Argonauts Stunned by Blue Bombers in Final Minute
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A late fumble and a game-winning drive from Dru Brown send Toronto home from the CFL East semifinal.
The Toronto Argonauts suffered a heartbreaking 25-22 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL East semifinal at BMO Field, according to Sportsnet. Before a season-high crowd of 21,786, Winnipeg secured the victory when quarterback Dru Brown connected with receiver Nic Demski for a 23-yard touchdown and a subsequent two-point conversion with 44 seconds remaining.
Sportsnet reports that the game turned on late mistakes. With under two minutes left, Blue Bombers player Nick Hallett punched out a punt, causing Argos returner Janarion Grant to fumble near midfield. This set up the winning drive for Brown, who had previously struggled with two interceptions and a fumble.
Toronto's offense struggled to capitalize, settling for five field goals from Lirim Hajrullahu. Argos head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Miller told Sportsnet that failing to score more touchdowns was likely the difference. Miller also questioned whether he should have utilized running back Cam Porter more frequently after Porter's success early in the second half.
Injuries played a significant role in the contest. Sportsnet reports that Argos star quarterback Chad Kelly was forced out in the fourth quarter due to a shoulder injury sustained during a third-quarter sack by Michael Fletcher, which led to a 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown by David Reese. Nick Arbuckle replaced Kelly but was ineffective.
Winnipeg, which crossed over from the West after a 9-9 regular season, now advances to the East final in Montreal to face the Alouettes. Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea praised Brown's composure in the huddle, noting that the team's defensive and special teams efforts allowed them to win despite Brown's early struggles.