The 2025 CFL season will see a new Grey Cup Champion,
because the Toronto Argonauts will not be heading to the
Playoffs.
The Argos (5-11) lost 47-29 to their rivals, the Hamilton
Tiger-Cats (10-6), on Saturday at BMO Field, officially
eliminating them from playoff contention. It was Toronto's
second home loss to Hamilton this season, with a combined 98
points surrendered in those two defeats.
The game started fast for the Tiger-Cats, who completed a
42-yard pass on the first play from scrimmage and put the
ball into Argo territory. Hamilton settled for a 29-yard
field goal. When the Argos took possession, it looked a lot
different. Nick Arbuckle's first pass attempt was nearly
intercepted. And on the very next play, he suffered a
devastating sack and fumble that forced Arbuckle out of the
game.
"Looks like his season is probably over." head coach Ryan
Dinwiddie said. "I feel for Nick" he continued "I'm proud of
Nick's performance all season.".
Things went from bad to worse for the Argos as they found
themselves down 17-0 nearly 10 minutes into the game. The
second quarter didn't fair too much better for the Argos as
they trailed 32-9 heading into halftime.
Jarret Doege and the Argos came out hard in the third
quarter out-scoring the Tiger-Cats 13-0 in the frame,
closing the deficit to 10 points heading into the fourth and
final quarter, trailing 22-32.
Bo Levi Mitchell and Kenny Lawler connected for their second
touchdown of the afternoon and essentially put the game out
of reach. Mitchell finished the day 18-25 for 320 yards and
four touchdown passes.
The Tiger-Cats' defense was stifling, putting up nine sacks
and turning the ball over five times—four interceptions and
one fumble.
This is the first time the Argos will miss the playoffs
since 2019. "We didn't get to our first goal", said
Dinwiddie. "We're playing for each other. Playing for the
love of the game. Playing for pride."
This was the final home game for the Argos, who will play
their remaining two games on the road in Saskatchewan and
Calgary. The next time the Argos return to BMO Field it will
feel a little different, as first-year Commissioner, Stewart
Johnston, announced some new rules and field changes earlier
this year. There will also be additional seating as the
venue gears up as one of the hosts for the 2026 World Cup.
There is always disappointment when a team that is so used
to winning misses the playoffs. Still, the Argos are a proud
group with winners in their locker room. Despite dealing
with numerous injuries to key players throughout the season,
they remained competitive until the end. They will learn
from this experience, grow both individually and as a team,
and work their way back to where they belong—winning games
and winning championships.