Highlights:
- Game tied for highest-scoring playoff game in CFL history with 96 total points
- Chad Kelly throws for 358 yards and 4 touchdowns on 18-of-20 passing
- Ottawa’s Dru Brown sets playoff record with 46 completions for 476 yards
Game Recap:
Toronto overcame an early 10-0 deficit to defeat Ottawa 58-38 in the East Semi-Final at BMO Field. The Argonauts used big plays through the air and two late defensive touchdowns to pull away. The Redblacks kept pace offensively but two fourth quarter interceptions sealed their fate.
Toronto Argonauts Performance:
The Argos offense struck for multiple explosive plays, with Chad Kelly finding receivers downfield consistently. Two pick-sixes in the final quarter, including an 88-yard lateral return, helped Toronto pull away.
Top Offensive Players:
- Chad Kelly: QB – 358 yards, 4 TD passes, 1 rushing TD, 90% completion rate
- Makai Polk: WR – 158 yards, 1 TD on 4 receptions
- DaVaris Daniels: WR – 88 yards, 2 TDs on 4 catches
- Jake Herslow: WR – 47 yards, 1 TD on 4 receptions
- Ka’Deem Carey: RB – 43 rushing yards on 9 carries
Top Defensive Players:
- Wynton McManis: LB – 10 tackles, 1 interception
- Benjie Franklin: DB – 8 tackles, 1 interception
- Mark Milton: DB – 7 tackles
- Royce Metchie: DB – 5 tackles
- Isaac Darkangelo: LB – 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
Ottawa Redblacks Performance:
Ottawa’s offense moved the ball through the air with Dru Brown setting a playoff record for completions, but struggled to finish drives in the second half.
Top Offensive Players:
- Dru Brown: QB – 476 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 46 completions
- Kalil Pimpleton: WR – 123 yards on 13 receptions
- Bralon Addison: WR/RB – 103 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 17 rushing yards
- Justin Hardy: WR – 83 yards on 7 catches
- Jaelon Acklin: WR – 70 yards, 1 TD on 7 receptions
Top Defensive Players:
- Monshadrik Hunter: DB – 5 tackles
- Damon Webb: DB – 4 tackles
- Bennett Williams: LB – 4 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- Michael Wakefield: DL – 2 tackles, 2 sacks
- Lorenzo Mauldin IV: DL – 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery
The Argonauts advance to face the Montreal Alouettes (12-5-1) in the East Final on November 9 at Percival Molson Stadium. What adjustments will Toronto need to make against Montreal’s defense? Can Ottawa build on their offensive performance for next season?
David Tress
November 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Chad Kelly was the most impressive player in the CFL semi-finals. If he plays like that against the Alouettes, the Argos will be tough to beat.