Xs and Argos Podcast

Ben Grant and JB
  • 4.8 (43)
  • Football
  • Updated Semiweekly

Hosts 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.

  1. 1d ago

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 4: Argos at Roughriders

    The Toronto Argonauts are coming off their first win of the season, but their toughest challenge yet awaits Friday night in Regina. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a showdown with the undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders in what could be an early measuring-stick game for the Double Blue. This week, the guys break down Toronto's latest roster moves, highlighted by the signing of former Florida State offensive lineman Darius Washington. Ben dives into the film and explains why the Argos may have quietly improved one of their biggest areas of concern. They also discuss Mike Miller's decision to keep the team off the practice field earlier this week. Is it a smart way to manage players during a long road stretch, or a risk for a team still trying to establish its identity? The conversation then turns to Kevin Mital's new contract extension, and why the Argos may have secured one of the CFL's premier Canadian receivers in a deal that is legitimately good for both sides. After leading the league in receptions a season ago and exploding out of the gate in 2026, Mital is quickly becoming one of the league's most valuable offensive players. Plus: A look at the quarterback chaos unfolding in Ottawa and the Toronto connections surrounding it A full game preview of Friday night's clash in Saskatchewan Pick Six, featuring a listener question about whether a starter automatically gets his job back after a long injury absence Home Suite Home, including your chance to win tickets to Toronto's first home game in the newly renovated north-end boxes at BMO Field Injury Report OCDC One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag A win in Regina would send a message to the rest of the CFL. Friday night presents Toronto with its first opportunity to prove it belongs among the league's elite.

    56 min

  2. 4d ago

    Postgame Reaction – Argos 44, Redblacks 24

    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.

    34 min

  3. Jun 18

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 3: Argos at Redblacks

    The Argonauts are searching for their first win of the 2026 season, and this week's challenge comes with an extra layer of intrigue. Ben Grant and JB get you set for Toronto's trip to Ottawa, where the Argos will face their former head coach Ryan Dinwiddie for the first time. After re-watching Toronto's season-opening loss in Montreal, the guys dig into what actually worked better than the result might suggest. Chad Kelly threw for 445 yards, but where did the offence leave yards on the field? What can the Argos do to get Damonte Coxie and Makai Polk more involved? And why might Sam Hicks be the key to unlocking even more from Toronto's offence this week? Defensively, Ben and JB examine a unit that struggled to generate pressure without blitzing and discuss how that affected the secondary throughout the night. What adjustments need to be made heading into a matchup with Jake Maier and an Ottawa offence loaded with playmakers? Plus: How much of an advantage does Ryan Dinwiddie have knowing the core of this Argos roster so well? The latest injury news, including concerns along the offensive line following Kendall Randolph's injury Week 3 may not be a must-win (unless you're JB), but it's a significant early-season test for a Toronto team looking to avoid an 0-2 start. Ben Grant and JB break it all down on the latest edition of the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

    52 min

  4. Jun 13

    Montreal 37 - Toronto 30

    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.

    32 min

  5. Jun 10

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 2: Argos at Alouettes

    The wait is over. Argos football is back, and Ben Grant and JB are here to get you set for the Toronto's season opener Friday night in Montreal. This week, the guys break down a handful of notable roster moves, including the addition of Canadian offensive lineman Dominico Piazza, an intriguing prospect Ben has followed since his days at McGill, and the practice roster signings of Michael Buckley and Dathan Hickey. They also discuss former Argo Anthony Vandal landing on Montreal's practice roster and what may have led to the release of Theron Johnson. One of the biggest storylines facing Toronto this season is a schedule quirk unlike any other: the Argos will begin the year with seven consecutive road games. Ben and JB discuss the challenge that presents, how important a fast start could be, and why Friday night's matchup feels bigger than a typical contest. The guys also dive into their game preview, injury report, and a detailed OC/DC breakdown of how each team can attack the other. Should Montreal lean on the run game or test Toronto's revamped safety position? Can Chad Kelly and the Argos exploit vulnerabilities in the middle of the Alouettes' secondary? And how much of Toronto's offensive success will come down to one simple objective: keeping their franchise quarterback upright? Plus: Pick Six One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag The 2026 season is finally here. Ben Grant and JB get you ready for kickoff as the Argonauts head to Montreal looking to start the year on the right foot.

    51 min

  6. Jun 3

    Week 1 - Regular Season Kickoff

    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.

    45 min

  7. May 30

    Postgame Reaction: Ti-Cats 20 - Argos 14 (Preseason Finale)

    The Toronto Argonauts wrapped up their 2026 preseason schedule with a 20–14 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Alumni Stadium in Guelph. While the final score won't count in the standings, there was no shortage of storylines as players battled for roster spots, practice roster opportunities, and potentially even starting jobs. With most established starters resting on both sides, this game was all about evaluation. Which players took advantage of their opportunities? Who did enough to force their way into roster discussions? And are there any newcomers or young players who may have put pressure on veteran incumbents heading into final cutdown day? Ben Grant and JB break down the key performances from across the roster, discuss the toughest decisions facing the coaching staff and management, and look ahead to what the final roster could look like as the Argos prepare for Week 1. Training camp is over. The evaluations are nearly complete. Now the hard decisions begin.

    38 min

  8. May 27

    2026 Preseason Week 2

    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.

    46 min
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4.8
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Hosts 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Grant and JB
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Xs and Argos 2019
  • Show Website
    Xs and Argos Podcast

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