Xs and Argos Podcast
234 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsHosts Ben Grant and JB take you through the Toronto Argonauts season with previews, postgame reactions, chalk talk, the occasional therapy session, and complete coverage of everything Double Blue.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Postgame Reaction: Saskatchewan 30 - Toronto 23
July 05, 2024 05:38 - 44 minutes - 35.9 MBThe Argonauts defence did just about everything they could, limiting Roughriders quarterback Shea Patterson to under 200 yards passing, and holding A.J. Ouellette to 3.6 yards-per-carry, but the offence turned the ball over five times and must be held responsible for the loss. Hosts Ben Grant and JB break down the game and look ahead to who should start at quarterback next week for the Argos after Cam Dukes struggled for the second straight outing.
Postgame Reaction: Montreal 30 - Toronto 20
June 29, 2024 04:07 - 26 minutes - 21.1 MBThe Montreal Alouettes were the better team, and they proved it through 60 minutes of football, but there were some positive takeaways for the Argos, and they certainly belonged out there with the defending Grey Cup champions. Hosts Ben Grant and JB react to Toronto's first loss of the season, look at what went wrong for the Boatmen, and outline some injury concerns moving forward.
Pregame Walkthrough: vs Montreal
June 26, 2024 22:21 - 43 minutes - 35.2 MBThe Alouettes are the #1 team on just about every power ranking, and the undefeated Argonauts haven't dropped a regular season home game in ages. Hosts Ben Grant and JB get you set for this huge tilt and recap the week's Argos news.
Postgame Reaction: Toronto 39 - Edmonton 36
June 23, 2024 04:45 - 41 minutes - 33.3 MBThe former Argos came to play as McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Kurleigh Gittens Jr., and Javon Leake did everything they could to give Edmonton their first win of the season, but nothing could stop Cam Dukes and the Argonauts offence on this night. Dukes followed up his fantastic season debut with another incredible performance completing 86-percent of his passes, and the Toronto defence did just enough to get the win. Hosts Ben Grant and JB break down the action from BMO Field.
Pregame Walkthrough vs Edmonton
June 20, 2024 02:40 - 55 minutes - 44.5 MBThe Toronto Argonauts host the former Toronto Argonauts, better known as the Edmonton Elks as MacLeod Bethel-Thompson, Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Boris Bede, Javon Leake, Josh Hagerty, Sam Acheampong, Martez Ivey, and Dakota Prukop come to town. Quarterback Cam Dukes showed up on the injury report, Tarvarus McFadden signed in Edmonton, the Argos added a receiver, and Running Back Relentless - the Andrew Harris documentary - hits streaming platforms. Hosts Ben Grant and JB bring you all the detai...
Bye Week Special - Oakman and Marion are released, Ricky Ray is honoured
June 13, 2024 02:27 - 38 minutes - 31.2 MBIt's been a busy first bye week of the season for the Toronto Argonauts, releasing defensive linemen Shawn Oakman and Benoit Marion. It was also announced that Ricky Ray will be added to the All-Time Argos list. Hosts Ben Grant and JB break it all down and consider where the Argos stand in the East Division and the league overall through one week.
Postgame Reaction: Argos 35 - Lions 27
June 10, 2024 04:14 - 36 minutes - 28.9 MBCameron Dukes had a big day at quarterback and the Toronto defensive line was too much for BC to handle as the Argos came from behind to beat the Lions. Hosts Ben and JB break down all the action from BMO Field, select players-of-the-game, and try to pinpoint where the game was won.
Pregame Walkthrough vs the BC Lions
June 05, 2024 02:46 - 54 minutes - 43.3 MBWho will play corner for the Argos this season? Why did the team go so light at tackle? Which Argos were missing from TSN's Top 50 CFL Players list? Who will be Toronto's most valuable offensive and defensive players this season? Hosts Ben Grant and JB have the answers, plus all the usual bells and whistles in this Pregame Walkthrough edition of the Xs and Argos podcast.
Preseason wraps up with a 25-14 Argos win over Hamilton
June 01, 2024 02:49 - 34 minutes - 27.3 MBToronto's starters looked ready for the regular season, questions were answered at quarterback with Cameron Dukes putting together another solid outing, and first round draft pick Kevin Mital had a huge day. It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Argos, but hosts Ben Grant and JB will look at why Toronto should feel confident heading into the season, and why there will be some difficult cuts to make.
The Argos learned important lessons in Montreal and made some interesting signings, as they prepare for Hamilton
May 28, 2024 22:30 - 51 minutes - 41.1 MBThe Double Blue have signed an elite return specialist and an intruiging quarterback while also saying goodbye to few talented players. Hosts Ben Grant and JB give you their takes on the moves and break down Toronto's 30-13 preseason loss to the Montreal Alouettes. They'll also look ahead to Toronto's game against the Tiger-Cats in Guelph and outline what fans might expect to see.
Double Blue Game analysis / looking ahead to Montreal
May 23, 2024 02:48 - 51 minutes - 40.9 MBThe annual Double Blue Game is in the books. The defence set the tone with their aggressive play, and the quarterback production was strong across the board. Hosts Ben Grant and JB break down all the action from Monday night and get you set for Toronto’s preseason opener in Montreal this Saturday.
Training Camp Report with Mike Hogan
May 14, 2024 23:25 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBWith Toronto's training camp underway at the University of Guelph, hosts Ben Grant and JB check in with Argos Manager of Communication and play-by-play voice, Mike Hogan, to see what this year's projected starting lineup might look like and who has stood out in the first few days of camp. Then, the guys take a preseason stab at the power rankings. Where does Toronto stand without Chad Kelly at quarterback for at least the first half of the season?
What the Chad Kelly suspension means for the Argos going forward
May 08, 2024 01:19 - 37 minutes - 29.9 MBOn Tuesday, the CFL suspended Argos quarterback Chad Kelly for a minimum of nine games. Hosts Ben Grant and JB take a look at the options the team has in terms of handling this suspension from a football perspective - many of which are dependent on how Kelly himself handles the conditions outlined in limiting the suspension to nine games. Will the team head into the season with Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott, or might they look elsewhere?
Post Draft and Co-Defensive Coordinators
May 01, 2024 22:22 - 48 minutes - 39.2 MBThe 2024 CFL Draft has concluded, and the Toronto Argonauts have nine new players on their roster, including one who could have an immediate impact. Hosts Ben Grant and JB break down the Argos' picks and consider different directions the Argos could have gone in the draft. They also take a look at the new coaching hires, reveal which new American signings they're most interested to see, and provide their thoughts on today's announcement that the team will go with co-defensive coordinators th...
The 2024 Xs and Argos Draft Special
April 24, 2024 02:54 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBThe Toronto Argonauts have knocked the draft out of the park in recent years, and they'll look to continue that trend in the 2024 CFL Draft next week. When it comes to Canadian players, is there an area of weakness or need on the team? Who will they take with the fifth overall pick? Why is the third round the most important round of the draft for Toronto this year? Hosts Ben Grant and JB have all the answers and all the draft analysis your double-blue heart needs.
2024 Free Agency Special - "When the Dust Settles"
February 22, 2024 02:05 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBThe team is by no means complete, but most of the heavy lifting has been done. There were many high-profile losses, both on the roster and to the coaching staff, but the Argos' front office did a spectacular job ensuring Toronto will be in a position to finish first in the East Division for the fourth straight year. How will the team replace players like A.J. Ouellette, Adarius Pickett, Jamal Peters, and Javon Leake? Who has to step up as a team leader? Which new signings might turn into fut...
2023 Season Finale
November 23, 2023 03:57 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBIt’s the Season Finale, which means it’s time for the Xs and Argos Awards! We’ll also go through all the big stories of the past week including Toronto’s CFL Award winners, Chad Kelly’s concussion, and MBT’s possible return to the CFL. Plus we’ll highlight this week’s transaction and which free agents must be a priority for the front office.
Montreal 38 - Toronto 17
November 12, 2023 00:57 - 36 minutes - 29.3 MBAfter a historically good regular season, the Toronto Argonauts couldn’t finish the job in the Eastern Final in front of a record crowd at BMO Field. The Toronto defence played one of their best games of the year, but what had been such a consistent offence simply couldn’t get out of their own way, turning the ball over nine times and surrendering two pick-sixes in the process. Where did it all go wrong? Hosts Ben and JB have some of the answers to your questions, while others may forever re...
Pregame Walkthrough: Eastern Final
November 09, 2023 03:56 - 56 minutes - 45.1 MBThe Montreal Alouettes travel to BMO Field to take on the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL's Eastern Final. The Argos are 3-0 against the Alouettes this season, but two of those games went right down to the wire. This historically-good Toronto team is rested, prepared, and will be playing in front their biggest home crowd in years, but anything can happen in football. Hosts Ben and JB tell you what to expect, which returning injured players should dress or start, and how both teams should attack...
Playoff Bye Week Extravaganza!
November 02, 2023 02:55 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MBIt’s the Xs and Argos playoff bye week extravaganza! Hosts Ben Grant and JB take a close look at which six Argos were nominated for CFL awards and what their chances are like, they review their original pre-season power rankings, and examine the East Division semi-final from an Argos perspective.
Toronto 27 - Ottawa 22
October 29, 2023 03:37 - 34 minutes - 27.8 MBWith their 16th regular season win, the Toronto Argonauts are into the history books, but it’s not hard to tell their sights are set on a bigger prize. Numerous starters were resting in this matchup, including quarterback Chad Kelly, so it was up to Cameron Dukes and company to take down the Redblacks. Hosts Ben and JB take you through the game, highlighting great performances, key plays, and questions that remain heading into the playoffs. They’ll also cover injury updates and what the Toro...
Pregame Walkthrough at Ottawa
October 26, 2023 03:04 - 1 hour - 48.7 MBIt was a busy week in Toronto! The team extended Canadians Josh Hagerty and David Ungerer III while also signing two new American players. There weren’t any big surprises for the Argos when the team’s CFL award nominations came out, but not all selections were unanimous either. Pete Costanza emerges as a potential head coach in Saskatchewan, joining Corey Mace on an impressive list of candidates. BMO Field’s east upper deck opens up for the Eastern Final as ticket sales continue to go well. ...
Toronto 29 - Saskatchewan 26
October 22, 2023 15:48 - 49 minutes - 39.5 MBCam Dukes, Dan Adeboboye, and Richie Sindani all stepped up in the final minutes to give Toronto a come-from-behind win over Saskatchewan. This was the Argos’ 15th win of the season, tying a franchise mark, and it also knocked the Roughriders out of playoff contention. In their recap, hosts Ben and JB analyze the game, discuss key moments such as Chad Kelly’s ankle injury, and go over what players and coaches had to say following the game.
Pregame Walkthrough at Saskatchewan
October 19, 2023 02:57 - 57 minutes - 46.3 MBDefensive coordinator Corey Mace gets extended, the final home attendance numbers are in for the Argos, and the team may be reconsidering how they handle the last two games of the season. Hosts Ben and JB give you everything you need to know about Toronto’s matchup with the Roughriders including injury updates, predictions, plans of attack for both teams, and terrible, terrible betting advice.
Postgame Reaction: Toronto 40 - Ottawa 27
October 15, 2023 04:50 - 44 minutes - 35.8 MBThe Argos’ offence put up 40 points somewhat sluggishly and the defence turned up the heat in the second half as Toronto came from behind to beat the Ottawa Redblacks in their final home game of the regular season. Chad Kelly and DaVaris Daniels were clicking once again, but is it concerning at all that Damonte Coxie seemed to struggle against Money Hunter? The Toronto defence played one of their best halves of the season registering an astonishing seven sacks in the second half to drive Dus...
Pregame Walkthrough: Ottawa at Toronto
October 12, 2023 03:27 - 59 minutes - 47.4 MBCFL All-Star voting has opened, but some of the best Argonauts face a disadvantage given the way it’s set up. Toronto signed an intriguing former Blue Bomber with all the potential in the world, but why didn't he work out in Winnipeg? The Argos are heavy Grey Cup favourites, but should they be? Why are fans of the Double Blue upset with Drake? Hosts Ben and JB will give you all the week’s news, answer all your questions, and get you set for Toronto’s final home game of the regular season.
Toronto 35 - Edmonton 12
October 07, 2023 04:24 - 49 minutes - 39.3 MBOn the week of their 150th anniversary, in front of dozens of Double Blue legends, the Toronto Argonauts took care of business, dismantling the Edmonton Elks 35-12. It wasn’t an evening of outstanding individual performances, but all three phases produced well as a collective and took care of business. How did the Argos limit Tre Ford and Geno Lewis? Is there any reason for concern on the offensive side of the ball? Hosts Ben and JB have the answers to your questions and a lot more.
Pregame Walkthrough: The 150th Anniversary Game - Edmonton at Toronto
October 04, 2023 03:15 - 48 minutes - 39 MBIn the long history of the Toronto Argonauts, there has never been a star-studded gathering of former players equal to what we’ll see on Friday night at BMO Field against Edmonton. The celebrations kick off Wednesday morning with Mayor Olivia Chow raising the Argos flag at Toronto City Hall in the presence of former and current greats, and continue through the week. Dozens or Argos legends will be at the game on Friday night. Dozens. Flutie, Ismail, Clemons, Holloway, Greer, Ray, Owens, Alle...
Winnipeg 31 - Toronto 21...sort of
September 30, 2023 04:32 - 39 minutes - 31.9 MBWith Chad Kelly sitting out, the Argonauts suffered their second loss of the season, but there were plenty of positives to take away. Cameron Dukes looked very solid in his first CFL start, which Toronto desperately needed from their inexperienced backup quarterback. A number of defenders like Jonathan Jones, Jared Brinkman, and Jamie Harry also got to rev their engines a bit as Toronto showcased their depth while allowing regular starters to rest and heal.
Pregame Walkthrough at Winnipeg
September 27, 2023 02:39 - 49 minutes - 39.4 MBCameron Dukes will get the start at quarterback for the Toronto Argonauts against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Could it hurt Chad Kelly's MOP chances? Yes. Could it jeopardize records the Argonauts are on pace to set? Yes. Does it put them in a better position to win another Grey Cup? Absolutely, and that's all that matters. We'll explain why Coach Dinwiddie is making the right decision, who else on the team might get a rest, and what to look for in Cameron Dukes as we get you set for Friday N...
Toronto 29 - Hamilton 14
September 24, 2023 04:14 - 39 minutes - 31.7 MBThe Argonauts didn't play particularly well, yet they moved to 12-1 on the season with a 29-14 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, sweeping their rivals in the four-game series. Wynton McManis looked as dominant as he did down the stretch last season and Dejon Brissett had his best game as a pro, while the rest of the team did enough to get the win. Hosts Ben Grant and JB walk you through the game, highlight injury concerns, evaluate new additions to the roster, and outline concerns as the tea...
Pregame Walkthrough vs Hamilton
September 21, 2023 03:04 - 58 minutes - 47 MBPinball Clemons and Mickey Donovan sign extensions, the Argos visit Holland Bloorview, Boris Bede surpasses 1000 points, and AJ Ouellette squats 635 pounds. It was another busy week in Toronto! We look at who the Argos should rest down the stretch, plus we’ve got all the usual assortment of podcast goodies to get you set for Toronto’s Saturday matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Toronto 23 - Montreal 20 - The Argos Clinch First Place!
September 16, 2023 03:27 - 43 minutes - 34.6 MBIt was the most spectacular Toronto finish since the Argos won the Grey Cup last year - and both games concluded in very similar fashion, with a blocked field goal. From a defensive battle in the first half to a shootout in the final two minutes, this game had a bit of everything, including a week's worth of highlights jammed into the last few drives. The Argos are 11-1 for the first time in franchise history and have clinched first place in the East Division - and it's only mid-September!
Pregame Walkthrough at Montreal Part Deux
September 13, 2023 02:51 - 45 minutes - 36.8 MBIt's a busy week in Toronto! The Argos can clinch the division with a win, but they can also clinch a home playoff game with a Hamilton loss. American defensive back Benjie Franklin signs with the Boatmen, and his reviews from Jacksonville and Seattle are very positive. What will the Argonauts do at halfback with Amos out and Daniel expected to extended time? Is there a chance both Cam Phillips and Kurleigh Gittens Jr. will miss this week's game? Hosts Ben and JB have answers to all your que...
Toronto 38 - Montreal 10
September 09, 2023 22:01 - 32 minutes - 25.8 MBThe Toronto Argonauts have clinched a playoff spot with a dominant win over the Montreal Alouettes. AJ Ouellette passed the century mark on the ground, Chad Kelly was accurate and efficient, the defence created turnover after turnover, and the special teams units gave the offence great field position.
Pregame Walkthrough vs Montreal
September 07, 2023 23:55 - 49 minutes - 39.5 MBNicastro signs a three-year extension, the Argos can clinch a playoff spot, it's the Purolator Tackle Hunger Game at BMO Field, and we come up with a few nickname option for Toronto returner Javon Leake. Plus we've got all the usual goodies to get you set for this week's game against the Montreal Alouettes.
Toronto 41 - Hamilton 28
September 05, 2023 00:24 - 37 minutes - 29.7 MBThe Toronto Argonauts hammered the Tiger-Cats, literally and figuratively, amazingly enough, beating their rivals 41-28 on Labour Day in Hamilton. The Toronto defence forced two turnovers and logged five sacks, while A.J. Ouellette carried the load for the Argonauts on the ground while also throwing a touchdown pass. For the second week in a row, however, there were a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
Pregame Walkthrough - Labour Day
August 31, 2023 20:36 - 39 minutes - 31.8 MBChad Kelly signs a three-year extension becoming the highest paid player in the CFL, the league and the Argos say goodbye to a coaching legend with the passing of Rich Stubler, and two Toronto draft picks sign with NFL practice squads. The guys go through all the latest Argos news and get you set for the Labour Day Classic with their usual assortment of goodies.
Toronto 39 - Calgary 31
August 26, 2023 04:57 - 41 minutes - 33.3 MBThe Toronto Argonauts improved to 8-1 with a hard-fought 39-31 win over the Calgary Stampeders in front of their largest crowd of the season at BMO Field on Friday night. There were record-setting touchdowns, sensational plays, significant injuries, trick plays, and the game came down to the wire.
Let's Go To The Argos Game (Oh Baby) - Pregame Walkthrough vs Calgary
August 24, 2023 01:00 - 56 minutes - 45 MBWith the Canadian National Exhibition in full swing, the first place Toronto Argonauts look to avenge their only loss of the season in front of what's expected to be a great crowd at BMO Field on Friday night. Who's hurt? Who's healthy? What can Toronto glean from their earlier loss in Calgary? How might they attack this Stampeders defence? Which Toronto player suddenly launched into a roundoff back tuck at practice? How did AJ Ouellette look in his return to the wrestling ring and which Arg...
Mike Hogan Co-Hosts in Final Bye Week
August 17, 2023 15:21 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBThe Argonauts' play-by-play team guides you through Toronto's final bye week of the season as Ben Grant is joined by guest co-host Mike Hogan. The pair discuss how DaVaris Daniels dominated the league's PFF scores this week, which Argos were honoured with 3DownNation's mid-season awards, Shaq Richardson's signing in Calgary, the future availability of injured players like Henoc Muamba, Dariusz Bladek, and Maurice Carnell, and whether or not to expect a quarterback signing down the stretch, p...
Toronto 44 - Ottawa 31
August 14, 2023 03:21 - 45 minutes - 36.1 MBChad Kelly exploded for 417 yards passing and DaVaris Daniels caught all six of his targets for 180 yards and three touchdowns as the Toronto Argonauts sailed past the Ottawa Redblacks 44-31, moving to 7-1 on the season. It was a back and forth game in the first half, but Kelly and company were almost unstoppable in the second and third quarters before turning to the ground game to close it out. Defensively, the stats may not look impressive, but the Argos forced Dustin Crum to chip away, pr...
Pregame Walkthrough vs Ottawa
August 10, 2023 02:06 - 53 minutes - 42.8 MBChad Kelly was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, but will he play this week against Ottawa? What about Adarius Pickett? Should Toronto still top the CFL Power Rankings? We've got all the week's news plus everything you need to get ready for Toronto's first home game in over a month as they get set to take on Ottawa.
Calgary 20 - Toronto 7
August 05, 2023 05:09 - 38 minutes - 31.2 MBThe Argonauts were unable to overcome a slew of first and second quarter injuries to key players, including quarterback Chad Kelly, and Adarius Pickett, as the Calgary Stampeders handed Toronto their first loss of the season. Kelly suffered an ankle injury on Toronto's first drive of the second quarter after Pickett had been helped off the field a few plays earlier. The Argos' defence held their own, allowing only 13 points, but their special teams unit coughed up a touchdown and the offence...
Pregame Walkthrough - At Calgary
August 02, 2023 21:27 - 57 minutes - 46 MBThe Argos release Markeith Ambles, one of their stars from a season ago. What will they do with their situation at Canadian receiver as Tommy Nield gets set to return? They have similar numbers issues on the offensive line as almost everyone is suddenly healthy. We've got some of the answers as we get you set for the Calgary game with all the usual bells and whistles.
Toronto 31 Saskatchewan 13
July 31, 2023 01:40 - 48 minutes - 38.8 MBThe Argos win their sixth straight game to start the season, but it's not the offence that comes away with the headlines. Toronto's defence was outstanding, but in an unusual way, and their special teams were elite all around. Andrew Harris moves into fifth all time in CFL rushing yards. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this game, for both teams, is that the Saskatchewan Roughriders are a good football team.
Pregame Walkthrough - TD Atlantic
July 26, 2023 04:53 - 53 minutes - 43.2 MBOur hosts join you from opposite coasts, with JB on the ground in Halifax, and Ben about as far away from this upcoming game as possible. Has Flo Orimolade been getting overlooked because of Pickett's outstanding play and the success of the secondary? Can the Argos match their franchise-best start of 6-0? They last did it in 1935, but it didn't end well. With the Roughriders getting reinforcements this week, how will the Argos adjust their game plan? We've got all the answers plus the usual ...
Toronto 31 Hamilton 15
July 22, 2023 03:31 - 34 minutes - 27.9 MBThe Argos move to 5-0 after defeating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 31-15 at Tim Horton’s Field on Friday night. Chad Kelly scorched the Ti-Cats for 248 yards and two touchdowns in the first half and then leaned on the run game to close this one out.
Pregame Walkthrough: At Hamilton
July 18, 2023 22:20 - 50 minutes - 40.3 MBThe Argonauts are off to a hot start and the city of Toronto is taking notice. Chad Kelly registers the highest PFF grade in the CFL, joined on the Week 6 All-CFL team by DaVaris Daniels, David Ungerer III, and Robertson Daniel. Hosts Ben and JB look back at the last time the Argos started 5-0, provide a Halifax update, and bring you all your usual Pregame Walkthrough goodies including injury news, OC/DC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and CFL Picks.
Toronto 35 - Montreal 27
July 15, 2023 05:03 - 52 minutes - 42 MBThe Argos move to 4-0 and distance themselves further from the rest of the East. Chad Kelly has his best game as an Argonaut, David Ungerer has a touchdown party, and Damonte Coxie delivers the highlight touchdown catch of the season. Hosts Ben and JB walk you through the dramatic Toronto win.