After a strong showing in recent seasons — including a 2022 Grey Cup title and again last season — the Toronto Argonauts have stumbled out of the gate in 2025, leaving fans scratching their heads and asking: What happened?
At 1-4 heading into a Bye Week, the Argos are struggling to find their identity. Injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and surprising lapses on defense have combined to create a start few could have predicted for one of the CFL’s flagship franchises.
Quarterback Carousel
It starts under center. After the departure of Chad Kelly due to league suspension in 2024 and eventual injury, Toronto has yet to find a consistent answer at quarterback. Nick Arbuckle has shown flashes but lacks the consistency needed to lead a team with championship aspirations.
The lack of a true offensive rhythm is evident in the numbers. Through four games, the Argonauts have averaged just 19.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. For a team that led the CFL in offensive efficiency two seasons ago, that drop-off is glaring.
Defensive Leaks
Toronto’s defense, once a staple of the team’s identity, has also taken a step back. The once-vaunted pass rush hasn’t been able to generate consistent pressure, and the secondary has been prone to blown coverages — particularly late in games. The Argos are giving up over 32.6 points per game, second highest in the league (including giving up 51 points last week at home to Hamilton), which doesn’t bode well in a league where closing out fourth quarters is critical.
Veterans like Wynton McManis and Andrew Chatfield are still contributing, but the defensive unit as a whole seems out of sync. Missed tackles, blown assignments, and an inability to get off the field on second down have plagued this team early on.
Lack of Identity
Perhaps most concerning is the apparent lack of a team identity. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, who was praised for his aggressive playcalling and leadership in recent years, now finds himself facing tough questions. Is this a team rebuilding on the fly, or a contender trying to find its footing?
There’s talent on the roster receivers like DaMonte Coxie and Kevin Mital have proven playmaking ability — but nothing seems to be clicking. The offensive line has struggled to protect the quarterback, and turnovers have killed any momentum the team manages to generate.
Can They Turn It Around?
The good news? It’s still early. The CFL season is long, and the East Division — outside of Montreal — is wide open. A couple of wins could completely flip the script. But the margin for error is shrinking fast, and the next few weeks may define the Argonauts’ 2025 season.
If Toronto can stabilize the quarterback position and get their defense back to form, there’s no reason they can’t claw back into playoff contention. But if the current issues linger, fans may be looking at a rare lost season for a team that was recently one of the league’s most feared.
One thing’s for sure: the Boatmen need to stop taking on water — fast.
