Quarterback changeups shake up post-season forecast Backups reign as Bethel-Thompson, Doege get job done on the road CFL Rundown
By: Jeff Hamilton Posted: 12:51 PM CDT Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025

OTTAWA — On the surface, the partnership between the Toronto Argonauts and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills might seem like a win-win. But look a bit closer and it starts to reveal a deeply concerning move for the CFL.

While the Argonauts, owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), get to associate themselves with a global brand, and the Bills get to protect their valuable fanbase in Southern Ontario, this deal feels like a step in the wrong direction for the Canadian game.

It’s easy to see why MLSE, a company that has always coveted leagues with international appeal, would want to get into bed with a brand as big as the Bills. Meanwhile, the Bills are clearly aware of the major divide between the U.S. and Canada, with fewer Canadians making the trip south to take in a game.

Protecting that connection to a significant chunk of their fanbase that resides in Ontario is a no-brainer. But it’s also weird that at a time when Canadian content and national identity are at an all-time high, MLSE is seemingly selling that leverage for pennies on the dollar.

The promise of long-term potential for the CFL is a tough sell; Americans aren’t suddenly going to be convinced the Argos are worth their time and money. While this might lead to more dedicated NFL supporters, it’s hard to see that bleeding into a stronger CFL fanbase at home or abroad.

What’s more, if it works with the Bills and Argos, it’s likely to grow to other CFL markets. With the Bills juicing up high school championships and investing in minor football in Ontario, this feels less like a legitimate partnership and more like a quiet NFL takeover.

It’s a move that will surely frustrate other CFL markets and could have long-term consequences for the league’s unique Canadian identity. Perhaps a cautiously optimistic approach is best — at least MLSE is trying to move the needle rather than continuing to ignore the Argos — but I’m not holding my breath on this being a boon for the CFL club in Toronto.

Now, let’s get into what else has caught my attention across the league in the latest edition of CFL Rundown.

1) A 48-31 road win for the Montreal Alouettes over the Saskatchewan Roughriders snapped a five-game losing skid and turned a lot of heads, as few would have predicted the result.

I still question whether this is anything more than a one-off for the Als. Maybe it’s a bit of both.

Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson was stellar in his return from injury, throwing for 379 yards and three touchdowns.

However, the Saskatchewan secondary was missing key starters, forced to start less qualified options, and Als receiver Tyson Philpot had a career day with 238 receiving yards.

While it’s a much-needed morale boost, sustained success for Montreal will likely have to wait until franchise quarterback Davis Alexander is back under centre.

 

2) Some victories carry greater meaning than others, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ triumph over the Blue Bombers, just hours after the passing of their general manager Ted Goveia, was certainly an example of that.

I had the good fortune of running into Ted from time to time over my decade covering the Bombers.

He had his fingerprints all over Winnipeg’s current run of five straight Grey Cup appearances and was building something special in Hamilton in what was his first go as a GM.

It’s unfortunate he won’t be able to see the year through, but you know he’ll be watching from above. Ted was one of the good ones and he’ll be sorely missed.

 

3) After three straight losses, the Bombers are not the playoff shoo-ins I once thought they were.

At 6-7, they’re four wins behind the Roughriders and two behind Calgary, with both the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks right on their heels.

The Bombers will be playing a different kind of meaningful football this fall as they try to hold tightly onto a playoff spot.

Keeping it will be an uphill battle for as long as quarterback Zach Collaros is sidelined, which may not be for much longer.

While I appreciate head coach Mike O’Shea’s defence of backup Chris Streveler earlier this week, listing what he was able to achieve in 2019 — when he helped the Bombers snap a lengthy championship drought — it’s not the convincing argument he thinks it is.

4) Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie put on a show after a wild 31-30 victory over Edmonton, mimicking a field goal motion a few times in celebration in front of the Elks’ bench.

It was a childish display, but undeniably entertaining.

It also sparked some clear disdain from the opposition, to the point where Elks head coach Mark Kilam had to be restrained.

Dinwiddie’s most ridiculous comment came when he told the Elks to “enjoy the off-season,” despite both teams having identical 5-8 records.

The next time you wonder if a head coach knows he’s playing in the inferior East Division, just watch that clip.

Dinwiddie said his antics were a response to consistent trash talk from Edmonton, marking the latest outburst in what’s been a frustrating season.

Still, the way Dinwiddie is talking, he seems awfully confident he’ll be fighting for the Grey Cup in November. Let’s see how this plays out.

 

5) Dinwiddie has ruled out quarterback Nick Arbuckle for the foreseeable future as he recovers from a calf strain expected to sideline him for at least two weeks.

This sets the stage for Jarret Doege to get the start this week.

Doege was thrust into action late against the Elks and led the offence to the game-winning field goal by Lirim Hajrullahu.

The way Dinwiddie spoke of Doege after the game, talking about his potential for success in his offence, only reinforces my theory that the Argos head coach believes offensive success is about the system, not necessarily the player.

It also begs the question: what the heck is going on with Chad Kelly?

Dinwiddie continues to say he won’t rush Kelly back, apparently no matter how many teaser posts he publishes on social media.

 

6) The B.C. Lions bounced back nicely against the Ottawa Redblacks, avenging a heartbreaking one-point loss the previous week.

Quarterback Nathan Rourke set the tone, leading four straight touchdown drives to start the game.

But of all the teams in the CFL, I feel I have the worst gauge on the Lions, who have been so inconsistent from week to week — the same way I used to think about the Argos before they started winning games.

A lot of pundits have B.C. leapfrogging the Bombers in the West, but that won’t be easy.

Winnipeg has the season series tiebreaker locked up after winning both matchups this year, and the Lions just haven’t shown enough to date to suggest they’ll go on a roll anytime soon.

 

7) Even with the loss to B.C., a “Crumback” felt like it was brewing there for a moment.

It’s safe to say my opinion of Redblacks quarterback Dustin Crum has changed over the past two weeks.

I’ve been on record saying I don’t see him as a viable No. 1 option, given his inconsistent play last season and this year, but he’s been changing my mind with these recent performances.

Crum has surpassed 300 passing yards in back-to-back games, combining for two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

He has also been his usual threat in the run game, accumulating 127 rushing yards and four touchdowns against B.C.

Much like Arbuckle in Toronto, Crum has done more than enough to extend his CFL career, whether it results in a starting role or not.

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca