Toronto Argonauts: Amos, Grant spark bounce-back victory over Stampeders

The Toronto Argonauts had issues with offence and defence against the Calgary Stampeders, but game-changing plays from Janarion Grant and DaShaun Amos provided the spark the team needed.

A punt return touchdown by Grant in the third quarter and a pick-six by Amos were the turning points in the game and enough to beat the Calgary Stampeders 39-25 in the rematch at BMO Field.

After being unable to muster much in the previous meeting against Calgary, Grant was finding a little more space to maneuver. To start the second half he returned the kickoff 39 yards to put the Argos past midfield and had a 43-yard return to end the first half taken away by a penalty.

Making his first start of the season Nick Arbuckle could not have asked for a better start leading the Argos to a touchdown on the opening drive following a 22-yard pass to Makai Polk.

He finished the game with 181 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception. Ka'Deem Carey added 89 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries after getting stifled in Calgary.

Jake Maier had another strong performance for Calgary, completing 33-of-45 passes for 373 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Unfortunately, Toronto's offence wasn't able to muster up much, which once again put pressure on the defence to try and keep them in the game. Some poor tackling and issues in coverage kept the defence on the field longer than they should have.

The final minute of the first half was especially messy for the Argos. An interception by Arbuckle set the stage for a late Calgary touchdown, and a 15-7 deficit as Toronto went to the locker room.

Things started to shift in Toronto's favour as both teams exchanged turnovers, but the Argos took advantage of the field position to hit a field goal to close the gap at 15-10.

Then came Grant's return, which shifted the tide in Toronto's favour. Arbuckle completed the two-point conversion after finding David Ungerer in the endzone.

Calgary would not go away quietly. They began the fourth quarter with a touchdown by Tommy Stevens, which was set up by a 41-yard catch and run by Reggie Begelton, where the Argos once again struggled to make the tackle in the open field.

Just when it looked like the Stampeders were going to add to their lead, Amos cut in front of a pass by Maier and returned it 55 yards to the endzone for his third interception of the season. The Argos would complete the two-point with a run by Carey.

Toronto's defence would again come up with another big turnover on the next possession. This time, Ralph Holley busted through the offensive line on a quarterback sneak attempt and caught Stevens behind the line of scrimmage for the sack and turnover on downs.

The Argonauts would put up the field goal to increase the lead to 32-22 after a field goal by Lirim Hajrullahu, but once again, Calgary would continue to press. The Stampeders would quickly march down and get a field goal to put the pressure back on the Argos offence.

Looking to put the game away, it was the Argonauts running game that would pick up some crucial yards as they tried to squeeze out as much time off the clock as they could. Carey would put the game out of reach with a rushing touchdown to make it 39-25.