Xs and Argos Podcast

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

Ben Grant and JB close out the 2025 season with a massive Xs and Argos finale, brought to you by Something in the Water Brewing. This episode covers one of the most dramatic few weeks in recent Argos memory. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is off to Ottawa, and Ben and JB break down how it all unfolded, and whether anything could have been done to keep him in Toronto. They also dive into the Argos' coaching search, discussing what happened with Mike O'Shea, and examining a short list of potential candidates that includes Kent Austin. Plus, the guys are joined by Ralph Holley, who returns to Toronto after his time with the Cleveland Browns. In an extended interview, the "Detroit Dog" shares what he learned from Myles Garrett, and how he plans to bring back the interior dominance that made him one of the CFL's most disruptive defensive linemen. The guys also look at Toronto's 2026 free agent class, exploring key re-signing priorities, potential big-ticket additions, and roster gaps that need to be filled. And finally, they hand out their annual Xs and Argos Awards.

The Argonauts closed out their 2025 season with a 44–13 loss in Calgary, a game that started with a pick-six on Toronto's opening drive and never really turned around. The result didn't affect Toronto, but it did provide plenty of material for evaluation heading into the offseason. Ben Grant and JB break down all the action, including the crowded QB battle behind next year's presumed starter Chad Kelly. Ben is ready to crown Max Duggan as the third-string QB for 2026 after his short-yardage work, but both hosts agree more is needed from Jarret Doege and Tucker Horn before handing either the backup job should Nick Arbuckle not return. There were still some bright spots on the evening. Lirim Hajrullahu set a new Argos record, tied another, and established a CFL record in the loss, while Kevin Mital capped his outstanding sophomore season by becoming the first Canadian receiver in Argonauts history to reach 100 catches in a single year. It wasn't the ending Toronto wanted, but it does set the stage for a fascinating offseason.

The Argos fell 27–19 in Regina, but this one felt more positive than their many other one-score losses this season. Toronto went toe-to-toe with Saskatchewan in the league's toughest stadium, despite being in evaluation mode and already eliminated from playoff contention. The coaching staff had the team ready, and the players responded with an inspired effort. All three quarterbacks dressed saw snaps, and several new faces were rotated in throughout the night, giving the Argos valuable film and experience for the future. The wind played a role all evening, but Toronto still managed to keep things tight right down to the wire. The defence battled, the offence found flashes, and Lirim Hajrullahu did what Lirim Hajrullahu does. Ben Grant and JB break it all down - the bright spots, the missed chances, and what this game says about where the Argos are headed.

The Toronto Argonauts were eliminated from playoff contention after a 47–29 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a game that started slipping away almost immediately. Hamilton jumped out to a 10–0 lead in the first few minutes and led 32–9 at halftime. The Argos won the second half, but the damage was already done. The offensive line had its worst outing of the season, surrendering nine sacks, and Nick Arbuckle was knocked out of the game on the first series after taking a massive hit from behind. The protection issues never stabilized, and the offence couldn't recover. Defensively, while they held Kenny Lawler to just three catches, two of them went for touchdowns. Missed assignments and blown coverages turned into explosive plays all afternoon. Ben Grant and JB break down everything that went wrong - from the early collapse, to the injuries, to the mistakes in protection and coverage, and look ahead to what comes next.

The Toronto Argonauts dropped another heartbreaker on the west coast, falling 27–22 to the BC Lions in a game they once again had every chance to win. Toronto's offensive line, riddled with injuries, struggled all night, unable to generate push against light boxes in the run game or hold off three and four-man rushes in pass protection. Nick Arbuckle was efficient, but with BC dropping eight and nine into coverage, there simply wasn't anything there. There were bright spots: Jake Herslow and Kevin Mital both had standout performances, and Lirim Hajrullahu was perfect on the night, drilling all five of his field goal attempts, including two from 50 yards. Defensively, the Argos did their job, forcing Nathan Rourke to throw three interceptions, but Toronto could only turn those turnovers into three points. In the end, another controversial replay review swung momentum back to the Lions late, and despite their best efforts, the Argos defence couldn't make one final stop. Ben Grant and JB are here to break it all down, from the offensive struggles to the defensive takeaways, and everything in between.

The Argonauts dropped a heartbreaker 21–19 to the Montreal Alouettes in dramatic fashion. Toronto's defence was outstanding all night, piling up three sacks, three interceptions, countless quarterback hits, and timely stops that kept them in the game late. Special teams also delivered, with Lirim Hajrullahu executing a perfect onside kick and a pinpoint pooch, while Janarion Grant and Dave Ungerer sparked the return game with big plays. In the end, it came down to Jarret Doege once again. Just like last week, he had the ball in his hands with a chance to win. Doege worked the Argos into long field goal range, but a controversial non-call on a pass to Makai Polk led to an interception that sealed the loss. Ben Grant and JB break it all down, from the dominant defensive showing and inspired special teams play to the questionable calls and offensive struggles that left Toronto just short.