The defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts look to avoid an unsightly 0-2 start on Saturday when they host the Calgary Stampeders in their home opener.
The surprising Stampeders, meanwhile, are seeking a 2-0 start after finishing with the CFL’s worst record at 5-12-1 in 2024 — including a 1-8 effort on the road.
Breaking in 13 new starters, Toronto struggled in a season-opening 28-10 setback at Montreal last Friday. Grey Cup MVP Nick Arbuckle threw for 273 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and was sacked three times by the Alouettes.
“It was a sloppy game. Felt like a preseason game,” Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said. “We made some decent plays, did some decent things, but we didn’t execute at a high level.”
Toronto rushed for 34 yards, compared to 163 yards on the ground for Montreal. Damonte Coxie caught five passes for 99 yards to lead the Argos and DaVaris Daniels had a fourth-quarter touchdown reception.
Calgary kicked off the season last Saturday with a 38-26 home win against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Stamps led 35-11 early in the fourth quarter before the visitors made things interesting.
Dedrick Mills ran for 94 yards and three touchdowns to lead Calgary. Clark Barnes caught four passes for 112 yards, Rene Paredes converted all four field-goal attempts and Vernon Adams passed for 284 yards with two picks.
Mills, who scored only one touchdown in 13 games last season, gave the white cowboy hat that goes to his team’s offensive player of the game to his offensive line.
“They did their thing, and they got me in the end zone three times, so of course I had to give it to them,” Mills said. “They deserved it.”
The Stampeders’ kickoff coverage could be an area of concern after the Tiger-Cats piled up 233 yards on six returns, including a 105-yard TD by Isaiah Wooden.
“It wasn’t pretty by any means, but it’s a win and it’s so hard to get wins in this league,” Adams said. “We have a really good team and once we get it together, get it clicking, I think we’re going to be special.”
Toronto and Calgary split last season’s meetings, with each team winning at home across back-to-back weekends in early August.
–Field Level Media
