Xs and Argos Podcast - podcast cover

Xs and Argos Podcast

Ben Grant and JBxsandargos.com
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.
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Episodes

Pregame Walkthrough vs the BC Lions

Who will play corner for the Argos this season? Why did the team go so light at tackle? Which Argos were missing from TSN's Top 50 CFL Players list? Who will be Toronto's most valuable offensive and defensive players this season? Hosts Ben Grant and JB have the answers, plus all the usual bells and whistles in this Pregame Walkthrough edition of the Xs and Argos podcast.

Jun 05, 202454 min

Preseason wraps up with a 25-14 Argos win over Hamilton

Toronto's starters looked ready for the regular season, questions were answered at quarterback with Cameron Dukes putting together another solid outing, and first round draft pick Kevin Mital had a huge day. It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Argos, but hosts Ben Grant and JB will look at why Toronto should feel confident heading into the season, and why there will be some difficult cuts to make.

Jun 01, 202434 min

The Argos learned important lessons in Montreal and made some interesting signings, as they prepare for Hamilton

The Double Blue have signed an elite return specialist and an intruiging quarterback while also saying goodbye to few talented players. Hosts Ben Grant and JB give you their takes on the moves and break down Toronto's 30-13 preseason loss to the Montreal Alouettes. They'll also look ahead to Toronto's game against the Tiger-Cats in Guelph and outline what fans might expect to see.

May 28, 202451 min

Double Blue Game analysis / looking ahead to Montreal

The annual Double Blue Game is in the books. The defence set the tone with their aggressive play, and the quarterback production was strong across the board. Hosts Ben Grant and JB break down all the action from Monday night and get you set for Toronto’s preseason opener in Montreal this Saturday.

May 23, 202451 min

Training Camp Report with Mike Hogan

With Toronto's training camp underway at the University of Guelph, hosts Ben Grant and JB check in with Argos Manager of Communication and play-by-play voice, Mike Hogan, to see what this year's projected starting lineup might look like and who has stood out in the first few days of camp. Then, the guys take a preseason stab at the power rankings. Where does Toronto stand without Chad Kelly at quarterback for at least the first half of the season?

May 14, 20241 hr 2 min

What the Chad Kelly suspension means for the Argos going forward

On Tuesday, the CFL suspended Argos quarterback Chad Kelly for a minimum of nine games. Hosts Ben Grant and JB take a look at the options the team has in terms of handling this suspension from a football perspective - many of which are dependent on how Kelly himself handles the conditions outlined in limiting the suspension to nine games. Will the team head into the season with Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott, or might they look elsewhere?

May 08, 202437 min

Post Draft and Co-Defensive Coordinators

The 2024 CFL Draft has concluded, and the Toronto Argonauts have nine new players on their roster, including one who could have an immediate impact. Hosts Ben Grant and JB break down the Argos' picks and consider different directions the Argos could have gone in the draft. They also take a look at the new coaching hires, reveal which new American signings they're most interested to see, and provide their thoughts on today's announcement that the team will go with co-defensive coordinators this s...

May 01, 202449 min

The 2024 Xs and Argos Draft Special

The Toronto Argonauts have knocked the draft out of the park in recent years, and they'll look to continue that trend in the 2024 CFL Draft next week. When it comes to Canadian players, is there an area of weakness or need on the team? Who will they take with the fifth overall pick? Why is the third round the most important round of the draft for Toronto this year? Hosts Ben Grant and JB have all the answers and all the draft analysis your double-blue heart needs.

Apr 24, 20241 hr 10 min

2024 Free Agency Special - "When the Dust Settles"

The team is by no means complete, but most of the heavy lifting has been done. There were many high-profile losses, both on the roster and to the coaching staff, but the Argos' front office did a spectacular job ensuring Toronto will be in a position to finish first in the East Division for the fourth straight year. How will the team replace players like A.J. Ouellette, Adarius Pickett, Jamal Peters, and Javon Leake? Who has to step up as a team leader? Which new signings might turn into future ...

Feb 22, 20241 hr 4 min

2023 Season Finale

It’s the Season Finale, which means it’s time for the Xs and Argos Awards! We’ll also go through all the big stories of the past week including Toronto’s CFL Award winners, Chad Kelly’s concussion, and MBT’s possible return to the CFL. Plus we’ll highlight this week’s transaction and which free agents must be a priority for the front office.

Nov 23, 20231 hr 10 min

Montreal 38 - Toronto 17

After a historically good regular season, the Toronto Argonauts couldn’t finish the job in the Eastern Final in front of a record crowd at BMO Field. The Toronto defence played one of their best games of the year, but what had been such a consistent offence simply couldn’t get out of their own way, turning the ball over nine times and surrendering two pick-sixes in the process. Where did it all go wrong? Hosts Ben and JB have some of the answers to your questions, while others may forever remain...

Nov 12, 202337 min

Pregame Walkthrough: Eastern Final

The Montreal Alouettes travel to BMO Field to take on the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL's Eastern Final. The Argos are 3-0 against the Alouettes this season, but two of those games went right down to the wire. This historically-good Toronto team is rested, prepared, and will be playing in front their biggest home crowd in years, but anything can happen in football. Hosts Ben and JB tell you what to expect, which returning injured players should dress or start, and how both teams should attack one...

Nov 09, 202356 min

Playoff Bye Week Extravaganza!

It’s the Xs and Argos playoff bye week extravaganza! Hosts Ben Grant and JB take a close look at which six Argos were nominated for CFL awards and what their chances are like, they review their original pre-season power rankings, and examine the East Division semi-final from an Argos perspective.

Nov 02, 202353 min

Toronto 27 - Ottawa 22

With their 16th regular season win, the Toronto Argonauts are into the history books, but it’s not hard to tell their sights are set on a bigger prize. Numerous starters were resting in this matchup, including quarterback Chad Kelly, so it was up to Cameron Dukes and company to take down the Redblacks. Hosts Ben and JB take you through the game, highlighting great performances, key plays, and questions that remain heading into the playoffs. They’ll also cover injury updates and what the Toronto ...

Oct 29, 202335 min

Pregame Walkthrough at Ottawa

It was a busy week in Toronto! The team extended Canadians Josh Hagerty and David Ungerer III while also signing two new American players. There weren’t any big surprises for the Argos when the team’s CFL award nominations came out, but not all selections were unanimous either. Pete Costanza emerges as a potential head coach in Saskatchewan, joining Corey Mace on an impressive list of candidates. BMO Field’s east upper deck opens up for the Eastern Final as ticket sales continue to go well. Chad...

Oct 26, 20231 hr 1 min

Toronto 29 - Saskatchewan 26

Cam Dukes, Dan Adeboboye, and Richie Sindani all stepped up in the final minutes to give Toronto a come-from-behind win over Saskatchewan. This was the Argos’ 15th win of the season, tying a franchise mark, and it also knocked the Roughriders out of playoff contention. In their recap, hosts Ben and JB analyze the game, discuss key moments such as Chad Kelly’s ankle injury, and go over what players and coaches had to say following the game.

Oct 22, 202349 min

Pregame Walkthrough at Saskatchewan

Defensive coordinator Corey Mace gets extended, the final home attendance numbers are in for the Argos, and the team may be reconsidering how they handle the last two games of the season. Hosts Ben and JB give you everything you need to know about Toronto’s matchup with the Roughriders including injury updates, predictions, plans of attack for both teams, and terrible, terrible betting advice.

Oct 19, 202358 min

Postgame Reaction: Toronto 40 - Ottawa 27

The Argos’ offence put up 40 points somewhat sluggishly and the defence turned up the heat in the second half as Toronto came from behind to beat the Ottawa Redblacks in their final home game of the regular season. Chad Kelly and DaVaris Daniels were clicking once again, but is it concerning at all that Damonte Coxie seemed to struggle against Money Hunter? The Toronto defence played one of their best halves of the season registering an astonishing seven sacks in the second half to drive Dustin ...

Oct 15, 202345 min

Pregame Walkthrough: Ottawa at Toronto

CFL All-Star voting has opened, but some of the best Argonauts face a disadvantage given the way it’s set up. Toronto signed an intriguing former Blue Bomber with all the potential in the world, but why didn't he work out in Winnipeg? The Argos are heavy Grey Cup favourites, but should they be? Why are fans of the Double Blue upset with Drake? Hosts Ben and JB will give you all the week’s news, answer all your questions, and get you set for Toronto’s final home game of the regular season.

Oct 12, 202359 min

Toronto 35 - Edmonton 12

On the week of their 150th anniversary, in front of dozens of Double Blue legends, the Toronto Argonauts took care of business, dismantling the Edmonton Elks 35-12. It wasn’t an evening of outstanding individual performances, but all three phases produced well as a collective and took care of business. How did the Argos limit Tre Ford and Geno Lewis? Is there any reason for concern on the offensive side of the ball? Hosts Ben and JB have the answers to your questions and a lot more.

Oct 07, 202349 min

Pregame Walkthrough: The 150th Anniversary Game - Edmonton at Toronto

In the long history of the Toronto Argonauts, there has never been a star-studded gathering of former players equal to what we’ll see on Friday night at BMO Field against Edmonton. The celebrations kick off Wednesday morning with Mayor Olivia Chow raising the Argos flag at Toronto City Hall in the presence of former and current greats, and continue through the week. Dozens or Argos legends will be at the game on Friday night. Dozens. Flutie, Ismail, Clemons, Holloway, Greer, Ray, Owens, Allen, M...

Oct 04, 202349 min

Winnipeg 31 - Toronto 21...sort of

With Chad Kelly sitting out, the Argonauts suffered their second loss of the season, but there were plenty of positives to take away. Cameron Dukes looked very solid in his first CFL start, which Toronto desperately needed from their inexperienced backup quarterback. A number of defenders like Jonathan Jones, Jared Brinkman, and Jamie Harry also got to rev their engines a bit as Toronto showcased their depth while allowing regular starters to rest and heal.

Sep 30, 202340 min

Pregame Walkthrough at Winnipeg

Cameron Dukes will get the start at quarterback for the Toronto Argonauts against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Could it hurt Chad Kelly's MOP chances? Yes. Could it jeopardize records the Argonauts are on pace to set? Yes. Does it put them in a better position to win another Grey Cup? Absolutely, and that's all that matters. We'll explain why Coach Dinwiddie is making the right decision, who else on the team might get a rest, and what to look for in Cameron Dukes as we get you set for Friday Night...

Sep 27, 202349 min

Toronto 29 - Hamilton 14

The Argonauts didn't play particularly well, yet they moved to 12-1 on the season with a 29-14 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, sweeping their rivals in the four-game series. Wynton McManis looked as dominant as he did down the stretch last season and Dejon Brissett had his best game as a pro, while the rest of the team did enough to get the win. Hosts Ben Grant and JB walk you through the game, highlight injury concerns, evaluate new additions to the roster, and outline concerns as the team pr...

Sep 24, 202340 min

Pregame Walkthrough vs Hamilton

Pinball Clemons and Mickey Donovan sign extensions, the Argos visit Holland Bloorview, Boris Bede surpasses 1000 points, and AJ Ouellette squats 635 pounds. It was another busy week in Toronto! We look at who the Argos should rest down the stretch, plus we’ve got all the usual assortment of podcast goodies to get you set for Toronto’s Saturday matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Sep 21, 202359 min

Toronto 23 - Montreal 20 - The Argos Clinch First Place!

It was the most spectacular Toronto finish since the Argos won the Grey Cup last year - and both games concluded in very similar fashion, with a blocked field goal. From a defensive battle in the first half to a shootout in the final two minutes, this game had a bit of everything, including a week's worth of highlights jammed into the last few drives. The Argos are 11-1 for the first time in franchise history and have clinched first place in the East Division - and it's only mid-September!...

Sep 16, 202343 min

Pregame Walkthrough at Montreal Part Deux

It's a busy week in Toronto! The Argos can clinch the division with a win, but they can also clinch a home playoff game with a Hamilton loss. American defensive back Benjie Franklin signs with the Boatmen, and his reviews from Jacksonville and Seattle are very positive. What will the Argonauts do at halfback with Amos out and Daniel expected to extended time? Is there a chance both Cam Phillips and Kurleigh Gittens Jr. will miss this week's game? Hosts Ben and JB have answers to all your questio...

Sep 13, 202346 min

Toronto 38 - Montreal 10

The Toronto Argonauts have clinched a playoff spot with a dominant win over the Montreal Alouettes. AJ Ouellette passed the century mark on the ground, Chad Kelly was accurate and efficient, the defence created turnover after turnover, and the special teams units gave the offence great field position.

Sep 09, 202332 min

Pregame Walkthrough vs Montreal

Nicastro signs a three-year extension, the Argos can clinch a playoff spot, it's the Purolator Tackle Hunger Game at BMO Field, and we come up with a few nickname option for Toronto returner Javon Leake. Plus we've got all the usual goodies to get you set for this week's game against the Montreal Alouettes.

Sep 07, 202349 min

Toronto 41 - Hamilton 28

The Toronto Argonauts hammered the Tiger-Cats, literally and figuratively, amazingly enough, beating their rivals 41-28 on Labour Day in Hamilton. The Toronto defence forced two turnovers and logged five sacks, while A.J. Ouellette carried the load for the Argonauts on the ground while also throwing a touchdown pass. For the second week in a row, however, there were a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.

Sep 05, 202337 min
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