GUELPH, Ont. – Quarterback Tyrie Adams threw and ran for touchdowns as the Ottawa Redblacks defeated the Toronto Argonauts 34-23 at Alumni Stadium in Guelph, Ontario, in CFL preseason football.
The projected Redblacks backup quarterback got all of his production in the first quarter finishing the game going four for four with 139 yards as the Redblacks ended their preseason with a win.
Quarterback Dustin Crum also showed out for Ottawa when Adams went to the bench with 83 passing and 67 rushing yards in his three-quarters of work.
Toronto quarterback Chad Kelly finished his game strong, going four for five with 105 yards in one-quarter of action as Toronto dropped its second of two pre-season games.
“Obviously, completions are the biggest thing,” Kelly said post-game “I look back at two plays that I wish I had back already, and work the other side but it’s okay, it’s part of pre-season, and now have to make those corrections and get better.”
Argos kicker Alfredo Gachuz was busy, going perfect on all three field goals and both extra-point attempts. Wide Receiver Dejon Brissett also chipped in with two catches for 56 yards in the loss.
The game got off to a hot start offensively, as the teams scored 24 points in the first quarter.
Argos moved down the field quickly on their first drive, led by Kelly, who found Ambles in the middle of the field multiple times. Running Back A.J. Ouellette then capped off the drive with a score.
Ottawa answered quickly after a deep pass from Adams helped set up his own rushing TD.
Argos got some quick-fire offence in the form of Morehead State product BJ Byrd who excited the crowd with an 84-yard punt return for a TD to cut the lead to 20-17.
Byrd was one of many coming into the pre-season who was fighting for a roster spot and is looking to make an impact heading into the regular season.
“I gave it my all and my best,” he said post-game. “I just hope the coaches like it and are willing to keep me on the team. If they do, (punt return touchdowns) are gonna continue to happen.”
The Redblacks would answer that score quickly after a Keaton Bruggeling touchdown reception would extend Ottawa’s lead back up to double digits and one they would never relinquish.
With CFL cutdown day set for this Saturday at 10 p.m. ET teams have their last chance to look at players who may have an opportunity to make the club.
For Toronto, the big roster question coming in was who would be the backup quarterback to Chad Kelly.
Unfortunately for the Argos, none of the quarterbacks made much of an impact in the game.
All three of Cameron Dukes, Ben Holmes and Bryan Scott struggled to get any offence going, with only 147 yards, one turnover and no touchdowns combined.
Based on playing time so far this preseason, Dukes has the lead, but it is still being determined if he will maintain it by week one.
“They’re gonna have some growing pains,” Argos coach Ryan Dinwiddie said postgame concerning his backup quarterbacks. “We gotta find one we can count on that’ll win some games when called upon, so we’ve got some tough decisions there.”
More troubling news came near the end of the first quarter when Argos starting left tackle Shane Richards left the game with a left foot injury.
However, Dinwiddie added that the injury is not a high ankle sprain, and he should not miss any games.
The regular season starts next week, as Ottawa will travel to Montreal to take on the Alouettes on June 10. Meanwhile, the Argos will start with a bye week before their season kicks off at home against Hamilton on June 18.