Toronto Argonauts defence sets stage for playoff-clinching win over Blue Bombers

The Toronto Argonauts knew Friday's game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was going to be a physical battle and the defence came through in a 14-11 victory.

For a fourth-straight season, the Argonauts have clinched a playoff spot, but with two games left in their schedule, there is still a lot for the team to play for. Just to give you some context, Toronto hasn't hosted an East Semi since 2012.

The defence was the story in this game, holding Winnipeg out of the endzone until five minutes left in the fourth quarter. Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros was sacked seven times, and running back Brady Oliveira was held under 100 rushing yards.

More importantly, it was the Bombers' turnovers and mistakes that allowed the Argonauts to come away victorious in this game. There was no better example than the sack by Folarin Orimolade, which led to a third and 17 for Collaros to convert. He almost made it on his own had it not been for a push by Wynton McManis to get him out of bounds before he could reach the first down marker.

Offensively, the Argos looked like they were going to find ways to produce against the Blue Bombers' defence. The run game was finding ways to make some big plays, and the team was able to spread things around through the air.

Unfortunately, back spasms kept running back Ka'Deem Carey off the field in the second half and the struggles to maintain momentum was apparent. He still got over the 1,000 yard mark on the season despite having to leave the game.

There were moments where it looked like Toronto would be able to get some breathing room with a chance on the goal line to add to their lead but quarterback Chad Kelly was stuffed.

The Argos QB said after the game that he wasn't as thrilled with the way the offence played, given the team struggled to put up points. However, the crucial part for Kelly was that he didn't throw an interception and put the defence on its heels.

Bombers' turnovers and mistakes that allowed the Argonauts to come away victorious in this game. There was no better example than the sack by Folarin Orimolade, which led to a third and 17 for Collaros to convert. Had it not been for a tackle by Wynton McManis that pushed the Bombers quarterback out before he could reach the first-down marker.

Two straight victories over the top teams in the CFL should surely five the Argos confidence heading into the final stretch and now the team prepares for its most crucial matchup of the season against the Ottawa Redblacks.

Ottawa still has one game up on the Argos with a Thanksgiving game against the Montreal Alouettes. A Redblacks loss would give the Argos a one-point advantage heading into next Saturday's game at BMO Field.

For Kelly and the Argos offence, it's a chance to try and clean up mistakes that were evident in this game. The Argos QB also mentioned in the post-game interview that he wanted to essentially wash out the bad taste from his last appearance against Ottawa.