Toronto Argonauts sticking with Nick Arbuckle despite another rough performance by offence

Nick Arbuckle is still the guy — at least for now — as the Toronto Argonauts aim to regroup offensively with the Saskatchewan Roughriders visiting BMO Field in Week 3.

With the offence searching for stability, the Argos are placing their trust in Arbuckle to guide them through a challenging stretch.

After a week of speculation about the starting role, head coach Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed Arbuckle will continue as the team’s QB1 — for the time being.

“Nick’s going to be our guy right now. It’s our best chance to win,” Dinwiddie said following practice Tuesday. “(Jarret) Doege got a little more than normal, but Tucker (Horn) is just a little green. Doege just joined on the last day of camp, so those guys still have some catching up to do.”

Toronto's offence has been a focal point of concern with just 22 points scored through the first two games of the season.

The play of Arbuckle has been a big talking point, as he has flashed potential but ultimately a lack of rhythm, untimely penalties, and a lack of consistency have hampered his play. The 31-year-old has completed 51 of 74 passes for 582 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions with a 78.8 QB rating.

Dinwiddie believes a simplified approach could help his quarterback settle in more quickly.

“Some shorter, easier throws will help. We’ve had two good drives, then we’re off the field,” he said. “We can’t keep shooting ourselves in the foot with pre-snap penalties or bad field position.”

Starting quarterback Chad Kelly is also not in a position to be in the mix to start at least for the next bit. The Argos are being cautious with how much they throw at him but he is getting reps with the scout offence but he isn't testing his ability to run just yet.

What has also been an issue with Toronto's offence is the running game which is averaging 50.5 yards per game which is the third-lowest total in the CFL. This is certainly an area that needs to improve after the Argos had the second-best rushing team in terms of rushing yards per game in 2024.

Returning to the team in the backfield is Kevin Brown, who rejoined following an injury to Deonta McMahon.

“It was an easy call,” Dinwiddie said. “Kevin knows the system, has been here before, and he was willing to jump right in.”

Brown welcomed the opportunity and saw a deeper meaning in his return.

“I felt like it was a purpose. Maybe I got complacent, and God wanted to humble me,” Brown said. “When I got the call, I was all for it.”

The South Carolina native has been following every Argos game since his departure and is ready to make the most of this second chance.

“I’m excited. This is a great opportunity to prove myself again and help the team in any way I can,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to bail the quarterback out when needed. Be that safety valve and keep the defence honest.”

Brown could see significant reps in Friday's game against the Roughriders, sharing the backfield with newcomer Miyan Williams who will need a breather or two. It also doesn't hurt to have another running back come in and provide a different look to the defence.

Unfortunately, the Argos injury bug continues to be problematic for the team as Wynton McManis isn't expected to suit this week and could also miss the next game while Jack Cassar, Demarcus Christmas, and Brian Harelimana were among the group of players who did not participate in the first practice of the week.

As the Argos prepare to face a tough Saskatchewan team, the defending champions are counting on experience, familiarity, and a bit of redemption to turn the tide.