Xs and Argos Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ben Grant and JB get you set for Toronto's final home game of the season, as the Argonauts host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BMO Field in the Battle of the QEW and the first-ever Future of Football Game. With the CFL trade deadline passing, the Argos stood pat. Ben and JB debate whether Toronto should have made a move, why deals are so rare in the CFL, and what the Mauldin trade to Calgary might signal across the league. With major CFL rule changes already announced for 2026 and 2027, the guys pitch some of their own. Plus, the guys will look at Toronto's razor-thin path to the postseason. And of course, all your favourites are back: Pick Six, Game Preview, Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down For 20, Challenge Flag, and a Ticket Giveaway. With Jim Kelly and Doug Flutie coming to town, t-shirt giveaways, and playoff hopes hanging by a thread, this is a walkthrough you wont want to miss.

The Toronto Argonauts dropped another heartbreaker on the west coast, falling 27–22 to the BC Lions in a game they once again had every chance to win. Toronto's offensive line, riddled with injuries, struggled all night, unable to generate push against light boxes in the run game or hold off three and four-man rushes in pass protection. Nick Arbuckle was efficient, but with BC dropping eight and nine into coverage, there simply wasn't anything there. There were bright spots: Jake Herslow and Kevin Mital both had standout performances, and Lirim Hajrullahu was perfect on the night, drilling all five of his field goal attempts, including two from 50 yards. Defensively, the Argos did their job, forcing Nathan Rourke to throw three interceptions, but Toronto could only turn those turnovers into three points. In the end, another controversial replay review swung momentum back to the Lions late, and despite their best efforts, the Argos defence couldn't make one final stop. Ben Grant and JB are here to break it all down, from the offensive struggles to the defensive takeaways, and everything in between.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for Toronto's trip to BC with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. This week's episode dives into the CFL's sweeping rule changes set to roll out over the next two seasons, from play clocks and goal posts to the rouge debate and shortened fields. They also break down Toronto's playoff math - what the Argos need to do over the final four games and which teams they need help from if they're going to sneak into the postseason. The quarterback situation remains front and centre as the Argos weigh whether to start a banged-up Nick Arbuckle in BC, with everything on the line. And of course there's Pick Six, the Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag. It's a critical week on and off the field as Toronto heads west.

The Argonauts dropped a heartbreaker 21–19 to the Montreal Alouettes in dramatic fashion. Toronto's defence was outstanding all night, piling up three sacks, three interceptions, countless quarterback hits, and timely stops that kept them in the game late. Special teams also delivered, with Lirim Hajrullahu executing a perfect onside kick and a pinpoint pooch, while Janarion Grant and Dave Ungerer sparked the return game with big plays. In the end, it came down to Jarret Doege once again. Just like last week, he had the ball in his hands with a chance to win. Doege worked the Argos into long field goal range, but a controversial non-call on a pass to Makai Polk led to an interception that sealed the loss. Ben Grant and JB break it all down, from the dominant defensive showing and inspired special teams play to the questionable calls and offensive struggles that left Toronto just short.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for Jarret Doege's Double Blue debut as the Toronto Argonauts look to finally solve the Montreal Alouettes after dropping the first two meetings of the season. This week's episode looks at Ryan Dinwiddie's postgame high kick and fiery comments following the last-second win over Edmonton, the decision to start Jarret Doege and what it means for Nick Arbuckle, Chad Kelly, and the Argos' playoff push, Toronto's latest roster moves, including the signing of OL Josh Donovan, plus all your favourite segments return: Pick Six, Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, Challenge Flag, and our Something in the Water Brewing ticket giveaway. With the season on the line and a new quarterback under centre, it's a walkthrough you won't want to miss.

The Argonauts survived a rollercoaster game at BMO Field, edging out Edmonton 31–30 on a 47-yard walk-off field goal from Lirim Hajrullahu. Toronto turned the ball over six times, leading directly to 27 Elks points, but Edmonton's lone miscue proved costly. With just over three minutes remaining, Andrew Chatfield scooped up a Cody Fajardo fumble and ran it back for a go-ahead touchdown. Fajardo responded with a composed drive to reclaim the lead, but when Nick Arbuckle went down injured, third-string QB Jarret Doege came off the bench and orchestrated a miraculous final drive in the dying seconds to set up the game-winner against his former team. Defensively, the Argos registered five sacks and kept Justin Rankin in check for most of the afternoon, which allowed them to withstand a near-flawless performance from Fajardo (25/28, 229 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT). Ben Grant and JB break down all the drama, the mistakes, and the resilience it took for the Boatmen to come away with the win.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for a special afternoon at BMO Field as the 4-8 Argonauts host the 5-7 Edmonton Elks in the John Candy Celebration Game. The first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative t-shirt honouring the late Canadian actor and former Argos owner. This week's episode covers a packed agenda: MLSE's new partnership with the Buffalo Bills and why it should be a long-term win for football in Toronto, Nick Arbuckle confirmed as the starting QB vs. Edmonton, and the latest on Chad Kelly's statusd, plus all the regular segments are back: Game Preview, Injury Report, Pick-Six, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, Challenge Flag, and our Something in the Water Brewing ticket giveaway.

Ben Grant and JB are here to get you through Toronto's second bye week of the 2025 season - one that couldn't have come at a better time. At the heart of this episode is the looming quarterback question: Nick Arbuckle is on a six-game tear, completing 74% of his passes for 2,137 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just two interceptions - a pace that would put him in Doug Flutie territory over a full season. But Chad Kelly has teased his return on Instagram for Toronto's next game. If he's healthy, is there a debate to be had about who gives Toronto the best chance to win? The guys dig into what's fueling Arbuckle's hot streak, Kelly's intangibles, and whether Coach Dinwiddie risks upsetting team chemistry with an abrupt switch. They also set the table for the final six games of the year, including a playoff path that runs through Saskatchewan and Calgary. Off the field, the Argos announced a special tribute: on September 13th vs. Edmonton, the team will honour John Candy, with the first 5,000 fans at BMO receiving a commemorative t-shirt. Ben and JB share memories of Candy's legacy as an owner and a Canadian icon. Plus, as always: Pick Six, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag.

What. A. Finish. The Argonauts stunned Hamilton 35-33 in the Labour Day Classic with a last-second field goal, capping one of the wildest endings in Labour Day history. The Ticats looked to have stolen it with a touchdown in the final 18 seconds, but Jake Herslow sparked the comeback with a kickoff return to the Toronto 44. On the very next play, Nick Arbuckle heaved one up for Dejon Brissett, who made the catch between two defenders and raced down to the Hamilton 3-yard line, stepping out with one second on the clock. That set up the game-winning kick. Ben and JB break down every detail of a wild Labour Day Classic with the full radio replays from TSN 1050 included.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for the Labour Day Classic as the 3–8 Toronto Argonauts head down the QEW to face the division-leading Hamilton Tiger-Cats. It's been a busy week for the Double Blue: Four signings, including 2024 East All-Star WR Makai Polk, QB Max Duggan (2022 Heisman runner-up), NT Joe Wallace, and OL Dre Doiron, two releases, including LB Jordan Williams, play Mark Milton was traded to Ottawa, and two quarterbacks were added to Toronto's negotiation list: Clayton Tune and Bailey Zappe. The guys also debate whether there's cause for concern in Toronto adding Duggan plus two NFL quarterbacks to the neg list, and what it means for the future under centre. And of course all your favourite segments are back: Pick Six, Game Preview, Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag. And since it's a holiday week, Ben counts down his Top 5 beers from Something in the Water Brewing - with Longboat Hazy Session IPA still holding the top spot.

The Argos exploded for their biggest offensive night in a long time, taking down the BC Lions 52-34. Nick Arbuckle was electric, throwing for 430 yards and three touchdowns while adding another on a QB draw. Jake Herslow chipped in with two touchdown receptions as Toronto's offence rolled all night. The defence made big plays when they had to, with leaders Wynton McManis and Benji Franklin stepping up to stop BC's surges. With the win, Toronto climbs into third place in the East, holding the tiebreaker over Ottawa and keeping their playoff hopes alive. With JB literally stranded on an island, Ben Grant is joined by special guest Adam Gosse, the voice of the Argos at BMO Field, to break down all the action.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for CNE Week as the Toronto Argonauts host the BC Lions in a must-win matchup at BMO Field on Saturday. This week's episode covers it all including a deep dive into why Toronto can't close out games, how Brandon Kemp looked at left tackle, how difficult the road to the playoffs is, and a scary moment at practice Wednesday. Plus, your favourite segments return: Pick Six, Game Preview, Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag.

The Argos dropped another close one, losing 28-20 in Edmonton and falling to 0–6 in games decided in the last three minutes. It was a night of near-misses and bad breaks. Nick Arbuckle threw for 382 yards and a touchdown, spreading the ball to seven different receivers with over 20 yards apiece. But the Argos came up short on key moments: Arbuckle hit the uprights on what looked like a touchdown pass to Dave Ungerer III, Janarion Grant was tripped up by a shoestring on what could have been a return TD to end the half, Kevin Mital dropped a ball in the end zone after it appeared he was contacted early, Arbuckle fumbled in the red zone, and a high snap on a punt proved costly. The loss also came with concern: injuries to Wynton McManis, Deonta McMahon, Damonte Coxie, and Jonathan Edouard will need further evaluation. Ben Grant and JB break down all the action and revisit the missed opportunities.

Ben Grant and JB are back to get you set for "Must Win Week" as the 2-7 Argonauts travel to Edmonton to face the 2-6 Elks on Friday night. This week's episode features a breakdown of Coach Dinwiddie's fiery postgame comments on "pretenders in the building," the plethora of transactions the Argos made which include the release of Khalin Laborn and Brandon Calver, and the signing of an exciting potential starting Sam linebacker, Toronto's spot at the bottom of the Power Rankings – and where they really should be, and the road to the playoffs for the Argos. Plus, your favourite segments return: Pick Six, Game Preview, Injury Report, OCDC, One Thing, Put Me Down for 20, and Challenge Flag.