The Toronto Argonauts secured a record-breaking 19th Grey Cup title with a commanding 41-24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at BC Place. The championship win was spearheaded by backup quarterback Nick Arbuckle, who rose to the occasion after starter Chad Kelly suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the East championship. Arbuckle completed 26 of 37 passes for 252 yards, delivering two crucial second-half touchdown passes to ensure Toronto’s triumph.
The Argonauts’ Grey Cup victory was their second over Winnipeg in three seasons, underscoring their dominance in the Canadian Football League. Toronto extended its perfect streak in Grey Cup appearances to eight, a run that dates back to 1991. Impressively, the team remains undefeated in all eight Grey Cup matchups against Winnipeg, with wins in 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, 2022, and now 2024.
The game turned in Toronto’s favor in the final quarter. Arbuckle connected with Dejon Brissett for a 17-yard touchdown pass, giving the Argonauts a 24-16 lead with just over seven minutes remaining. Momentum shifted further when DaShaun Amos intercepted Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros, returning the ball to the Blue Bombers’ 16-yard line. This set up a 14-yard field goal by Brian Hajrullahu, extending Toronto’s lead.
The Argonauts’ defense proved instrumental in sealing the victory. Robert Priester delivered a game-changing 61-yard interception return for a touchdown, followed by another interception by Wynton McManis, who ran it back 58 yards to set up a short touchdown run by Ka’Deem Carey. These back-to-back defensive plays pushed the score to a decisive 41-16.
Winnipeg fought hard, with league standout Brady Oliveira contributing 84 rushing yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion late in the game. Collaros, making his fifth consecutive Grey Cup start, struggled under Toronto’s relentless defense, completing 15 of 30 passes for 202 yards while throwing four interceptions.
Toronto’s victory was marked by resilience and opportunistic plays. A pivotal moment came when Fraser Sopik recovered a fumble on a punt return, leading to a 17-yard touchdown pass from Arbuckle to Kevin Mital. Despite Winnipeg’s attempts to close the gap, including a blocked punt that initially seemed to turn the tide, penalties and Toronto’s disciplined execution stymied the Blue Bombers’ efforts.
The Grey Cup win capped an outstanding season for Toronto, who had already defeated Winnipeg twice during the regular season. The Argonauts demonstrated depth and adaptability, with Arbuckle stepping in seamlessly for the injured Kelly and the defense delivering game-changing plays when it mattered most.
Adding a touch of global attention to the event, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, made a surprise pregame appearance to promote the Invictus Games, scheduled to take place in the region next February. His presence highlighted the cultural and international significance of the Grey Cup, a cornerstone of Canadian sports tradition.
The Argonauts’ 19th Grey Cup title not only solidifies their legacy as the most successful team in CFL history but also sets a high bar for future challengers. With a blend of strong leadership, depth across the roster, and a knack for rising to the occasion, Toronto’s dominance in the league continues unabated. The victory serves as a testament to the team’s ability to perform under pressure and maintain a legacy of excellence that spans decades.
