Eastern Final: Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts

[jerrym]

And the Argo D saves the ship once again with a sack to keep the Als out of FG range.

[Mocha]

Man, everything that can go wrong did go wrong in the first half. Luckily we're not behind by much.

Cue the second-half comeback!

[kellynjk]

Exactly as people suggested that whomever wins the turnovers is going to win the game. The crowd seems stunned by what is happening. Argos have picked a hell of a game to come out flat and uninspired - not impressive at all so far!!

[bigzee19]

Did the Argos use all their luck throughout the regular season? Come on boys. Let's get back to winning.

[jerrym]

I also don't understand why the Argos are using Kelly on QB sneaks from the point of view of injury risks.

[jerrym]

The best part of the first half was the Trews.

[jerrym]

Fifth turnover! My warning about turnovers increasing look like the key to the game.

[jerrym]

McManus knockdown saves the day for the moment but Argos blow it with a penalty on the FG attempt. Talk about giving the game away as the Als get a TD instead.

[Argos1983]

7 turnovers in 35 minutes of football - this is easily the worst game (so far) that I have ever seen them play in over 50 years considering expectations versus performance - they are at home (undefeated all year) and are huge favourites coming off a 16-2 regular season — an absolute embarrassment

[kellynjk]

Agree - this is both embarrassing and disheartening to watch!! Can't believe I am going to say this - but should they consider putting Dukes in for a series of play, just to shake things up and maybe change the energy?!!!!

[jerrym]

Another boneheaded INT by Kelly. After the throw he looked stunned sitting on the field staring off into space.

[Mocha]

Man alive, what is happening?!

Cue the huge 4th-quarter comeback?

Ahh, well it's been a good year till now.

[jerrym]

Kelly's balls are quacking all the way into Al defenders' arms and a 21 point lead. He has been forcing the ball without seeing the field in what look's like panic mode in the second half when the half only started with a seven point deficit. The lack of a veteran backup, even if only to spell off Kelly for a short time to start seeing the field comes home to roost.

[kellynjk]

Kelly's thrown 5 passes, 3 of which have been picked off so far - did they not watch the game Montreal played last week?!!! Kelly is not on his game today, I would put Dukes in and see what he can do. He's a better scrambler than Kelly and maybe can make a difference.

[jerrym]

There is even a bigger hurt than losing out on a possible Grey Cup. To lose a stinker like this with the crowd now booing the Argos when they have almost double their average attendance this year for this game and more than double last year, means the vast majority of those casual fans, if any, won't be converted into regular fans. This could hurt potential attendance for years, although the faithful will be back.

[kellynjk]

Well the fans booing the Argos isn't helping the team. Yeah sure they're disappointed with the game, but stick with your team and cheer them on, that's what real fans do!!!

[Mocha]

There is even a bigger hurt than losing out on a possible Grey Cup. To lose a stinker like this with the crowd now booing the Argos when they have almost double their average attendance this year for this game and more than double last year, means the vast majority of those casual fans, if any, won't be converted into regular fans. This could hurt potential attendance for years, although the faithful will be back.

And after a season of such high-flying, exciting ball too. All around shame, but still a quarter to make something happen.

[jerrym]

Even though the Argos scored, it looks like Kelly has lost all confidence in his passing, as he ran the ball repeatedly in the drive and also tried to put it all on himself, which usually doesn't work out in the long run.

[Mocha]

Time for our D to force a big turnover now.

[kellynjk]

Yeah I noticed the same thing, I think Montreal's defence has gotten into Kelly's head and he's afraid to pass the ball. They haven't got time to run the ball to try and catch up, they need some good passing. I still say I'd put Duke in for a few of the drives, just to change the mindset.