Xs and Argos Podcast

Ben Grant and JB
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. 1h ago

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 8: Argos at Lions

    The Toronto Argonauts have reached a crossroads. After nearly two months on the road, the Double Blue head to Vancouver for what might be the most important game of the season. A win over the BC Lions sends Toronto into its bye week with momentum and in a good position in the standings before finally returning home. A loss would mean three straight defeats to backup quarterbacks and plenty of questions heading into the second half of the season. This week, Ben Grant and JB break down Toronto's latest roster moves, including the return of two familiar faces. Veteran pass-rusher Shawn Lemon is back for a third stint with the Argonauts, bringing 103 career sacks and three Grey Cup rings to a defensive line in need of reinforcements. DeWayne Hendrix also returns just one week after being released, as Toronto continues to shuffle its roster amid a growing list of injuries. The guys also congratulate Jack Cassar on being selected for induction into the Carleton Ravens Hall of Fame, recognizing one of the most accomplished defensive careers in program history and the outstanding CFL career he's continued to build with the Argonauts. Also on this week's episode: Home Suite Home, with another chance to win box tickets to Toronto's home opener Pick Six, featuring a listener question about what's changed with the Argos' defence over the past three weeks The latest injury report as Toronto limps toward a much-needed bye week A full game preview and detailed Xs-and-Os breakdown of Argonauts vs. Lions One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag Can the Argos finally put together a complete performance? Will Chad Kelly and the offence find the right balance against one of the CFL's best defensive fronts? And can Toronto avoid a third straight loss to a backup quarterback? Ben and JB break it all down as the Argonauts prepare for what could be the defining game of their season.

  2. 3d ago

    Postgame Reaction – Tiger-Cats 24, Argonauts 23

    The Toronto Argonauts suffered a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday night, and while the lasting image will be Lirim Hajrullahu's missed 31-yard field goal as time expired, Ben Grant and JB explain why the game was lost long before the final kick. Yes, Hajrullahu missed the game-winning field goal. Yes, he also missed an extra point earlier in the contest. But football is the ultimate team game, and this defeat belonged to all three phases. On offence, the CFL's highest-scoring unit got off to a dream start, marching down the field for a touchdown on its opening possession. From there, however, Toronto managed just three points over the next three quarters before mounting a furious fourth-quarter comeback that ultimately came up one point short. Chad Kelly finished with over 320 passing yards, but the Argos simply waited too long to find their rhythm. Defensively, the numbers tell one story, but the film tells another. Holding Hamilton to 24 points should be enough to win most nights, but the Tiger-Cats did all of their scoring through the first three quarters. By the fourth, Hamilton was without both starting offensive tackles and had a fullback playing guard on an all-Canadian offensive line. The Argos finally took control defensively, but earlier in the game they struggled to contain Tre Ford, repeatedly taking poor pursuit angles and allowing him to escape what should have been drive-ending sacks. On this week's Postgame Reaction, Ben and JB dig into every turning point, every missed opportunity, and why it's far too simplistic to pin the loss on one player or one kick. They also highlight the bright spots, including the resilience Toronto showed in battling back to give itself a chance in the final seconds. The easy takeaway is that one missed field goal cost Toronto the game. The correct takeaway is that a collection of mistakes over four quarters left the Argos badly needing that kick. Ben Grant and JB break it all down on this week's Xs and Argos Postgame Reaction.

  3. 6d ago

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 7: Argos vs. Tiger-Cats

    After five straight games away from BMO Field, the Toronto Argonauts finally get something close to a home game as they head to Hamilton to face the Tiger-Cats in a pivotal East Division showdown. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a matchup that feels like a must-win for both clubs. This week, the guys break down a busy stretch of transactions, including Toronto's release of defensive tackle Dewayne Hendrix and offensive lineman Anim Dankwah, a trade for a former All-SEC player for Alabama, and the signing of standout Windsor kicker Brady Lidster. The conversation then turns to Chad Kelly, whose candid comments about Toronto's unprecedented road-heavy start to the season made headlines well beyond the CFL. Ben and JB discuss whether Kelly's frustrations are justified, how much the constant travel has affected the Argos, and why finally getting closer to home could make a difference over the second half of the season. Also on this week's episode: Home Suite Home, with another chance to win box tickets to Toronto's home opener Another surprise visit to practice from a former Argo Pick Six, featuring a listener question about the Hamilton seating controversy Injury Report OCDC One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag With Bo Levi Mitchell sidelined, the Tiger-Cats enter the week searching for answers at quarterback, while Toronto has an opportunity to get back above .500. It's another packed edition of the Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough, getting you ready for one of the biggest games of Toronto's season so far.

  4. Jul 11

    Postgame Reaction – Blue Bombers 30, Argonauts 21

    The Toronto Argonauts left Winnipeg feeling like they let one get away. Despite holding Brady Oliveira to just 64 total yards, forcing two turnovers, and limiting the Blue Bombers to a single offensive touchdown, the Argos fell 30-21 in a game where mistakes in all three phases ultimately proved too much to overcome. Ben Grant and JB break down a frustrating night at Princess Auto Stadium, where Chad Kelly turned in another strong performance and Makai Polk continued his emergence as one of the CFL's most dangerous receivers. But while the passing game generated big plays, the offensive line struggled to consistently handle Winnipeg's four-man rush, and after Sam Hicks burst through for a 26-yard run on Toronto's opening drive, the Argos managed just four rushing yards from him the rest of the night. The turning point came on special teams. Trailing by one score in the fourth quarter, Toronto missed a 40-yard field goal that was returned 129 yards by Trey Vaval for a touchdown - a devastating 10-point swing in a game ultimately decided by nine. Combined with other special teams miscues throughout the evening, it was the difference between flying home with a statement road win and leaving Winnipeg empty-handed. On this week's Postgame Reaction, Ben and JB examine the game through all three phases, discuss the early tackling issues on defence, why the unit still deserves plenty of credit for its overall performance, and where the offence and special teams must improve heading into next week's game against Hamilton.

  5. Jul 9

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 6: Argos at Blue Bombers

    The Toronto Argonauts continue their season-opening road trip with one of the toughest assignments in the CFL - a Friday night showdown in Winnipeg. Ben Grant and JB get you set for a pivotal Week 6 matchup as the 2-2 Argos look to climb the East Division standings and prove they're not the team some Power Rankings would have you believe. On this week's episode: Toronto's latest roster moves, including the exciting addition of Bubba Bolden Home Suite Home, with another chance to win box tickets to Toronto's home opener Pick Six, featuring a question about how the Argos prepare defensively without knowing Winnipeg's starting QB The latest injury report, including the impact of Dakota Shepley's return to practice and Cameron Judge's absence A full game preview and Xs-and-Os breakdown of both teams One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag Can the Argos slow down Brady Oliveira? Will Chad Kelly continue his strong start to the season? Ben Grant and JB break it all down on this week's Xs and Argos Pregame Walkthrough.

  6. Jul 3

    Postgame Reaction – Stampeders 58, Argonauts 36

    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.

  7. Jul 1

    Pregame Walkthrough – Week 5: Argos at Stampeders

    The Toronto Argonauts have won two straight and now head to Calgary for their fourth consecutive road game, looking to improve to 3-1 and continue climbing the East Division standings. This week, Ben Grant and JB celebrate two of the newest members of the All-Time Argos. The guys reflect on the remarkable careers of linebacker Kevin Eiben and defensive back Carl Brazley, discussing why both legends earned their place among the greatest players in franchise history and what made each of them so special. Ben and JB dive into the tactical battle that could decide the game. How can the Argos neutralize Calgary's talented defensive front? Should Chad Kelly continue to rely on quick decisions, tempo, and moving the pocket? And can Toronto's offence continue the efficiency it displayed in Regina? Plus: A discussion on Toronto's locker room culture and why it matters over the course of a CFL season A full game preview of Argos vs. Stampeders Injury Report Pick Six, explaining some of the football terminology fans hear every week OCDC: How should each team attack the opposing defence? One Thing Put Me Down for 20 Challenge Flag The road doesn't get any easier, but another win in Calgary would further establish the Argonauts as one of the CFL's hottest teams heading into Week 6.

  8. Jun 27

    Postgame Reaction - Argos 40 - Roughriders 34

    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.

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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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