Xs and Argos Podcast

The 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 this season,

The 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.

The 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 future CFL stars? Hosts Ben and JB return for this special episode of the Xs and Argos Podcast to answer your questions and set the stage for Argos football in 2024.

It’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.

After 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 remain a mystery.

The 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 one another on both sides of the ball.

It’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.

With their 16 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 Toronto backfield might look like going forward.

It 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. Chad Kelly will dress but not play in Ottawa. Hosts Ben and JB take you through all the week’s topics and get you set for Toronto’s final game of the regular season against the Redblacks.

Cam 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’ 15 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.

Defensive 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.

The 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 Dustin Crum from the game and put the Redblacks away. Hosts Ben Grant and JB address all your questions and concerns as they go through the highs and lows of this entertaining game.

CFL 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.

On the week of their 150 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.

In 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, Allen, Mitchell, Symons, Brazley, Harding, Barnes, and many, many more. We’ve got all the details on autograph opportunities as well as everything you need to know to get set for the game itself against Edmonton.

With 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.

Cameron 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 Night Football in Winnipeg.

The 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 team prepares for their showdown with Winnipeg next week.

Pinball 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.

It 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!