Toronto Argonauts: Missed Opportunity in Winnipeg

The Toronto Argonauts let another game get away from them in the fourth quarter, losing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in what will be looked at as a missed opportunity.

The Toronto Argonauts missed a great opportunity to move up in the East division standings on Saturday, with a 46-29 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. At one point the Argos were up by 10, before the Bombers came back to tie the game at 29-29 before the end of the third quarter.

Despite giving up the lead, the Argonauts still appeared to be in good shape heading into the final 15 minutes. However, everything then unraveled, as Winnipeg turned the game in their favour by taking advantage of turnovers.

More from Tip of the Tower

Quarterback Dan LeFevour was having a great game with four touchdown passes, but two interceptions proved to be costly. After the Argos took a 29-19 lead, Winnipeg scored 27 unanswered points, showing everyone why they are a real threat in the CFL.

QB Matt Nichols did not have to do much in the game, although he still throw for 232 yards and a score. However, it was the Winnipeg defence and special teams which made the key plays.

Quincy McDuffie had a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, which gave the Bombers life after previously settling for field goals. In total, Justin Medlock was perfect with six field goals, to keep Winnipeg within striking distance early in the game.

Head coach Scott Milanovich talked to the media postgame and pointed to several factors leading to the team’s defeat. “We did not play well enough in all three phases in the second half.

“The interception that we had that was overturned was big, not staying on the field long enough on offence. [We were] unable to stop them on defence and special teams, so we got beat by the better team today.”

Jul 13, 2015; Toronto Argonauts player Ricky Foley poses for a photo. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports /

A big moment in the game came when the Argos had intercepted Nichols. However, a roughing the passer penalty on Ricky Foley negated the turnover.

The defence had a tough time containing Timothy Flanders, who made the start in place of the injured Andrew Harris. He rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown, while adding four receptions for 34 yards through the air.

The Blue Bombers did not have as many big plays against the Argos defence, but as Milanovich pointed out they were unable to make a stop when they needed to. It also does not help when the defence gets burned by a reversed interception and having another pick called back by a penalty.

Brandon Whitaker had a good game on the ground with 108 yards on just 12 carries, while receiver Kenny Shaw had six receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Shawn Lemon continued his impressive individual season with a sack, giving him 10 on the season.

The same can’t be said for Lirim Hajrullahu, who missed his only field goal attempt of the game, ending his consecutive field goals streak at 15. Overall, the Argos missed a golden opportunity to move up to second place in the East, with Ottawa losing to Calgary.

Time is now running out on the Argonauts season with just six games left, including two against Calgary, who look unbeatable. They face a crucial matchup against Ottawa on Friday, along with games against Montreal, Saskatchewan and Edmonton.

If the Boatmen can pick up wins against Ottawa, Montreal and Saskatchewan — which they are capable of — and get even one win against the teams from Alberta, they can qualify for the playoffs. The East has been open all season, with Hamilton and Ottawa struggling to put distance between themselves and the competition, thus giving the Double Blue a fighting chance.

Next: What does Drew Willy trade mean for Ricky Ray's future?

The question this week will be the decision on who starts at quarterback for the Argonauts. Does LeFevour get another chance, or will the newly acquired Drew Willy get his shot?

Home/Toronto Argonauts