Xs and Argos Podcast

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.

The Argonauts survived a rollercoaster game at BMO Field, edging out Edmonton 31–30 on a 47-yard walk-off field goal from Lirim Hajrullahu. Toronto turned the ball over six times, leading directly to 27 Elks points, but Edmonton's lone miscue proved costly. With just over three minutes remaining, Andrew Chatfield scooped up a Cody Fajardo fumble and ran it back for a go-ahead touchdown. Fajardo responded with a composed drive to reclaim the lead, but when Nick Arbuckle went down injured, third-string QB Jarret Doege came off the bench and orchestrated a miraculous final drive in the dying seconds to set up the game-winner against his former team. Defensively, the Argos registered five sacks and kept Justin Rankin in check for most of the afternoon, which allowed them to withstand a near-flawless performance from Fajardo (25/28, 229 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT). Ben Grant and JB break down all the drama, the mistakes, and the resilience it took for the Boatmen to come away with the win.

Ben Grant and JB are here to get you through Toronto's second bye week of the 2025 season - one that couldn't have come at a better time. At the heart of this episode is the looming quarterback question: Nick Arbuckle is on a six-game tear, completing 74% of his passes for 2,137 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just two interceptions - a pace that would put him in Doug Flutie territory over a full season. But Chad Kelly has teased his return on Instagram for Toronto's next game. If he's healthy, is there a debate to be had about who gives Toronto the best chance to win? The guys dig into what's fueling Arbuckle's hot streak, Kelly's intangibles, and whether Coach Dinwiddie risks upsetting team chemistry with an abrupt switch. They also set the table for the final six games of the year, including a playoff path that runs through Saskatchewan and Calgary. Off the field, the Argos announced a special tribute: on September 13th vs. Edmonton, the team will honour John Candy, with the first 5,000 fans at BMO receiving a commemorative t-shirt. Ben and JB share memories of Candy's legacy as an owner and a Canadian icon. Plus, as always: Pick Six, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for the Labour Day Classic as the 3–8 Toronto Argonauts head down the QEW to face the division-leading Hamilton Tiger-Cats. It's been a busy week for the Double Blue: Four signings, including 2024 East All-Star WR Makai Polk, QB Max Duggan (2022 Heisman runner-up), NT Joe Wallace, and OL Dre Doiron, two releases, including LB Jordan Williams, play Mark Milton was traded to Ottawa, and two quarterbacks were added to Toronto's negotiation list: Clayton Tune and Bailey Zappe. The guys also debate whether there's cause for concern in Toronto adding Duggan plus two NFL quarterbacks to the neg list, and what it means for the future under centre. And of course all your favourite segments are back: Pick Six, Game Preview, Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag. And since it's a holiday week, Ben counts down his Top 5 beers from Something in the Water Brewing - with Longboat Hazy Session IPA still holding the top spot.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for CNE Week as the Toronto Argonauts host the BC Lions in a must-win matchup at BMO Field on Saturday. This week's episode covers it all including a deep dive into why Toronto can't close out games, how Brandon Kemp looked at left tackle, how difficult the road to the playoffs is, and a scary moment at practice Wednesday. Plus, your favourite segments return: Pick Six, Game Preview, Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for "Must Win Week" as the 2-7 Argonauts travel to Edmonton to face the 2-6 Elks on Friday night. This week's episode features a breakdown of Coach Dinwiddie's fiery postgame comments on "pretenders in the building," the plethora of transactions the Argos made which include the release of Khalin Laborn and Brandon Calver, and the signing of an exciting potential starting Sam linebacker, Toronto's spot at the bottom of the Power Rankings – and where they really should be, and the road to the playoffs for the Argos. Plus, your favourite segments return: Pick Six, Game Preview, Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for Week 10 as the Argonauts return to BMO Field to take on the Ottawa Redblacks in a Saturday afternoon matchup packed with meaning both on and off the field. This is the Purolator Tackle Hunger game, and a special one at that as Chris Schultz will be honoured as the newest member of the All-Time Argonauts list along with Nick Volpe. It was also the busiest transactional week in recent memory for the Argos, and the guys break down every move: from the acquisition of RB Spencer Brown, the signing of MAC Offensive Player of the Year Peny Boone, and reinforcements on the offensive line in Ryan Sceviour and Brandon Kemp. You'll also hear a breakdown of the offensive line's struggles and what needs to change, which includes this week's Pick Six question: Why haven't the Argos brought back Isiah Cage? Plus there's the game preview, injury report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, Challenge Flag, and Something in the Water's Ticket Giveaway.