Why Nick Arbuckle’s career day could be a turning point for the Toronto Argonauts

For most of the summer, the Toronto Argonauts have been a team defined by frustration. Close calls, promising starts that would get away from them, and confidence starting to fade with each tough loss.

On Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, that narrative finally shifted. The Argos didn’t just beat the B.C. Lions, they made a statement. It was a decisive 52-34 win and Toronto showed that it could finish what it started.

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle led the charge with 430 passing yards, four total touchdowns, or that he now leads the CFL in passing yards. Aribuckle wasn't focused on himself after a career-day but rather how the group came together.

“The 52 points on the board was the biggest thing obviously,” Arbuckle said after the game. “We lost two offensive linemen, we didn’t have (Damonte) Coxie, and still hit big plays. It was an incredible all-around effort.”

Toronto has had flashes this year — a good quarter here, a promising drive there — but their 2-8 record coming into Saturday showed how often they had come chort. Too often, the Argos were undone by mistakes or missed chances.

Against the Lions, it looked like it was going to be another familiar script after falling behind 14-3. Instead, Arbuckle and company flipped it, but he didn't do it alone.

At this rate if you haven't familiarized yourself with Jake Herslow's name, it's tough to ignore it now. The 25-year-old receiver continues to show that he's capable of being a valuable contributor after posting 149 yards, two touchdowns, inclusing a 70-yard dagger that helped seal the win.

For Herslow, the journey has been all about showing what he can through determination and hard work.

“I was a walk-on in college, I’ve been a practice-roster guy here,” Herslow said. “Not everyone is going to believe in you. But you just keep showing up, one play at a time.”

His chemistry with Arbuckle didn’t appear out of nowhere. The two have spent hours last season on empty practice fields, tossing routes long after teammates had left.

Herslow was a depth guy, Arbuckle a backup, but the trust built then is paying off now.

Now while it was a big win for Toronto, it also comes at a desparate time for the team because of the hole they've dug themselves in.

Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie admitted to that thought in his post-game presser, “We needed a win in the worst way. Even myself as a coach, I needed to see that … we’ve made plays all year, but haven’t finished. To see them do it all together, that was good for our confidence.”

For Dinwiddie the victory was proof that this team still has a pulse and a desire to compete. Arbuckle looked comfortable and decisive. Herslow proved he can be more than a practice-squad story. Spencer Brown gave the league’s worst rushing attack some life. And the defence, despite giving up some big plays, delivered with a pick-six and a late fumble recovery.

The reality is that the Argos are still 3-8 heading into Labour Day in Hamilton. No one should mistake this for a season-saving performance — not yet.

A victory over the Tiger-Cats, coupled with some favourable results with the other teams in the East could give some hope of clawing back into the playoff picture.

Herslow put it best: “We know what we are in this locker room. Our record doesn’t reflect the type of team we are. We’re going to stay confident and take it one play at a time.”

For the Argos, that one-play-at-a-time mindset is all they can cling to now. Saturday didn’t erase their flaws, but it reminded them of what’s still possible.