Xs and Argos Podcast

Ben Grant and JB
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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. FEB 18

    2026 Free Agency Special

    Free agency has calmed down, and the Toronto Argonauts look very different than they did when we signed off in November. In this Free Agency Special, Ben Grant and JB break down the naming of new head coach Mike Miller, the additions of John Hufnagel and Jim Barker to the front office, the biggest signings and departures - including a star defender landing in Hamilton - and what it all means for 2026. We also walk through our post–free agency depth projection, highlighting positions of strength and areas of concern heading into camp.

    1h 2m

  2. 11/21/2025

    Season Finale: Dinwiddie to Ottawa, the Coaching Search, and Ralph Holley Returns (with an interview)

    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.

    1h 19m

  3. 10/23/2025

    Exit Interviews: The highs and lows of 2025

    Ben Grant and JB return for the second-to-last episode of the 2025 season with a packed edition of the Xs and Argos Podcast. This week, the guys break down Toronto's team award nominees, and react to comments from head coach Ryan Dinwiddie and GM Michael "Pinball" Clemons during the Argos' end-of-season media availability. The guys also share their three highs and three lows from the 2025 campaign, from the thrilling Labour Day Classic win over Hamilton to the gut-wrenching Week 7 collapse in Montreal.

    56 min

  4. 10/19/2025

    Postgame Reaction - Calgary 44 - Toronto 13

    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.

    40 min

  5. 10/16/2025

    Pregame Walkthrough: Argos at Stampeders

    Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for Toronto's final game of the 2025 season as the Argonauts head west to face the Calgary Stampeders. With playoff hopes officially gone, this week's focus shifts to reflection and evaluation. The guys dig into All-Star fan voting, which currently feels like it's leaning away from Toronto, but which Argos deserve recognition in 2025? They also take a hard look at Toronto's coaching staff from top to bottom, assessing each positional group and debating who might return next season. Plus, with several young players seeing increased snaps down the stretch, Ben and JB highlight who they're most eager to evaluate in the finale. As always, your favourite segments return: Pick Six, Game Preview, Injury Report, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag.

    52 min

  6. 10/11/2025

    Postgame Reaction: Saskatchewan 27 - Toronto 19

    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.

    40 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Pregame Walkthrough - Week 19: Argos at Roughriders

    Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for Toronto's trip to Regina, where the Argonauts face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the first true "evaluation game" of the Ryan Dinwiddie era. With the playoffs out of reach, Toronto will use these final weeks to get a closer look at their young talent. This week's episode covers Nick Arbuckle and Wynton McManis being officially shut down for the season, the addition of versatile Ezekial Tieide to the roster, plus an exciting QB being added to the negotiation list, a look at which young Argos players deserve the most attention down the stretch, and all the usual bells and whistles. It's a new phase of the season for Toronto, and Ben and JB break it all down.

    51 min

  8. 10/04/2025

    Postgame Reaction: Tiger-Cats 47 - Argos 29

    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.

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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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