Latest news with #TorontoArgos
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Is the Ottawa Redblacks defence coming together in time for redemption against the Argos?
Nine months after getting obliterated in the Eastern semifinal, the Ottawa Redblacks defence is returning to BMO Field coming off its best game of the season. It's also getting a boost with two key players — defensive tackle Cleyon Laing and linebacker Davion Taylor — back from the injured list for Saturday afternoon's crucial showdown with the Toronto Argos. But it's the often-maligned Ottawa secondary that's especially on a high after making three interceptions in last week's 31-11 victory over the Calgary Stampeders — the third-fewest points given up by a CFL team this year. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'With the secondary, confidence is everything,' defensive coordinator Will Fields said after the team's walkthrough at TD Place on Friday. 'So I think they're all riding the wave right now. They just want to take the next step, but they're feeling good about themselves. And when you do well like that, you're more locked in the next week. 'So I think we had a really good week of practice as a defence as a whole, but secondary-wise, the guys communicated, and I think they're all locked in.' Fields, a former defensive back, was the Argos secondary coach and defensive co-cordinator when they ended Ottawa's 2024 season with a 58-38 thumping last November. Two months later, he was given the reins to the Ottawa defence as Barron Miles' replacement. There has been an adjustment period under the new DC — with just 10 sacks in nine games, the Redblacks still need to generate more quarterback pressure and only Toronto has given up more 'big plays' to opponents — but after last week's performance, Ottawa is tied for fourth in overall defensive rankings with Hamilton. 'I hope so,' Fields said. 'It looked that way. I think it definitely was a confidence booster for our defence. Like I say every week, as long as we take steps forward, we're going to be right where we need to be, and I think we took a big step forward. We've still got steps to go, but that was a good game to build off.' 'I think we took the game plan to the field,' Fields said. 'Sometimes you come up with all these ideas and then, when the ball is snapped, you only remember half of them. But I think this time, the guys took it upon themselves … the game plan was a little simpler and they just played fast and hard, and got us to win.' Fields says it was a collective effort by the group. 'I think that was the best thing about that game,' he stated. 'There were so many guys who stepped up and won their individual battles. So I wouldn't say anybody in particular, but the defence as a whole. They all played above what they've been playing.' 'Every time the secondary gets a chance to play well, it's a plus, because you get that much closer; that is a group that takes the longest to jail and to get right,' Fields said. 'We're kind of taking it game-by-game, but I think they're playing together. They're understanding each other's abilities and being able to play off of each other because with our defence, we allow the guys to communicate, and you have to know what the guy next to you is doing.' 'It definitely helps knowing their tendencies, but more so the body mechanics, just knowing the guys that were over there, knowing what they like to do, what they have difficulty with,' Fields said. 'It does help, but RD (Argos head coach and offensive coordinator Ryan Dinwiddie) is a great coach and I'm sure he's got some things, some wrinkles, he's going to throw at us that we haven't seen before. We're going to have to adjust on the fly.' Just two, with Laing and Taylor replacing starting right tackle Zack Pelehos (foot) and linebacker Lucas Cormier. Receiver Justin Hardy, who scored two touchdowns against the Stamps, missed two practices with a back issue this week but was back on the field Thursday and Friday and is ready to go. 'Justin is such a smart, intelligent player who has played a long time … He doesn't have to practice every day to be 100 percent ready to play,' head coach Bob Dyce said. 'He went out (Thursday) and had a great practice, so we're extremely excited. I'm sure the quarterback is excited, the offensive coordinator is excited, and we're excited as a team. We're all excited.' With both teams at 2-6, the winner moves into sole possession of third place in the East, but will not be in a playoff spot because the B.C. Lions defeated Hamilton. If the season ended today, the 4-5 Lions, who are fourth in the West, would cross over and play the Montreal Alouettes in the Eastern semifinal. 'We're two teams with the same record and we're in the same division, so it's a very key game,' said Dyce, noting that it's also the halfway point of the season. 'As we move forward, your opportunities start reducing from here, so you've got to take advantage of the ones in front of you. That's our goal and our mindset, to do that this weekend.' Because the two teams only face each other twice and Toronto won the first game 29-16. If they finish the regular season deadlocked in the standings, the tie-breaker will be points differential. 'We know they won by 13 points the first time we played, and we got to go out there and make sure we're ready to go,' Dyce said. 'That's why we want to take advantage of every opportunity throughout the game to put us in a situation that we're able to take care of that.'
Ottawa Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Is the Ottawa Redblacks defence coming together in time for redemption against the Argos?
Article content Nine months after getting obliterated in the Eastern semifinal, the Ottawa Redblacks defence is returning to BMO Field coming off its best game of the season. Article content It's also getting a boost with two key players — defensive tackle Cleyon Laing and linebacker Davion Taylor — back from the injured list for Saturday afternoon's crucial showdown with the Toronto Argos. Article content Article content Article content But it's the often-maligned Ottawa secondary that's especially on a high after making three interceptions in last week's 31-11 victory over the Calgary Stampeders — the third-fewest points given up by a CFL team this year. Article content Article content 'With the secondary, confidence is everything,' defensive coordinator Will Fields said after the team's walkthrough at TD Place on Friday. 'So I think they're all riding the wave right now. They just want to take the next step, but they're feeling good about themselves. And when you do well like that, you're more locked in the next week. Article content 'So I think we had a really good week of practice as a defence as a whole, but secondary-wise, the guys communicated, and I think they're all locked in.' Article content Fields, a former defensive back, was the Argos secondary coach and defensive co-cordinator when they ended Ottawa's 2024 season with a 58-38 thumping last November. Article content Article content Two months later, he was given the reins to the Ottawa defence as Barron Miles' replacement. Article content There has been an adjustment period under the new DC — with just 10 sacks in nine games, the Redblacks still need to generate more quarterback pressure and only Toronto has given up more 'big plays' to opponents — but after last week's performance, Ottawa is tied for fourth in overall defensive rankings with Hamilton. Article content 'I hope so,' Fields said. 'It looked that way. I think it definitely was a confidence booster for our defence. Like I say every week, as long as we take steps forward, we're going to be right where we need to be, and I think we took a big step forward. We've still got steps to go, but that was a good game to build off.' Article content What did the Ottawa 'D' do especially well against Calgary? Article content 'I think we took the game plan to the field,' Fields said. 'Sometimes you come up with all these ideas and then, when the ball is snapped, you only remember half of them. But I think this time, the guys took it upon themselves … the game plan was a little simpler and they just played fast and hard, and got us to win.' Article content Aside from the 61-yard pick-six by Alijah McGhee and the two other interceptions by Deandre Lamont and Amari Henderson, who stood out most when watching game film? Article content Fields says it was a collective effort by the group. Article content 'I think that was the best thing about that game,' he stated. 'There were so many guys who stepped up and won their individual battles. So I wouldn't say anybody in particular, but the defence as a whole. They all played above what they've been playing.' Article content Why was it important for the secondary to have a breakout game? Article content 'Every time the secondary gets a chance to play well, it's a plus, because you get that much closer; that is a group that takes the longest to jail and to get right,' Fields said. 'We're kind of taking it game-by-game, but I think they're playing together. They're understanding each other's abilities and being able to play off of each other because with our defence, we allow the guys to communicate, and you have to know what the guy next to you is doing.' Article content Article content How much does practising against the Argos offence for three years help Fields prepare for Saturday's game? Article content 'It definitely helps knowing their tendencies, but more so the body mechanics, just knowing the guys that were over there, knowing what they like to do, what they have difficulty with,' Fields said. 'It does help, but RD (Argos head coach and offensive coordinator Ryan Dinwiddie) is a great coach and I'm sure he's got some things, some wrinkles, he's going to throw at us that we haven't seen before. We're going to have to adjust on the fly.' Article content What roster changes are the Redblacks making for Saturday's game? Article content Just two, with Laing and Taylor replacing starting right tackle Zack Pelehos (foot) and linebacker Lucas Cormier. Article content Receiver Justin Hardy, who scored two touchdowns against the Stamps, missed two practices with a back issue this week but was back on the field Thursday and Friday and is ready to go. Article content Article content 'Justin is such a smart, intelligent player who has played a long time … He doesn't have to practice every day to be 100 percent ready to play,' head coach Bob Dyce said. 'He went out (Thursday) and had a great practice, so we're extremely excited. I'm sure the quarterback is excited, the offensive coordinator is excited, and we're excited as a team. We're all excited.' Article content What's at stake for the Redblacks and Argos on Saturday? Article content With both teams at 2-6, the winner moves into sole possession of third place in the East, but will not be in a playoff spot because the B.C. Lions defeated Hamilton. If the season ended today, the 4-5 Lions, who are fourth in the West, would cross over and play the Montreal Alouettes in the Eastern semifinal. Article content 'We're two teams with the same record and we're in the same division, so it's a very key game,' said Dyce, noting that it's also the halfway point of the season. 'As we move forward, your opportunities start reducing from here, so you've got to take advantage of the ones in front of you. That's our goal and our mindset, to do that this weekend.' Article content Because the two teams only face each other twice and Toronto won the first game 29-16. If they finish the regular season deadlocked in the standings, the tie-breaker will be points differential. Article content 'We know they won by 13 points the first time we played, and we got to go out there and make sure we're ready to go,' Dyce said. 'That's why we want to take advantage of every opportunity throughout the game to put us in a situation that we're able to take care of that.'
Calgary Herald
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
How much has play-calling played a part in the Ottawa Redblacks' offensive struggles?
Article content 'It's hard to say that we don't know what we're doing in those situations because we won like seven games last year in those situations,' he added. 'So it's not like we just up and forgot, right? But, yeah, it's definitely something we talk about and we emphasize, situational awareness and stuff.' Article content Asked about his thought process on the series of plays in question at Commonwealth Stadium, Condell explained that he was trying to get the Redblacks into field-goal range with a catch-and-go-down 'surrender play.' Article content Would he call the running play again if he had a chance for a redo? Article content 'We needed to get the first down, and we did,' he said after stating that he was 'confident in all calls, so I was good (with that one).' Article content 'Hindsight is 20-20 for all of us,' Condell added, 'but to me we have to be able to get down and get a chance to do it. We didn't get far enough, we didn't kick it, so we had to go on.' Article content Article content Condell took over as Redblacks offensive co-ordinator last season and guided the team to the second-most passing yards (5,445) in the nine-team league. Along with helping the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to the Grey Cup games in 2019 and 2021, he was quarterbacks coach of the Toronto Argos when they won the Grey Cup in 2017. Article content Condell has been questioned for his selection of plays in the past, but what OC hasn't? Article content Either way, he understands it comes with the territory. Article content 'I have to be able to always put these guys in the best position possible, and it's always evaluated from game in and game out,' Condell said. 'I've got to be able to do that for them, so I think that's the most important thing.' Article content Why has the Redblacks' offence struggled to make 'explosive' plays so far? Article content The easy answer is that they've been without Brown for three of five games. But the Redblacks have had their top gun for a couple of starts, and they've generated a league-low three 30-plus-yard passing plays. Hamilton, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg have had the next fewest with seven each, while Toronto, with backup quarterback Nick Arbuckle behind centre, leads the CFL with 11. Article content Article content Brown, who has accounted for two of the 30-yarders, says the hip injury that sidelined him for a couple of games is not preventing him from airing the ball out. Article content What is? Article content 'It's a better question for the defensive co-ordinators around the league than me,' Brown said. 'Because it seems like at times we get different coverages than some folks. I would do it, too. I would make us take 12 plays, string success together, and either get a stop on second-and-long or get an interception or a (Redblacks) penalty and the drive stalls. I can get down with that motive, that strategy. I think it's smart. But that's kind of where we're at.' Article content Article content 'I think if we have better first-down efficiency, it might organically happen,' Brown added. 'But I think we've been in a lot of second-and-longs … You're not dictating, you're kind of out of the mode of where you get to dictate, whereas you get to second and four (and) someone has to play man coverage. Man coverage with a waggle is tough. But they want to get more guys in the box to stop the run because there's a chance that you'll run. You're not running on second and 12.' Article content Ottawa also has the highest two-and-out percentage (42) in the CFL, which, of course, is not a good thing. Article content 'I think we're in way too many second-and-long situations, which make us a little more one-dimensional, completely one-dimensional,' Brown said. 'You don't get a ton of opportunities to dictate to the defence, being in second-and-long. I think everyone in the stadium or watching knows what is going to happen. Article content 'So why did that happen? Negative plays on first down, whether it's an incomplete pass, a poorly executed play or a penalty. We've got to get rid of those and stay on schedule, and we should be cooking.' Article content Said Condell: 'I think the biggest thing that we have to be able to establish is to have some rhythm in the whole game. What does that mean? Be able to get the play call in, out, make sure everyone gets it, and we don't have those penalties, anything of that nature. To be able to establish that, you get more opportunities. The explosive plays will come when those things happen. When you're not establishing that rhythm, it makes it a lot harder.' Article content Brown blamed himself for the missteps in Edmonton, which included a time-count violation and an illegal forward pass, as well as an offside call on wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton, a procedure call on guard Drew Desjarlais and a holding penalty on receiver Eugene Lewis. Article content The communication issues might be explained by the fact that Brown missed a month had he not practised all week leading up to the game and run Condell's offence for more than a season. Article content 'There are times when maybe you can do a little bit less,' Brown said. 'So we can have less responsibility and less thinking and just go. We don't want to necessarily put that ceiling on anyone because guys continue to improve and get better, and we feel like with our offence, we have a lot of guys that are not just good players, but good thinkers, and we want to take advantage of that. So you've got to balance that.' Article content Article content At the same time, Brown offered a little perspective when he conceded that offside and illegal-procedure penalties were 'a lack of discipline and a lack of focus.' Article content 'In that moment, it's hard, especially if you have other things going on,' he said, using the centre position as an example. 'Like if you're in charge of protection. He has 100 calls a week that he has to be prepared for, and he is, and then in the moment something happens and then he's communicating, and I'm talking. That's how those things happen. So those things we communicate in corrections, and we'll get fixed.' Article content Even the Argos, who have played one less game than the Redblacks, Tiger-Cats and Alouettes, have put 128 points on the board. Did we mention they've had to use their backup QB to date?
Toronto Sun
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
QB Kelly out again as Arbuckle starts third straight game for banged-up Argos
Published Jun 19, 2025 • 4 minute read Toronto Argos running back Miyan Williams (28) is tackled by Calgary Stampeders defensive back Sheldon Arnold II (38) during second half CFL football action in Toronto, Saturday, June 14, 2025. Photo by Jon Blacker / The Canadian Press Chad Kelly will have plenty of company on the Toronto Argonauts sideline Friday night. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Kelly will miss a third straight start when Toronto (0-2) hosts the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0). The 2023 CFL outstanding player continues to recover from a leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. Ditto for receiver/returner Janarion Grant (ankle), the 2024 CFL top special teams player last season, who also has yet to play this year. Joining them among Toronto's walking wounded will be linebackers Wynton McManis (knee) and Jack Cassar (adductor), running back Deonta McMahon (ankle), receiver DaVaris Daniels (hip), defensive lineman Demarcus Christmas (Achilles) and offensive linemen Sage Doxtater (knee), Dylan Giffen (back) and Darius Ciraco (foot). On Thursday, Toronto re-signed Canadian fullback Brandon Calver, who spent the last four seasons with the club. He'll start on offence Friday and also play special teams. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Still, it's hardly an ideal scenario for a Toronto team looking to avoid its first 0-3 start since 2019. 'Sometimes the injury bug hits you but we have no excuses,' said Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. 'It's next man up. 'It's professional sports … you have to find a way to overcome it.' Read More Saskatchewan receiver Sam Emilus (foot) won't play but Canadian running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon returns to back up former Argo A.J. Ouellette. Sophomore receiver Joe Robustelli is also back and starts. Ka'Deem Carey won't face his former team. Carey, who ran for 1,060 yards last year in helping Toronto win the Grey Cup, joined Saskatchewan after being among the Argos' final cuts but won't dress Friday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Jake Herslow starts at slotback for Toronto while Canadian Ryan Hunter, the CFL's top lineman last year, moves from right tackle to left guard. American Hampton Ergle starts at tackle. Rookie running back Miyan Williams makes his first CFL start with Toronto. The 5-foot-8, 237-pound former Ohio State Buckeye ran for 62 yards on nine carries in last week's 29-19 home loss to Calgary while adding nine catches for 65 yards after replacing McMahon. But when Williams entered last week's game, he was the last running back on Toronto's roster, which somewhat handcuffed Dinwiddie, who's also Toronto's offensive co-ordinator. Running back Kevin Brown was signed this week, which should give Dinwiddie more play-calling flexibility. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'He (Williams) showed his physicality breaking through some tackles and getting to the second level,' Dinwiddie said. 'I think he's used to the U.S. game where it's more downhill but you've got to be a bit more patient (in the CFL) and set up some blocks and I think he's getting there.' Williams downplayed the notion that being thrust into last week's game was difficult for him. 'It's not hard if you mentally prepare yourself to just be ready for whatever happens,' he said. 'It (Friday night) is just another game I've got to prepare for so I don't treat it differently than any other.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Veteran Nick Arbuckle makes a third straight start for Toronto. While the 2024 Grey Cup MVP has a 68.9 completion percentage and is third overall in passing yards (582), he has more interceptions (four) than TDs (two). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Just manage the game,' Dinwiddie said regarding what he wants to see from Arbuckle on Friday. 'You don't have to be a superhero, just master the plan.' Toronto has committed five turnovers (tied for last overall) while having recorded a CFL-low one turnover. Isaac Darkangelo replaces McManis at middle linebacker while defensive lineman Anthony Lanier III faces his former team. Lanier III played four seasons with Saskatchewan before signing with Toronto after not being offered an extension by the Riders. Saskatchewan comes off a 28-23 road win over Hamilton last week. Veteran Trevor Harris was 26-of-37 passing for 294 yards with a TD and an interception while KeeSean Johnson had eight catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ouellette was also a factor, rushing for 96 yards and a TD on 13 carries. But veteran kicker Brett Lauther missed three of five field goals and a convert. Linebacker Jameer Thurman (CFL-high 17 defensive plays) anchors a Riders defence that also includes defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., the 2024 CFL top defensive player who had an interception last week. 'Offensively, I think they've kind of got it going,' Dinwiddie said. 'They'll take some shots but at the same time they'll move downfield and Trevor does a really good job of managing the game. 'If you look at their defence, they're pretty darn good. They're going to make us earn it with completions and not give us any deep shots so we've got to make sure we're not in second-and-long. We've got to win first down.' Toronto & GTA News NHL Editorial Cartoons MMA
CTV News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Costly win for Calgary Stampeders against Toronto Argos
Toronto Argos quarterback Nick Arbuckle is sacked by Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade in Toronto on June 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker The good news for the Calgary Stampeders is they're off to a 2-0 start this season. The bad news is the injuries are starting to pile up. Saturday's game against the Argos was a tough one, as receiver Reggie Begelton suffered a knee injury and is on crutches. So is long snapper Aaron Crawford. Linebacker Marquel Lee suffered a bicep injury. Head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson says Saturday's game was a tough one. 'We're definitely going to be down some guys,' said Dickenson. 'We're going to see how it plays out. We still are getting information on everybody, but we won and it came at a cost. It does give us an opportunity for other guys, but definitely some serious injuries, so we're going to have to adjust.' Philpot has his best game in CFL Dickenson admits some of the injured players could be done for the season. But as with anything in sports, it's all about the next man up. Receiver Jalen Philpot certainly stepped up. He had his best statistical game in the CFL, breaking the 100-yard mark in receiving. He says it's going to give him a lot of confidence. 'It's awesome to be able to break that 100-yard mark, especially at the pro level. It's huge,' said the 24-year-old. 'It's kind of a weight off the shoulders, and I definitely wanted it. I'm just thankful that the team put me in situations to make those plays. I know they expect me to make those plays. That's why they brought me in here, so (I'm) just happy to do that.' Roberts learning from roommate Jacob Roberts took over for Lee when he went down with his injury. They're great friends on and off the field and are roommates. Roberts takes advice from Lee and says it's time for him to step up. 'We lost the engine to our defence,' said the 23-year-old. 'But we've got his back and I'm going to step in there. We've got guys like (Micah) Teitz and some younger guys that are coming up getting ready for the game, and we're going to step in. It's a big role, but we're going to fill his shoes.' Jason MacGougan was signed by the Stamps on Tuesday after Crawford was injured. MacGougan was here for training camp and played in both pre-season games for the Stamps. He says he's ready for this opportunity. 'It's unfortunate what happened, especially to a guy that's as good as Crawford is,' said the 22-year-old. 'He's a great guy in the room and just a good person overall. But at the end of the day, it's a contact sport and injuries happen, and it's the next-man-up mentality.' The Stamps' next game is on Saturday afternoon at McMahon Stadium against the Ottawa Redblacks.
