The Toronto Argonauts opened their 2023 CFL season with a resounding 32-14 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in front of 15,967 fans at BMO Field. The Argonauts showcased a strong running game and a sturdy defense to control the contest, and quarterback Chad Kelly was pivotal in securing the win. Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell Left the game with an injury.
Toronto Argonauts Breakdown:
In their season opener, the Toronto Argonauts exhibited a balanced attack on offense. Quarterback Chad Kelly, in his second career start, showcased his dual-threat capabilities by not only throwing for 213 yards but also rushing for two touchdowns. Kelly completed 14 of 23 passes and maintained a composed presence throughout the game.
The Argonauts also benefited from a solid running game. A.J. Ouellette had 13 carries for 60 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. In addition to Kelly’s two rushing touchdowns, A.J. Ouellette’s hard-running style kept the Tiger-Cats’ defense on their heels.
In the receiving department, Damonte Coxie was Kelly’s favorite target, recording six receptions for 131 yards, averaging an impressive 21.8 yards per catch.
Defensively, the Argonauts held the Tiger-Cats to only 14 points, demonstrating a robust performance that stifled Hamilton’s offense for the majority of the game.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Breakdown:
For the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the game was an uphill battle. Quarterback Matt Shiltz, despite completing 13 of 14 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown, was not able to establish a consistent rhythm with his receivers.
The Tiger-Cats found some success in the running game, with James Butler rushing for 157 yards on 16 carries, including a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. His performance was a bright spot for the Tiger-Cats’ offense.
In the receiving department, D’haquille Williams was the standout performer, with six receptions for 102 yards. However, his efforts were not enough to tip the scales in Hamilton’s favor.
The Tiger-Cats’ defense struggled to contain Toronto’s running game and did not manage to put enough pressure on Chad Kelly, which ultimately contributed to their defeat.
Top Performers:
Toronto Argonauts:
- Chad Kelly (QB): 14/23, 213 passing yards, 0 INT, 3 rushing TDs.
- Damonte Coxie (WR): 6 receptions, 131 receiving yards.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats:
- James Butler (RB): 16 carries, 60 rushing yards, 1 TD.
- D’haquille Williams (WR): 6 receptions, 102 receiving yards.
Final Thoughts:
The Toronto Argonauts set the tone for their season with a dominant victory over a division rival. Chad Kelly showcased his talent and potential as the team’s starting quarterback, while the defense made a statement by limiting the Tiger-Cats to just 14 points. The Argonauts will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming games.
On the other side, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will need to re-evaluate their approach on both sides of the ball. The lack of offensive consistency and defensive shortcomings will have to be addressed if they are to bounce back in their next matchup.
David Tress
June 19, 2023 at 11:41 am
Chad Kelly made a nice pass deep down the sidelines to Damonte Coxie. Kelly should not be running the ball late in the game when the win is already secure. Kelly could get hurt like Trevor Harris when he ran the ball late on a roll-out against Edmonton; needless risk on the part of both qbs.