VANCOUVER – Nick Arbuckle’s first Grey Cup start was a memorable one, as he threw two touchdown passes to propel the Toronto Argonauts to a 41-24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, earning MVP honors in the process. Arbuckle’s performance marked a successful start in place of Chad Kelly, who suffered a leg injury during last weekend’s East Division final.
With the victory, Toronto captured its 19th Grey Cup, extending its dominance in the CFL’s biggest game. This victory also solidified the Argonauts’ perfect record in Grey Cup appearances against Winnipeg, improving to 8-0 all-time in the matchup.
The Blue Bombers, who have made five consecutive Grey Cup appearances, suffered their third straight loss in the championship game. Despite their resilience, Winnipeg struggled in the fourth quarter as Toronto capitalized on key turnovers to seal the win.
Dominant Defensive Performance
Toronto’s defense played a pivotal role in the victory, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Argos intercepted Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros four times in the final frame, returning the picks a combined 164 yards—a new Grey Cup record—and one interception return for a touchdown. This defensive barrage contributed to Toronto outscoring the Bombers 24-11 in the last 15 minutes of play.
The crucial moments came quickly. Lirim Hajrullahu’s 14-yard field goal at 9:49 of the fourth quarter gave Toronto a 27-16 lead. This was set up by DaShaun Amos’s 45-yard interception return and a misconduct penalty on Winnipeg’s Deatrick Nichols, which placed the Argos on the Winnipeg eight-yard line.
Arbuckle’s second touchdown pass of the quarter came at 7:29 when he found Dejon Brissett for a 17-yard score, extending Toronto’s lead to 24-16. Brissett, who was named the game’s top Canadian, made an important contribution to the victory with his timely catch.
The game was ultimately sealed by Robert Priester’s 61-yard pick-six at 3:12, which gave the Argonauts a commanding 34-16 lead and effectively put the game out of reach. The Bombers had a late rally attempt with Ka’Deem Carey’s four-yard touchdown run at 12:46, but it was too little too late for Winnipeg.
Arbuckle Shines in Place of Kelly
Arbuckle’s performance was particularly impressive given the circumstances. The 30-year-old quarterback stepped up in a major way after Chad Kelly, who had led the Argos to the East Division title, was ruled out due to a leg injury. Arbuckle showed poise and confidence, completing 15 of 18 passes for 146 yards in the first half alone, a solid contribution to his team’s success.
The Argos’ offense continued to be a well-balanced attack throughout the game, with Arbuckle spreading the ball among eight different receivers. Arbuckle’s first touchdown came in the second quarter when he connected with Kevin Mital for a 17-yard score that put Toronto ahead 17-10. Mital’s touchdown was set up by a key play from the defense, as Jack Cassar recovered a fumble by Winnipeg’s Willie Whitehead on a punt return, putting Toronto in great field position.
Winnipeg’s defense kept the game competitive, forcing several turnovers and preventing the Argonauts from fully running away with the game. But as the game wore on, the relentless pressure from the Toronto defense began to take its toll, and the Bombers’ offense couldn’t keep up.
Struggles for Winnipeg’s Collaros
Winnipeg’s quarterback, Zach Collaros, who was making his fifth straight Grey Cup start, struggled against Toronto’s defense. Collaros completed just 15 of 30 passes for 202 yards and four interceptions, and he couldn’t find the rhythm needed to mount a comeback in the final quarter.
The Bombers did manage to score a few points thanks to standout plays from running back Brady Oliveira and receiver Ontaria Wilson. Oliveira, who had been named the CFL’s outstanding player, rushed for 84 yards and scored a one-yard touchdown. Wilson also played a critical role, leading the Bombers with four receptions for 85 yards. However, the Bombers’ late-game mistakes, combined with Toronto’s defensive dominance, spelled the end for their hopes of capturing the Grey Cup.
Special Teams Plays and Big Moments
While it was Arbuckle’s arm and the defense that garnered much of the attention, the special teams unit played a significant role in Toronto’s victory. Hajrullahu was steady on field goals, hitting four in total, including the crucial 14-yard kick in the fourth quarter that put Toronto up by two scores. Toronto’s punter, John Haggerty, added a single on a 70-yard punt in the third quarter, which helped keep the momentum in Toronto’s favor.
Winnipeg, meanwhile, had some key moments from their special teams, including Michael Ayers’ blocked punt late in the third quarter. However, a loose-ball interference penalty nullified the play, allowing Toronto to regain possession.
A Surprising Appearance from Prince Harry
The Grey Cup final also saw a surprising pre-game appearance by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who was in Vancouver to promote the Invictus Games. The event, founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, will be held in Vancouver and Whistler, B.C., from February 8-16. The royal received a warm reception from the 52,349 fans in attendance at B.C. Place Stadium.
Historic Finish
The game ended with a series of thrilling plays, and the final whistle confirmed Toronto’s dominance in the contest. The Argos’ 41-24 victory marked their 19th Grey Cup win, extending their legacy as one of the CFL’s most successful franchises. Winnipeg’s loss was a tough one to swallow, as they had hoped to cap off a remarkable run of five consecutive Grey Cup appearances with a victory.
Toronto’s performance in the fourth quarter was a testament to the team’s resilience and depth, and Arbuckle’s two-touchdown performance made him a deserving MVP. The win also showed the strength of the Argos’ defense, as they shut down Winnipeg’s late-game push and took full advantage of their turnovers.
Looking Forward
As the Argonauts celebrate their victory, the Blue Bombers will regroup and reflect on their season. With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, Winnipeg will no doubt be back in the hunt for another Grey Cup title next season.
For Toronto, this victory solidifies their place at the top of the CFL, and the team will look to build on this success heading into next year’s campaign. With a young and hungry squad led by a dynamic quarterback in Arbuckle, the Argonauts are poised for continued success in the seasons to come.
This was a thrilling Grey Cup final, and it showcased the competitive nature of the CFL. Both teams left it all on the field, but it was Toronto who emerged victorious, adding another championship to their illustrious history.