Quick Game Recap
In a dominant display of football, the Toronto Argonauts rolled over the Saskatchewan Roughriders 31-13 at Touchdown Atlantic. Spearheaded by Javon Leake’s 71-yard return touchdown and a late pick-six by defensive back DaShaun Amos, the Argonauts secured their sixth victory this season, echoing the glory of their best start since 1935.
Despite a quiet night for the Argonauts’ usually explosive offensive unit, the team flexed their overall strength with a powerful defensive and special teams performance. Meanwhile, the Roughriders struggled to find their rhythm, with Mason Fine making 27-39 passes for 302 yards, two interceptions and Jake Dolegala closing the game with 100 yards and a touchdown.
Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Performance
Despite their loss, the Roughriders showed some moments of excellence. Mason Fine performed commendably, completing 27 out of 39 passes and racking up 302 yards. However, his two interceptions undermined the team’s efforts. His substitute, Jake Dolegala, performed well, completing 4 out of 5 passes for 100 yards, and tossing one touchdown.
Running back Jamal Morrow struggled to get his ground game going, only managing 43 yards on ten carries. The receivers, on the other hand, had a decent outing. Shawn Bane Jr. was the standout player, hauling in 10 receptions for a remarkable 144 yards, including a touchdown. However, these efforts were insufficient to get the Riders over the line.
On the defensive side, Micah Teitz and Derrick Moncrief stood out, both notching up six tackles each. Despite the loss, the Riders’ defence showed signs of solidity, which they will hope to build upon in their next outing.
Toronto Argonauts’ Performance
On the Argonauts‘ side, it was a solid team performance that led them to victory. Quarterback Chad Kelly had a slightly quieter night, completing 13 of 21 passes for 122 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. Nonetheless, his composure and leadership were instrumental in leading the Argos to victory.
Running backs AJ Ouellette and Andrew Harris combined for 75 rushing yards, providing a steady ground game to balance the Argonauts’ offence. Dejon Brissett, although not producing eye-popping stats, contributed with a key touchdown reception.
The Argos’ defence was the standout unit of the night. With multiple players contributing to the success, the defence was able to shut down the Riders’ offence effectively. Wynton McManis led the team in tackles with seven, while DaShaun Amos added an interception returned for a touchdown.
The Argonauts displayed their depth and balanced play, making crucial plays in all three phases of the game – offence, defence, and special teams.
This game encapsulates the ups and downs of CFL football, with the Toronto Argonauts emerging as clear victors and the Saskatchewan Roughriders left to regroup and prepare for their next challenge. With the CFL scores for 2023 adding another win to the Argonauts’ tally, the team will now set its sights on maintaining their undefeated streak as they take on the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, August 4. The Riders will be eager to get back on track when they host the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Sunday, August 6. The journey of the CFL 2023 season continues.
