Toronto Argonauts edge Ottawa REDBLACKS in Week 3 CFL showdown
The Toronto Argonauts secured a 34-28 victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS in Week 3 of the 2023 CFL season, with quarterback Chad Kelly delivering a mixed performance that included four touchdowns and four interceptions, according to Sportsnet.ca. The win marked the first for the Argonauts in 2023, while the REDBLACKS fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2020.
Game summary: High-scoring battle ends in Argos’ favor
The contest, held at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, featured a back-and-forth offensive display. The Argonauts’ defense forced two turnovers, including a critical interception by defensive back Jordan Williams in the fourth quarter, while the REDBLACKS’ offense struggled to capitalize on key opportunities. According to CFL.ca, the REDBLACKS’ head coach, Paul LaPolice, acknowledged the team’s missed chances, stating, “We messed up not getting one yard at the end of the game.”
Kelly’s performance: Four TDs, four picks in a rollercoaster game
Kelly, the Argonauts’ starting quarterback, completed 28 of 42 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, but his four interceptions proved costly. The first two picks came in the first half, including a critical turnover late in the second quarter that led to an Ottawa field goal. However, Kelly rebounded with two touchdown passes in the third quarter, helping the Argonauts extend their lead to 24-14. The Ottawa Citizen reported that Kelly’s performance drew mixed reactions from fans, with some praising his resilience and others criticizing his turnovers.
REDBLACKS’ struggles: Offense stumbles in key moments
The REDBLACKS’ offense, led by quarterback Henry Burris, managed only 284 yards of total offense, with Burris completing 22 of 35 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown. Despite a 100-yard rushing game from running back William Stanback, the team failed to convert key third-down opportunities. According to TSN, Burris admitted post-game that the team’s inability to sustain drives was a “major issue,” adding, “We have to fix the mistakes we made today.”
Argos’ defense: Key plays seal the win
The Argonauts’ defense, which entered the game ranked 10th in the league, held Ottawa to 140 rushing yards and forced two turnovers. Linebacker Darnell Sankey recorded 1.5 sacks, while safety Kavell Mitchell added a key interception in the final minutes. According to CFL.ca, Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie praised his team’s “mental toughness,” noting, “We didn’t panic when they made a play. That’s the kind of team we are building.”
What’s next for both teams?
The Argonauts will look to build on their momentum when they face the Edmonton Elks in Week 4, while the REDBLACKS will host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Both teams remain in playoff contention, but the loss highlights the need for adjustments. As the Ottawa Citizen noted, “This game was a wake-up call for Ottawa. They can’t afford more mistakes if they want to compete in the East.”