By: Sam Aucoin
Vancouver, BC – The Toronto Argonauts, without starting quarterback Chad Kelly, defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41-24 to win their 19th Grey Cup in franchise history. Toronto picked off Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros four times including a 61-yard pick-six from Robert Priester.
“For some reason, our defensive scheme gives them (Winnipeg Blue Bombers) fits,” said Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie postgame when asked about the recent success against the Bombers.
Going into this year’s game, many thought it would be Winnipeg that would claim their third championship since 2019, especially with Chad Kelly going down with a leg injury in the east final against Montreal. Internally, the mindset was completely different.
“I don’t think anybody was doubting in our locker room… We feel we’re the best team in the league,” Dinwiddie said.
When the Argos beat the BC Lions in early September, Dinwiddie taped a coin to the top of his locker and said to his team that “[they’re] playing in this game (the Grey Cup).” After Sunday’s big win, he got the coin and plans to put it in his trophy case next to his Grey Cup ring.
In a season with ups and downs, including Chad Kelly’s suspension which saw him miss nine games at the start of the season, the Boatmen found a spark with backup quarterback Nick Arbuckle. Arbuckle, who was not even on a roster at the start of the season, came up big late in Kelly’s absence to secure an east final win to send Toronto to the Grey Cup.
“I knew how much value that I could bring to a team,” Arbuckle said. “There was never a doubt in our room.”
Arbuckle completed 26 of 37 passes for 252 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the top pass defense in the CFL. Despite Toronto’s defense taking over late, Nick was named MVP of the Grey Cup.
The Argos held a Grey Cup celebration outside Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.
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