Looking at the Calgary Stampeders special start to the season
Those pundits who foreshadowed doom and gloom over the first third of the 2025 Calgary Stampeders schedule are likely scratching their tall foreheads these days …
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With good reason.
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It wasn't supposed to play out this well for the Stampeders after two lousy ones amounting to just 11 wins in 36 games. Even the most optimistic fan of the Red and White couldn't have predicted such a sensational start to the year.
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Especially given what the early-season calendar looked like for a team in massive transition.
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Thinking back on what has been a 5-1 start to the Canadian Football League campaign under the circumstances, it truly has been phenomenal.
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But don't tell that to the Stampeders, who remain tunnel-visioned in a commitment to steer clear from over-confidence.
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'No reason for us (to get over-confident),' said Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson. 'You'll get humbled quickly. The key is just don't read too much into when it's bad or when it's good.
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'You just try to understand why you're winning, what's helping you succeed and just try to put the foot on the gas just a little bit more each and every week.
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'I think our guys can do that.'
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They'll run with that gameplan again this Thursday, when the 4-2 Montreal Alouettes — the Stamps' fourth straight foe with a winning record — visit McMahon Stadium (7 p.m., TSN, CHQR 770 AM/107.3 FM the Edge), knowing full well they can't rest on their laurels.
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'We don't look too far forward, and unfortunately, you really only look back when you're done,' added Dickenson. 'I just think we've got to get better. I think our energy has been good — we've shown up to play every week. We have continually gotten better.
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'So that's something that as a team we've got to continue to do.'
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Let's look back at that, recognizing the adversity they've overcome.
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• The Week 1 game brought the return of Stampeders legend Bo Levi Mitchell looking to avenge last year's first loss in another uniform at McMahon, with the Red and White themselves fresh off a significant overhaul of the roster in the off-season.
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A surprisingly convincing win.
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• The Week 2 affair took them away for their first road contest of the season — another tough first for a still-finding-itself crew — against the defending Grey Cup-champion Toronto Argonauts.
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CTV News
7 hours ago
- CTV News
Tadej Pogačar shows unrivaled audacity to win his fourth Tour de France title in style
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Against all logical opinion, he tried winning Sunday's 21st and final stage with trademark uphill attacks, only to fall short of the stage win itself. 'In the end I found myself in the front, even though I didn't have the energy,' said Pogačar, who won the Tour last year and in 2020 and 2021. 'Just speechless to win the Tour de France, this one feels especially amazing,' Pogačar added. 'Just super proud that I can wear this yellow jersey.' Two-time Tour champion Jonas Vinegaard finished the overall race 4 minutes, 24 seconds behind Pogačar in second place and Florian Lipowitz was 11 minutes adrift in third. Belgian rider Wout van Aert won the 21st and last stage, which broke with tradition and featured three climbs of Montmartre hill. Because of heavy rain and the risk of crashes, organizers had earlier neutralized the times 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the end, effectively giving Pogačar the victory — providing he crossed the finish line. He did the opposite of what almost every rider would do with victory a near certainty. As the rain teemed down, he set a tremendous pace in the Montmartre climbs as fans cheered all along the cobbled Rue Lepic, with flags and fans hanging out of windows. Only five riders were left with Pogačar on the third ascension of the 1.1-kilometer Montmartre hill. After fending off American Matteo Jorgenson, he was caught cold near the top as Van Aert launched a stunning attack to drop — yes, drop! — Pogačar, the world's best climber, on the steepest section. 'Hats off to Wout, he was incredibly strong,' Pogačar said. Van Aert rolled back down for a prestigious stage win on the famed Champs-Élysées. Pogačar looked weary as he crossed the line in fourth place, 19 seconds behind. 'Peace and some nice weather' But then it was time to celebrate title No. 4. Although don't expect Pogačar to make any headlines on that front. 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Toronto Sun
19 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Argonauts return quarterback Chad Kelly to the injured list
Published Jul 27, 2025 • 2 minute read Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly gives instructions during opening day of CFL training camp in Guelph, Ont., on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn / The Canadian Press Nick Arbuckle will remain the Toronto Argonauts' starting quarterback for the next little while. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto placed incumbent Chad Kelly on the six-game injured list Saturday before its 31-17 home win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Argos had put Kelly on the one-game list through each week of the season, allowing the CFL's 2023 outstanding player to practise with the team as he recovered from a serious leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. With Kelly sidelined, Arbuckle led Toronto to its 41-24 Grey Cup win over Winnipeg at B.C. Place. He was named the game MVP after completing 26-of-37 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Argos were hopeful Kelly might return following their bye week. However, Arbuckle — who has been the starter all season to this point — remained under centre for Toronto's 26-25 loss to Montreal on Thursday before leading the squad to its first home victory Saturday night. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And Arbuckle will remain under centre Friday night when Toronto (2-5) visits Winnipeg (3-3) to complete the home-and-home set. 'I think it (placing Kelly on six-game list) is a smart decision,' Toronto coach Ryan Dinwiddie said following Saturday's game. 'We've got to look after Chad and the organization. 'We just can't force his hand, 'Let's play,' when we're not sure yet. When we're fully sure of the situation collectively we'll make that decision. He's willing to play but at the same time we're going to put him on the field when he's ready to play.' Kelly was on Toronto's sidelines Saturday night but Dinwiddie said there's no timeline regarding when the quarterback will make his '25 debut. 'Who knows?' he said. 'That could be week to week but he's working at it. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'He wants to be there for his brothers … he's always around and when he's around he makes us better, on or off the field. When the time comes we'll make that decision but it's got to be collectively … we have to make a decision when it's the right time and we won't make that decision until it is the right time.' Kelly missed Toronto's first nine regular-season games in 2024 due to a CFL-imposed suspension. The six-foot-one, 216-pound American returned to the Argos, completing 175-of-258 passes (67.8 per cent) for 2,451 yards with 10 TDs and eight interceptions. He earned CFL outstanding player honours in 2023 after passing for 4,123 yards with 23 TDs and 12 interceptions. Canada Editorials Sports Canada Toronto & GTA
National Post
19 hours ago
- National Post
Argonauts return quarterback Chad Kelly to the injured list
Nick Arbuckle will remain the Toronto Argonauts' starting quarterback for the next little while. Article content Toronto placed incumbent Chad Kelly on the six-game injured list Saturday before its 31-17 home win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Argos had put Kelly on the one-game list through each week of the season, allowing the CFL's 2023 outstanding player to practise with the team as he recovered from a serious leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. Article content Article content With Kelly sidelined, Arbuckle led Toronto to its 41-24 Grey Cup win over Winnipeg at B.C. Place. He was named the game MVP after completing 26-of-37 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Article content The Argos were hopeful Kelly might return following their bye week. However, Arbuckle — who has been the starter all season to this point — remained under centre for Toronto's 26-25 loss to Montreal on Thursday before leading the squad to its first home victory Saturday night. Article content And Arbuckle will remain under centre Friday night when Toronto (2-5) visits Winnipeg (3-3) to complete the home-and-home set. Article content 'I think it (placing Kelly on six-game list) is a smart decision,' Toronto coach Ryan Dinwiddie said following Saturday's game. 'We've got to look after Chad and the organization. Article content 'We just can't force his hand, 'Let's play,' when we're not sure yet. When we're fully sure of the situation collectively we'll make that decision. He's willing to play but at the same time we're going to put him on the field when he's ready to play.' Article content Kelly was on Toronto's sidelines Saturday night but Dinwiddie said there's no timeline regarding when the quarterback will make his '25 debut. Article content 'Who knows?' he said. 'That could be week to week but he's working at it. Article content 'He wants to be there for his brothers … he's always around and when he's around he makes us better, on or off the field. When the time comes we'll make that decision but it's got to be collectively … we have to make a decision when it's the right time and we won't make that decision until it is the right time.' Article content Kelly missed Toronto's first nine regular-season games in 2024 due to a CFL-imposed suspension. The six-foot-one, 216-pound American returned to the Argos, completing 175-of-258 passes (67.8 per cent) for 2,451 yards with 10 TDs and eight interceptions. Article content
