Xs and Argos Podcast

Ben Grant and JB
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 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

    Postgame Reaction — Toronto 39, Hamilton 20

    Now that looked like the team the Argos have been trying to become. After an hour-long lightning delay at BMO Field, Toronto turned a tight game into a convincing 39-20 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, using a dominant second half to pick up a massive win in the East Division. Ben Grant and JB break down one of Toronto's most complete performances of the season. For weeks, we've talked about what the Argos need to do to help an offensive line that's struggled in pass protection. Against Hamilton, they found an even better solution: don't have to protect for very long and run the football. For the first time this season, Toronto showed a legitimate power running game. Isaiah Smith led the way with 99 yards on 15 carries as the Argos piled up 145 yards on the ground, giving the offence a balance it simply hasn't had. And that made life considerably easier for Chad Kelly. Kelly didn't need to play superhero. He played smart, efficient football, completing 26 of 34 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns, adding another on the ground. He took what Hamilton gave him, protected the football for most of the night and, perhaps most importantly, wasn't sacked once after the protection problems that plagued Toronto a week ago in Edmonton. Damonte Coxie also responded in a big way. After a difficult afternoon last week, Coxie bounced back with four catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, including a huge score in the fourth quarter. Defensively, the challenge was obvious: don't let Tre Ford's legs take over the game. Toronto accomplished that. Ford made plays through the air, but the Argos largely kept him contained as a runner, sacked him four times and produced one of the game's biggest plays with a strip-sack and recovery. The Argos trailed at halftime. They outscored Hamilton 24-3 the rest of the way.

  2. 4d ago

    Pregame Walkthrough — CNE Game: Tiger-Cats at Argonauts

    It's CNE Game in Toronto, and this one feels bigger than most. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats come to BMO Field for one of the marquee dates on the Argos calendar, and with Toronto and Hamilton battling for position in the East Division, there's a lot more at stake than bragging rights. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a huge rivalry matchup on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough. The guys start with the latest transactions, as a banged-up Argos roster adds a pair of Canadians in defensive lineman Gabriel Maisonneuve and defensive back Istvan Assibo-Dadzie. What might those additions tell us about Toronto's injury situation heading into the weekend? Then it's time to dig into two Xs-and-Os questions that could have a major impact on Saturday's game. First: How does a defence prepare when it doesn't know who the opposing quarterback will be - especially when the two possibilities couldn't be more different? Harrison Frost is a traditional pocket passer. Tre Ford is one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in football. The guys explains why preparing for both isn't simply a matter of learning two players - it can be like preparing for two entirely teams. On the other side of the ball, Toronto has a problem of its own: pass protection. After the offensive line struggled again in Edmonton, what can the Argos do to protect Chad Kelly without simply asking the same five blockers to suddenly play better? Quick game, screens, moving pockets, chips, heavier protections, RPOs, tempo and formation can all help - because pass protection isn't exclusively an offensive-line problem. This week's Pick Six continues that discussion with a bigger CFL question: is there a genuine shortage of quality offensive tackles in the league, or are teams failing to properly develop the ones they have? Then it's on to the game itself. In OCDC, Ben looks at how Hamilton can take advantage of Tre Ford's extraordinary athleticism without repeatedly exposing him to hits, and why sometimes the threat of the quarterback run can be more valuable than the run itself. For Toronto, it's about making Hamilton process as much information as possible with motion, tempo and a variety of pre-snap looks. Plus, the Injury Report, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag. And Saturday is about more than just the game. It's the annual CNE Game, Argos jerseys are 40% off in-stadium, and franchise greats Kevin Eiben and Carl Brazley will officially become All-Time Argos during a halftime ceremony. The rivalry is renewed. The East Division race is heating up. And the Argos need an answer after an ugly afternoon in Edmonton. It's Hamilton at Toronto at the CNE, and we've got you covered on the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

  3. Aug 15

    Postgame Reaction — Edmonton 42, Toronto 12

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-684a4243-315c-8012-8233-2e0eb05acf92-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-684a4243-315c-8012-8233-2e0eb05acf92-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-364" data-turn="assistant"> This was an ugly one. The Toronto Argonauts went into Edmonton looking to build some momentum after last week's dramatic home win over Calgary. Instead, they leave with perhaps their most concerning loss of the season, falling 42-12 to the Elks and dropping to 4-5. Ben Grant flies solo for this edition of the Postgame Reaction to break down a game where the final score doesn't necessarily tell you which unit struggled most. Believe it or not, Toronto's defence played pretty well. The Argos came in with an excellent plan for Justin Rankin, completely neutralizing one of Edmonton's biggest weapons for much of the afternoon. But after repeatedly being put back on the field by mistakes elsewhere, the defence eventually ran out of gas. The bigger concerns came on offence and special teams. Toronto turned the ball over six times, struggled to establish any kind of running game and had a series of costly drops - including one from sure-handed Damonte Coxie that turned into an Edmonton pick-six. Special teams contributed two missed field goals, a shanked punt, and a fumble on a kickoff return. But perhaps the most troubling development was up front. The Argos' offensive line struggled to protect Chad Kelly even when Edmonton rushed only three or four defenders. When a defence can consistently generate pressure without blitzing, it can drop eight or nine into coverage and make life extremely difficult for any quarterback. Ben breaks down why that's such a major concern going forward - and some of the schematic answers Toronto can use to combat it. There are also some coaching decisions to discuss, including a pair of questionable third-and-short calls, an unusual penalty decision late in the first half, a head-scratching challenge, and the decision to go for two following Kevin Mital's huge catch. And then there are the injuries. Jonathan Kongbo, Kevin Mital, DaShaun Amos, LP Gauthier, Bubba Bolden, and Dave Ungerer all required attention at various points, although most were able to return. There isn't much to celebrate after a 30-point loss, but there is plenty to break down. What went wrong? What can be fixed? And after reaching the halfway point of the season at 4-5, what should concern Argos fans most about this team going forward? It's all on this edition of the Xs and Argos Postgame Reaction.

  4. Aug 12

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 11: Argos at Edmonton

    Fresh off a wild 33-30 victory over Calgary at BMO Field, the 4-4 Toronto Argonauts head west to take on the 6-3 Edmonton Elks in a rare Saturday mid-afternoon matchup. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a fascinating test against one of the CFL's best teams. This week, the guys start with the latest transactions as Toronto makes a couple of moves involving major NCAA programs, bringing former USC defensive back Akili Arnold back into the fold while moving on from former Florida State offensive lineman Darius Washington. Then it's time for a deep dive into late-game clock management. Toronto's final drive against Calgary ended with the win, but did the Argos leave the Stampeders far too much time? Ben breaks down the difference between Clock Preservation Mode and Last Possession Mode, explains when an offence should make the transition, and introduces his formula for determining how much time you should leave on the clock as you move into scoring territory. The guys also tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding the Argos through eight games. Chad Kelly's aggressive style has produced spectacular results, but also plenty of interceptions. This week's Pick Six asks whether Toronto should try to rein him in or accept the turnovers as the price of having one of the CFL's most dangerous quarterbacks. Then it's on to Edmonton. Ben and JB break down the matchup, including how the Argos can prevent Justin Rankin from taking over the game and how Edmonton can use its running backs to put Toronto's defence in conflict. On the other side of the ball, Ben explains why Toronto's receiving corps is perfectly suited for an option-based passing attack and why mesh could be the concept to watch on Saturday. Plus: The latest Injury Report OCDC One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag The Argos are back to .500 and sitting second in the East. Now comes another opportunity to show that the team that emerged from that brutal opening road trip is ready to make some noise in the second half of the season. It's Toronto and Edmonton, Saturday at 3:00 p.m. ET, and the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough has everything you need to get ready.

  5. Aug 7

    Postgame Reaction – Argonauts 33, Stampeders 30

    Home sweet home. After seven straight games on the road, the Toronto Argonauts finally returned to BMO Field and somehow found a way to pull out a wild 33-30 victory over the Calgary Stampeders. It certainly wasn't easy. On a night when the Argos' offence seemed determined to give the game away, Toronto's defence delivered its most complete performance of the season. The Double Blue held Calgary to under 250 yards of total offence, intercepted Vernon Adams Jr. twice - his first two interceptions of the season - and didn't allow him to throw a single touchdown pass. Those turnovers were especially important because Toronto was having problems of its own. Chad Kelly threw four interceptions as the Argos lost the turnover battle 5-3, yet a special teams touchdown and an outstanding defensive effort kept them within striking distance all night. And then, when they absolutely had to have it, the offence finally came alive. Trailing late in the fourth quarter, Toronto battled back, Sam Hicks ripped off a huge 40-yard touchdown run, and rookie kicker Brady Lidster gave the Argos the lead before Benji Franklin's interception slammed the door on Calgary. Ben Grant and JB break down one of the strangest and gutsiest wins of the season. How did the Argos survive five turnovers? What changed defensively after Calgary put up 58 points in their first meeting? And what can we take away from an offence that struggled badly for much of the night but still produced when the game was on the line? Plus, the guys discuss the other star of Toronto's long-awaited home opener: the new and improved BMO Field. From the pristine grass surface to the upgraded lights, sound system and video boards - and the brand-new North Pavilion boxes enjoyed by several Home Suite Home winners - the World Cup renovations have transformed the Argos' home. After two months away, the Argos are finally back at BMO. And they're back at .500.

  6. Aug 5

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 9: Home Opener vs. Calgary

    After seven straight games on the road, the Toronto Argonauts are finally coming home. Ben Grant and JB get you set for Toronto's long-awaited home opener as the Double Blue welcome the Calgary Stampeders to a newly renovated BMO Field. Is this the game that marks the true beginning of the Argos' season? The guys explain why Thursday night feels like one of the biggest turning points of the year. This week's show begins with the latest roster news, including Toronto's trade for veteran centre Chris Kolankowski as the Argos continue to improve their roster as opportunities arise. Ben and JB also discuss linebacker James Neal joining the active roster and what the latest moves say about where this team is heading. One of the most fascinating conversations of the episode centers around a newly published peer-reviewed study examining travel in the CFL. The research found that teams travelling west for evening games consistently perform worse than those travelling east, raising an intriguing question: just how impressive was Toronto's 3-4 start after opening the season with seven consecutive road games? Ben breaks down the study and why it could change the way we think about scheduling in the CFL. Also on this week's episode: Home Suite Home, as the final winners are announced Pick Six, featuring a discussion on whether the Argos should be expected to play better now that they're finally home A full game preview of Thursday night's matchup with Calgary The latest injury report An in-depth Xs-and-Os breakdown of how each team can attack the other One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag Will the energy of the home crowd provide the spark the Argos have been waiting for? Can Chad Kelly and the offence keep Calgary's dangerous pass rush at bay? And after spending nearly two months living out of suitcases, are the Double Blue finally ready to show what this team is really capable of? Ben Grant and JB break it all down on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

  7. Jul 29

    Bye Week Podcast - Midseason Report Cards and Second-Half Outlook

    The Argos have finally reached their second bye week, bringing an end to an unprecedented seven-game road trip to open the 2026 season. With Toronto sitting at 3-4, Ben Grant and JB take a step back to evaluate where the team stands, what they've accomplished, and what needs to improve as the stretch drive begins. The guys revisit each game from the opening half of the season - from the frustrating missed opportunities in Montreal and Hamilton to statement wins over Ottawa, Saskatchewan, and BC - and discuss why the Argos may be in a better position than their record suggests. With six of the final eleven games at home, Ben and JB explain why a strong second half should put Toronto in position to host a playoff game. The centerpiece of this week's episode is the Xs and Argos Midseason Report Card. Every positional group receives a grade as the guys evaluate what's gone right, what's gone wrong, and which units need to improve down the stretch. Also on this week's episode: Home Suite Home, with one final opportunity to win box tickets to Toronto's home opener Ben and JB's True CFL Power Rankings Pick Six, featuring the question: Which player on another CFL roster would make the biggest difference if he were an Argo? Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag The road trip is finally behind them. Now comes the opportunity. Ben Grant and JB break down why the Argos still have a legitimate path to finishing near the top of the East Division, and what they'll have to do over the final 11 games to get there.

  8. Jul 26

    Postgame Reaction – Argonauts 26, Lions 12

    The Toronto Argonauts couldn't have picked a better time to put together their most complete performance of the season. Facing what Ben Grant called a must-win game, the Double Blue delivered in all three phases, defeating the BC Lions 26-12 to head into the bye week with momentum and finally bring their marathon road trip to an end. The victory wasn't without its concerns. Chad Kelly was outstanding before leaving in the second quarter with what appeared to be a neck injury. Before exiting, he had the offence operating at an elite level, and while his status will be the biggest storyline over the bye week, Nick Arbuckle stepped in and guided the offence efficiently the rest of the way. He even showed off a little mobility, making several timely plays with his legs in a performance that helped secure the win. Defensively, the Argos were relentless. Toronto recorded four sacks - including two from newly signed veteran Shawn Lemon - and came within inches of several interceptions while consistently frustrating the Lions' offence. Special teams were equally impressive, as James Burnip continued his outstanding play with a 52.4-yard punting average, rookie Brady Lidster connected on four of his five field-goal attempts, and Janarion Grant repeatedly flipped field position with nearly 20 yards per punt return, including three explosive returns. Ben Grant and JB break down Toronto's most complete effort of 2026, discuss the impact of Shawn Lemon's return, hand out their Players of the Game and Plays of the Game, and bring you radio highlights from TSN 1050 with Mike Hogan. They'll also examine the injury concerns surrounding Chad Kelly, linebacker Owen Goss, and cornerback Benji Franklin, and what those injuries could mean as the Argos head into a much-needed bye week. Toronto now returns home at 3-4 with confidence, momentum, and a chance to reset before welcoming the Calgary Stampeders to BMO Field on August 6. The road trip is finally over—and the Argos may have found their identity just in time.

See All (100)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 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