The official push for the post-season, better known as the CFL’s final six games, began with the Argos officially booking their playoff ticket.
Following Saturday night’s emphatic 45-15 win over the reeling Redblacks at TD Place in Ottawa, the Argos have five games remaining, but the final two, both against Montreal, figure to determine top spot in the East and with it the all-important bye into the divisional final. The second-place finisher would most likely face a crossover team from the West.
From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
The Argos and Als have emerged as the division’s two best and will collide in a home-and-home set to end the regular season.
Toronto improved its record to 8-5 with its demolition of the Redblacks, their fourth win in a row.
When Montreal (6-7) beat Hamilton on Friday night, the door swung open for the Argos to clinch a playoff berth with a win over an Ottawa team that simply can’t win at home.
Mission accomplished courtesy of an Argos defence that forced seven turnovers and was justifiably rewarded for its efforts with a pick six by Maurice Carnell IV, his second interception of the night and third in two games.
A sixth major was produced when Chris Edwards returned an interception to the house three minutes into the final quarter. In fact, all five of Toronto’s touchdowns were the result of Ottawa turnovers.
Teams can also use a few breaks and the Argos were the beneficiaries of a couple of bounces that went their way, the first when running back A.J. Ouellette recovered a fumble following a sack and strip, the second when Jack Cassar stripped the football from DeVonte Dedmon at the Redblacks 8-yard-line following a missed field goal.
In two years as head coach, Ryan Dinwiddie will lead the Argos to their second consecutive post-season.
The ultimate goal is to be in Regina for the Grey Cup.Getting to the post-season is the first step in the process.
“We have other goals besides getting into the playoffs,’’ said Dinwiddie following the win. “One of our goals got accomplished (Saturday night).”
When he looks at his team, Dinwiddie sees growth.
“Are we a great team? I don’t know yet,’’ he added. “We’re still building. I think our locker room is becoming great and that’s what great teams have.
“We’re going about the process. I told the guys after Week 9: ‘Let’s go!’ And we’ve won four in a row in the back end of the season. Our goal is to go 5-0. We’re not too worried about the playoffs, the standings, we’re just worried about the next game.”
Dinwiddie was asked if the Argos have the potential to win a Grey Cup.
“I think so,’’ he said. “That’s why you do it. We don’t talk about the Grey Cup in our building. We just talk about each day, but we’re getting healthier.
“We’ve been beat up all year and had a tough run with injuries, but now we’re getting guys back. And we’re going to have some tough decisions as far as who dresses and who doesn’t. That’s a good problem to have.”
Toronto’s back end has been a revelation and, in particular, the emergence of Carnell.
“That kid is playing well,’’ said Dinwiddie, whose defensive backfield will soon see the return of injured veteran Shaq Richardson. “Our secondary is playing well and our defensive line is getting to the quarterback.
“On this night, I thought our offensive line stepped up big time.”
MBT has his detractors, but Dinwiddie isn’t one of them. Until MBT leads the Argos to a playoff win, his legacy will be incomplete. He’ll now get his second shot.
“I thing the guy is playing good football right now,’’ said Dinwiddie. “Sometimes there are a lot of critics, but the guy has won football games and has won football games for two seasons in a row. I’m very happy with his growth.”
Overall, Bethel-Thompson, who has now won four games in a row for the first time as an Argo, was solid, completing 21 of 29 passes for 245 yards, three touchdowns and the one pick. He also had a pass into the end zone dropped by Brandon Banks.
The teams played scoreless football in the first quarter before the Argos began to dominate in the second, taking an 18-6 halftime lead on TD passes to Ouellette and Kurleigh Gittens Jr.
When the second half began, the Redblacks made a change at quarterback that saw Caleb Evans replace Nick Arbuckle, then went back to Arbuckle.
QUICK SLANTS
Despite the lopsided score, the Redblacks had more yards of offence than the Argos (443-361) and time of possession (32:18 to 27:42) … With rookie John Haggerty unavailable because of a hip issue, Bede punted for the first time this season. Haggerty doubles as the team’s holder on field goals and converts, forcing MBT into the role he has performed in the past. On Toronto’s first field goal attempt, Bede connected from 42 yards. He missed a field goal in the third quarter and then failed on a fourth-quarter convert … The Argos began the season with a home win over Montreal when the Als missed a short field goal late in the game. Toronto will be in Calgary next Saturday, are home to B.C., then return to Alberta to play the Elks before the Als home-and-home.
fzicarelli@postmedia.com