Toronto Argonauts struggle to handle Alouettes pressure in Week 1 loss

The Toronto Argonauts didn't have the start to the 2025 CFL season that they were looking for after a 28-10 loss to the Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium.

Toronto got reminded what it takes to win on all three phases because even though Montreal did not play their best game and missed their opportunities, there was better execution from the home team in certain areas.

The Argos offensive line had trouble with the Alouettes' complex pressure looks.

Nick Arbuckle threw for 273 yards and two interceptions along with a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.

The Argos quarterback praised Montreal defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe for creating confusion with disguised blitzes and coverage rotations.

“You never quite know if you’re going to be hot or not until the ball is snapped,” Arbuckle explained. “They do a good job of putting people in those windows where we like to go with the football.”

The fumble was certainly a key moment that seemed to give the Alouettes key momentum at halftime. It seemed like Arbuckle had moved the ball forward trying to get rid of it but the command centre ruled it as a fumble.

"I didn't really get an explanation. I have no idea why it was ruled a fumble. I very strongly believe that was of pass, you know, throw away. I was throwing the ball away as I escaped and there was nobody there," Arbuckle explained. "There was pressure behind me and I knew I didn't really have the time to get the ball away to bounce. I was just trying to throw it to some green grass and I threw the ball 10 or 15 yards down the field and I don't know how you can fumble the ball forward in a throwing motion 15 yards down the field without it being thrown.

"That was a big turning point in the game, you know, going into halftime it gave them a two score lead after our defence had been playing great."

Part of the reason for the constant pressure on the Argos quarterback was the lack of a running game. Toronto only rushed for 34 yards on 10 carries while Montreal had 163 yards on 26 carries.

A big part of the success for the Argos last season was their balanche on offence and being capable of rushing for at least 100 yards.

“I didn’t feel like I called the best game," head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said after the game. "I’ll take the blame. I didn’t have the guys ready to play.”

Defensively, the Argos started to wear down under repeated pressure. Quarterback Davis Alexander extended multiple drives with his legs, often breaking contain on second-and-long.

Toronto was able to get to Alexander but there were missed touchdown passes to Tyson Philpot that could've put the score out of reach.

“We’ve got to do a better job on second and long,” said Dinwiddie. “Those guys were on the field the whole game—they got tired.”

Damonte Coxie led all receivers with five catches for 99 yards but he was also targeted 10 times. Arbuckle was also able to connect on a deep throw to David Ungerer for 47 yards that eventually led to the only touchdown for Toronto.

Next up for the Argos is the home opener and surely there will be some extra eyes on practice to see if Chad Kelly gets reps with the offence as he finally got cleared last week to do drills.

If not, Arbuckle and the offence will need to figure out how to rebound.

"This is part of pro football. One game doesn’t define your season," Arbuckle said. "We’re going to be critical, but also positive. There’s a lot of good to build on.”