Xs and Argos Podcast
219 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months 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.
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Episodes
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.
Pregame Walkthrough: At Montreal
July 13, 2023 02:53 - 55 minutes - 44.5 MBThe Argos extend head coach Ryan Dinwiddie through the 2026 season. Where does he rank among head coaches in the CFL? Toronto traded 2020 second round draft pick Sam Acheampong to the Edmonton Elks for a fifth round pick in 2024 and the negotiation rights to a player who may be made for the CFL. Will McLeod Bethel-Thompson end up in Ottawa? We've got answers!
Corey Mace and the best defense in the CFL
July 06, 2023 22:02 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBIn this bye week special, hosts Ben and JB look at why the Argos are being disrespected and how fans should enjoy Coach Mace while he's still here. They also discuss the importance of the next five games, rank the league's quarterbacks, and deliver their Power Rankings. The show ends with the usual segments: Put Me Down for 20, and CFL Picks.
Toronto 45 - BC 24
July 04, 2023 04:44 - 49 minutes - 39.8 MBThe Toronto Argonauts are the only undefeated team remaining in the CFL after they blew away the BC Lions 45-24 at BMO Field on Monday night. The Argos scored on offense, defense, and special teams as all three units contributed in this fantastic early season litmus test.
Battle of the Undefeated: BC at Toronto
June 30, 2023 01:08 - 1 hour - 48.9 MBThere are some significant injury concerns on both teams as the 3-0 BC Lions travel to Toronto to take on the 2-0 Argonauts. We've got all the week's Argos news plus the usual assortment of pregame goodies including some bold predictions.
Toronto 43 - Edmonton 31
June 26, 2023 04:21 - 52 minutes - 42 MBIt was a tight first half, a Toronto-dominated third quarter, and a fourth quarter that "bounced" the Elks' way in what was one of the strangest Argos games in recent memory. The Toronto Sack Exchange was open for business, bringing down Elks quarterbacks six times, the defense also adding a pick-six and a fumble recovery. Chad Kelly made a few mistakes but also had huge highlights, and David Ungerer and Dejon Brissett both played very well with Kurleigh Gitten Jr out.
Pregame Walkthrough: At Edmonton
June 22, 2023 03:25 - 51 minutes - 41 MBWith Stiggers and McFadden both coming off great games at corner and Jamal Peters returning, who should Toronto go with in the secondary? The Argos have the depth to withstand injuries at every positions except quarterback, so, how do they protect Chad Kelly? We get you set for Toronto's game in Edmonton with a preview, OC/DC, bets, picks, and much more.
Toronto 32 - Hamilton 14
June 19, 2023 04:51 - 50 minutes - 40.7 MBChad Kelly scored three touchdowns on the ground, Damonte Coxie went off, and the Argos defense shut down BLM and the Tiger-Cats as Toronto rolled to a convincing win in their opener. We take it all apart and put it back together in our postgame reaction podcast.
Pregame Walkthrough - The Home Opener vs Hamilton
June 14, 2023 03:19 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MBJamal Peters returns, AJ Ouellette wrestles, and Hamilton comes to town for the Argos' home opener. We've got a game preview, OC/DC, One Thing, Predictions, Put Me Down for 20, and our CFL Picks!
The CFL Season Begins
June 07, 2023 04:05 - 53 minutes - 42.5 MBRosters were trimmed and we can project the Argos' starters. Will that include Jamal Peters, who was released by the Atlanta Falcons? TSN released their 2023 Top 50 CFL Players and only five Argos made the list. Dave Naylor did a fantastic piece with Chad and Jim Kelly. We introduce a new segment and make our CFL picks for Week 1.
Ottawa 34 - Toronto 23
June 02, 2023 05:12 - 40 minutes - 32.6 MBThe Argos dropped their preseason finale to the Ottawa Redblacks, but more importantly, they collected the data they needed to make some difficult roster decisions in the days ahead. Who won the backup quarterback job? Which QB will make the practice squad? How many Americans will they keep at receiver? Who starts at corner in the opener if Robert Priester isn't back? We give you our best shot at all these questions and more.
Pregame Walkthrough vs Ottawa in Guelph
May 31, 2023 02:47 - 50 minutes - 40.8 MBInjury updates, celebrating the 150th including an exciting giveaway at the home opener, two new All-Time Argos, players to watch vs Ottawa, OC/DC, One Thing, and Predictions. It's a busy week as cut-down day and the CFL regular season approaches.
Postgame Reaction: Hamilton 27 - Toronto 22
May 28, 2023 03:02 - 58 minutes - 46.5 MBChad Kelly didn't start after feeling tightness in his elbow pregame, Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and Robert Priester went down with injuries in the first quarter, and the Argos were blown out in the first half. A second half response and some quality individual play salvaged what was otherwise a forgettable night in the Hammer. We've got injury updates and game analysis, plus you'll hear from Argos' head coach Ryan Dinwiddie.
Double Blue!
May 24, 2023 02:53 - 54 minutes - 43.6 MBWe break down the Double Blue Scrimmage and the Argos new uniforms, then get you set for this week's preseason matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Argos Training Camp Begins
May 17, 2023 02:44 - 1 hour - 51.9 MBThe guys explain why the Argos are so far ahead of where they were at this time last year, and who looks good in camp. In their annual preseason predictions, do they double down and take the Argos to win the Grey Cup again? Plus, Adriano Belli is trying to set a world record, Dontrelle Inman retires, Theren Churchill is traded, Shane Ray gets one last NFL shot, and Ben explains why some people think the new helmet looks strange.
Is Toronto's Roster Better?
May 10, 2023 03:45 - 1 hour - 76.1 MBDid the Argos improve this offseason? How does their roster compare to the Ticats, REDBLACKS, and Alouettes? Plus, Mike Hogan joins the pod to talk about the new helmets and what it was like in the Argos war room.