111th Grey Cup Preview
The 111th Grey Cup kicks off tomorrow at BC Place, bringing together two of Canada’s most storied professional franchises once again to determine who will hoist Albert Grey’s iconic trophy.
On the East Coast, Toronto’s season was one of highs and lows. They entered 2024 looking to build on their 2022 Grey Cup victory and address the shortcomings that saw them eliminated in the 2023 playoffs. Led by quarterback Chad Kelly, the Argonauts seemed poised for another dominant campaign, especially after finishing second in the East Division with a 10-8 record. Their offensive identity was rooted in a strong running game, powered by Ka’Deem Carey, whose contributions on the ground and as a receiver proved pivotal throughout the season. Carey ranked third in league rushing with 1,060 yards and added 356 receiving yards, consistently keeping defences on edge.
Toronto’s defence also played a critical role in their success in their 2024 season. The team forced 39 takeaways during the regular season, excelling at creating chaos with a relentless pass rush that produced a league-leading 48 sacks. Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, and Folarin Orimolade anchored a unit that consistently disrupted opposing quarterbacks and forced key turnovers.
True to the nature of Canadian football, the Argos experienced an unexpected detour in their Grey Cup plans during the East Final against the Montreal Alouettes. Despite edging the Larks 30-28, the Argonauts lost Chad Kelly to a season-ending ankle injury late in the game. In his place steps Nick Arbuckle, a veteran quarterback who has faced a career of challenges and uncertainty. Signed midway through training camp after being released by the Ottawa REDBLACKS, Arbuckle played sparingly but made the most of his opportunities. He now finds himself in the most significant moment of his career, leading the Argonauts in a Grey Cup matchup against the league’s top defence.
In central Canada, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers season has been a testament to perseverance. After an uncharacteristic 0-4 start, the Blue Bombers rallied, winning nine of their final ten games to claim the top spot in the West Division with an 11-7 record. Brady Oliveira has been the driving force behind the squad’s resurgence. The hometown star led the league in rushing for the second consecutive year and surpassed 2,000 yards from scrimmage for the second straight season, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite playmakers.
Quarterback Zach Collaros, a seasoned veteran with three Grey Cup titles, has had an up-and-down season. While his touchdown-to-interception ratio was not as sharp as in past years, Collaros delivered when it mattered most. In the West Final, he threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 38-22 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Wide receiver Kenny Lawler emerged as a key target in that game, racking up 177 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Winnipeg remains as formidable as always, allowing a league-best 20.3 points per game during the regular season. The secondary, led by Canadian Tyrell Ford, has consistently shut down opposing offences, with Ford ranking second in the league in interceptions. The defensive line, while less productive in sacks compared to past seasons, remains a disruptive force, with future CFL Hall of Famers Willie Jefferson and Jackson Jeffcoat capable of swinging momentum on any given play.
This will mark Winnipeg’s fifth consecutive Grey Cup appearance, a remarkable streak in the modern CFL (just a single appearance shy of the all-time record of 6, currently held by Edmonton). The Blue Bombers are determined to end a two-year drought after back-to-back upset losses to Toronto in 2022 and Montréal in 2023. For Winnipeg, a win would solidify their dynasty status in Canadian football, while a loss would invite questions about missed opportunities during an otherwise dominant era.
As Toronto and Winnipeg prepare to battle for the Grey Cup, the contrast between their seasons adds intrigue. Toronto’s perseverance through adversity and Winnipeg’s resilience in reclaiming their dominance encapsulate the drama and unpredictability that make the CFL’s championship game so compelling.
Fans can expect a hard-fought contest as two teams who are deeply woven into the fabric of our game vie for Canadian football supremacy.
The 111th Grey Cup and Grey Cup Festival will be co-hosted with local First Nations on the unceded traditional territories of the WmeekWayam (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and salilwetat (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
