley, discussing why both legends earned their place among the greatest players in franchise history and what made each of them so special. Ben and JB dive into the tactical battle that could decide the game. How can the Argos neutralize Calgary's talented defensive front? Should Chad Kelly continue to rely on quick decisions, tempo, and moving the pocket? And can Toronto's offence continue the efficiency it displayed in Regina? Plus: A discussion on Toronto's locker room culture and why it matters over the course of a CFL season A full game preview of Argos vs. Stampeders Injury Report Pick Six, explaining some of the football terminology fans hear every week OCDC: How should each team attack the opposing defence? One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag The road doesn't get any easier, but another win in Calgary would further establish the Argonauts as one of the CFL's hottest teams heading into Week 6.

The Toronto Argonauts marched into Regina and handed the Saskatchewan Roughriders their first loss of the season, knocking off the Riders 40-34 in what was officially a home game for Toronto but felt anything but. It wasn't a perfect performance, and it certainly wasn't a conventional one. There were explosive plays on offence, a game-changing punt return touchdown from Janarion Grant, momentum swings in every quarter, and a few head-scratching moments. But when the game hung in the balance, Toronto's biggest stars delivered. Chad Kelly once again led the offence with poise, the playmakers came through when it mattered most, and the Argos proved they have the firepower to beat anyone in the CFL. Now sitting at 2-1, Toronto leaves Saskatchewan with one of the league's most impressive road victories and a statement win over a team many considered the CFL's early benchmark. Ben Grant and JB break down everything from an entertaining Friday night in Regina, taking a closer look at the mistakes the Argos made, how they overcame them, and why this victory could be an important turning point early in the season. Plus: Players of the Game Plays of the Game Radio replays from TSN 1050 with Mike Hogan It wasn't flawless, but it was resilient, opportunistic, and ultimately good enough to leave Regina with a huge victory.

The Toronto Argonauts are coming off their first win of the season, but their toughest challenge yet awaits Friday night in Regina. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a showdown with the undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders in what could be an early measuring-stick game for the Double Blue. This week, the guys break down Toronto's latest roster moves, highlighted by the signing of former Florida State offensive lineman Darius Washington. Ben dives into the film and explains why the Argos may have quietly improved one of their biggest areas of concern. They also discuss Mike Miller's decision to keep the team off the practice field earlier this week. Is it a smart way to manage players during a long road stretch, or a risk for a team still trying to establish its identity? The conversation then turns to Kevin Mital's new contract extension, and why the Argos may have secured one of the CFL's premier Canadian receivers in a deal that is legitimately good for both sides. After leading the league in receptions a season ago and exploding out of the gate in 2026, Mital is quickly becoming one of the league's most valuable offensive players. Plus: A look at the quarterback chaos unfolding in Ottawa and the Toronto connections surrounding it A full game preview of Friday night's clash in Saskatchewan Pick Six, featuring a listener question about whether a starter automatically gets his job back after a long injury absence Home Suite Home, including your chance to win tickets to Toronto's first home game in the newly renovated north-end boxes at BMO Field Injury Report OCDC One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag A win in Regina would send a message to the rest of the CFL. Friday night presents Toronto with its first opportunity to prove it belongs among the league's elite.

The Toronto Argonauts picked up their first win of the 2026 season in impressive fashion, rolling past the Ottawa Redblacks 44-24 in a game that got closer than the final score might suggest, but was never really in question either. Ben Grant and JB break down a dominant performance from the Double Blue, who piled up over 500 yards of offence and controlled the game from start to finish. Chad Kelly showed some rust, throwing four interceptions, but also reminded everyone why he's one of the CFL's most dangerous quarterbacks, surpassing 400 passing yards for the second consecutive week while throwing four touchdown passes. Offensively, the Argos got contributions from all over the field. Kevin Mital delivered one of the best performances of his young career, Tyler Kahmann continued to emerge as a reliable weapon, and Toronto's ground game provided enough balance to keep Ottawa on its heels throughout the afternoon. Defensively, this was a statement performance. The Argos limited Ottawa to a single touchdown and came up with the game's defining moment when they stuffed the Redblacks at the one-yard line, preserving control of the game and effectively ending any hopes of a comeback.  The victory wasn't without concern, however. Starting safety Robert Priester left the game with what appeared to be a serious injury, and his replacement, rookie Ethan John, impressed before suffering an injury of his own. There was also a scare late when Kevin Mital had to be helped off the field, though early indications suggest the standout receiver may have avoided a significant injury. The Argos are now 1-1, and with plenty of positives to build on, Ben Grant and JB break down everything that happened in Ottawa. Plus, the guys hand out their Players of the Game, relive the Plays of the Game, and look ahead to the next challenge on Toronto's schedule.

The Argonauts are searching for their first win of the 2026 season, and this week's challenge comes with an extra layer of intrigue. Ben Grant and JB get you set for Toronto's trip to Ottawa, where the Argos will face their former head coach Ryan Dinwiddie for the first time. After re-watching Toronto's season-opening loss in Montreal, the guys dig into what actually worked better than the result might suggest. Chad Kelly threw for 445 yards, but where did the offence leave yards on the field? What can the Argos do to get Damonte Coxie and Makai Polk more involved? And why might Sam Hicks be the key to unlocking even more from Toronto's offence this week? Defensively, Ben and JB examine a unit that struggled to generate pressure without blitzing and discuss how that affected the secondary throughout the night. What adjustments need to be made heading into a matchup with Jake Maier and an Ottawa offence loaded with playmakers? Plus: How much of an advantage does Ryan Dinwiddie have knowing the core of this Argos roster so well? The latest injury news, including concerns along the offensive line following Kendall Randolph's injury Week 3 may not be a must-win (unless you're JB), but it's a significant early-season test for a Toronto team looking to avoid an 0-2 start. Ben Grant and JB break it all down on the latest edition of the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

The Toronto Argonauts opened their 2026 season with a frustrating 37–30 loss in Montreal, a game that felt very much there for the taking. In his first game action in 581 days, Chad Kelly looked every bit like one of the CFL's elite quarterbacks, throwing for 445 yards and three touchdowns. The Argos also found some success on the ground, but costly drops, missed connections, and untimely mistakes prevented Toronto from turning a strong offensive performance into a victory. Defensively, the Argos struggled to generate consistent pressure on Davis Alexander, allowing the Montreal quarterback to settle into a rhythm and produce a huge night through the air. Special teams also played a major role in the outcome, surrendering a blocked punt touchdown and leaving points on the field with two missed field goals. Despite the loss, there were encouraging signs. Kelly's return was a major positive, Sam Hicks showed flashes in the backfield, and Tyler Kahmann continued to make a strong impression in his first regular season action. Still, all three phases of the team will need to improve quickly before next week's showdown against Ryan Dinwiddie's Ottawa Redblacks. Ben Grant and JB break down Mike Miller's regular-season debut as head coach, discuss what went right, what went wrong, and where the Argos go from here. Plus, hear the biggest moments from the game with radio replays from TSN 1050.

The wait is over. Argos football is back, and Ben Grant and JB are here to get you set for the Toronto's season opener Friday night in Montreal. This week, the guys break down a handful of notable roster moves, including the addition of Canadian offensive lineman Dominico Piazza, an intriguing prospect Ben has followed since his days at McGill, and the practice roster signings of Michael Buckley and Dathan Hickey. They also discuss former Argo Anthony Vandal landing on Montreal's practice roster and what may have led to the release of Theron Johnson. One of the biggest storylines facing Toronto this season is a schedule quirk unlike any other: the Argos will begin the year with seven consecutive road games. Ben and JB discuss the challenge that presents, how important a fast start could be, and why Friday night's matchup feels bigger than a typical contest. The guys also dive into their game preview, injury report, and a detailed OC/DC breakdown of how each team can attack the other. Should Montreal lean on the run game or test Toronto's revamped safety position? Can Chad Kelly and the Argos exploit vulnerabilities in the middle of the Alouettes' secondary? And how much of Toronto's offensive success will come down to one simple objective: keeping their franchise quarterback upright? Plus: Pick Six One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag The 2026 season is finally here. Ben Grant and JB get you ready for kickoff as the Argonauts head to Montreal looking to start the year on the right foot.

The CFL season is finally here! With final roster cuts now complete, the guys break down the most surprising decisions Toronto made, including the departures of Aaron Casey, Anthony Vandal, and Peyton Logan. They also take a position-by-position look at the 2026 Argonauts and discuss how the roster stacks up heading into the season. The biggest news of the week may have come after final cuts, as Toronto signed former Winnipeg Blue Bombers starting tackle Kendall Randolph. Ben and JB discuss why this could prove to be one of the most important additions of the offseason and what it means for the offensive line moving forward. The conversation then shifts to the CFL's new six-year television agreement, which keeps TSN as the league's primary broadcast partner while adding DAZN beginning in 2027. What does the deal mean for the future of the CFL and the league's financial outlook? Plus, despite coming off a Grey Cup championship just two seasons ago and returning a healthy Chad Kelly, the Argos are finding themselves near the bottom of many preseason power rankings. Ben and JB debate whether the skepticism is justified and offer their own expectations for the 2026 campaign.

The Toronto Argonauts wrapped up their 2026 preseason schedule with a 20–14 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Alumni Stadium in Guelph. While the final score won't count in the standings, there was no shortage of storylines as players battled for roster spots, practice roster opportunities, and potentially even starting jobs. With most established starters resting on both sides, this game was all about evaluation. Which players took advantage of their opportunities? Who did enough to force their way into roster discussions? And are there any newcomers or young players who may have put pressure on veteran incumbents heading into final cutdown day? Ben Grant and JB break down the key performances from across the roster, discuss the toughest decisions facing the coaching staff and management, and look ahead to what the final roster could look like as the Argos prepare for Week 1. Training camp is over. The evaluations are nearly complete. Now the hard decisions begin.

The regular season is almost here, but first the Toronto Argonauts have one more preseason test. Ben Grant and JB get you caught up on everything happening around the Double Blue and get you set for Friday night's preseason finale in Guelph against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Projected starting Canadian safety Enoch Makonzo has unexpectedly retired, leaving Toronto with questions about roster construction. Can rookie Ethan John step into the role immediately? Or will the Argos need to pivot and open the season with an American at safety? The guys also take a hard look at Toronto's Canadian depth across the roster. Which spots feel solid? Which positions are one injury away from becoming a problem? Ben and JB also debate one of training camp's more unusual moments after Mike Miller ended practice early and took the team to the movies. Smart team-building move? Or valuable practice time a team can't afford to lose? Plus: Which position battles matter most Friday night Which jobs could still be won or lost Who you should be watching closely in the preseason finale Why initiatives like Huddle Up, which wrapped up its 25th year in Guelph this week, continue to matter so much And finally, the guys dive into renewed discussion surrounding possible CFL expansion into Halifax or Quebec City Training camp is winding down. Tough roster decisions are coming. And Week 1 is right around the corner.

The Toronto Argonauts opened their 2026 preseason with a 20–10 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Hamilton Stadium, but with cold temperatures, driving rain, and heavy winds throughout the night, this was far from an ideal environment for evaluation. Ben Grant and JB break down Chad Kelly's return to game action, his first appearance since suffering an injury in the 2024 East Final, and discuss what stood out from the Argos' franchise quarterback in limited preseason work. The guys also go position by position looking at who impressed, who helped themselves, and who still has work to do as Toronto moves toward final roster decisions. With weather making evaluation difficult for coaches, management, and even the podcast hosts themselves, separating performances from conditions becomes a major theme of the episode. With only one preseason game remaining, roster battles are heating up, difficult decisions are coming, and the road to Week 1 is officially underway.

Ben Grant and JB officially kick off the 2026 season as the Toronto Argonauts open training camp and prepare for their preseason opener Saturday afternoon in Hamilton. This week's episode takes a deep dive into the early storylines shaping camp, including several surprising roster decisions as the Argos begin trimming down to build their 2026 team. The guys discuss notable cuts including Jarret Doege, Spencer Brown, and Josh Donovan, while also looking at which positions remain wide open, and which jobs already appear locked down. The guys also break down Toronto's annual Double Blue Game, discussing what can and can't be learned from an intersquad scrimmage. Which players stood out? Which positions are difficult to evaluate without true game conditions? And which new faces could push their way into meaningful roles this season? Plus, the guys get you set for Toronto's preseason opener against Hamilton with early thoughts on what to watch for as the Argos begin their journey toward another Grey Cup run. Ben also gives a shoutout to Football Ontario, Football Canada, and Queen's University for hosting Elite Flag Nationals, and the CFL for getting their logo and branding in front of 750 elite Canadian youth athletes. Training camp is underway. Football is back. And the road to 2026 starts now.

The Xs & Argos Post Draft Special is here! Ben Grant and JB discuss the retirement of CFL veteran DaVaris Daniels following an outstanding career that included two Grey Cup championships with the Double Blue. They also break down key upcoming dates as the Argos prepare for training camp and the start of the 2026 season. Plus, the CFL is moving to a Victoria Day long weekend start in 2027. On the surface it sounds like a great idea, but could there be unintended consequences? Finally, the guys go through Toronto's entire 2026 draft class, and Mike Hogan joins the show to share what it was like inside the Argonauts war room.