Opportunistic Slywka lifts Argos to first win with 29-16 decision against Redblacks

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6 hours ago

Toronto Argonauts offensive lineman George Moore (56) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during first half CFL football action against the Ottawa Redblacks in Ottawa, on Sunday, June 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
OTTAWA — The Toronto Argonauts picked up their first win of the CFL season with an impressive 29-16 performance over the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday.
Turnovers were the key to Toronto's success with Derek Slywka scoring two defensive touchdowns for the Argos (1-3).
Argos' quarterback Nick Arbuckle had a solid outing, finishing the night 18-for-25 for 269 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Dustin Crum, making his second straight start at quarterback for Ottawa (1-3), was 20-for-30 for 235 yards and one interception., He ran the ball eight times for 60 yards and one TD. Crum endured a tough night though, taking five sacks.
Lirim Hajrullahu added a 43-yard field goal in the fourth and Lewis Ward responded with his own 40-yarder to make it 28-16.
After struggling in the red zone Ottawa finally gave fans something to cheer about late in the third, as Crum led a seven-play drive capped by his one-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 25-13.
Ward added a 45-yard field goal midway through the third making it 25-6.
On the opening drive of the second half, a blocked Redblacks' field goal attempt turned into disaster as Slywka returned it 120 yards for a touchdown, stretching the Argos' lead to 25-3.
Ottawa finally got on the board with a 50-yard field goal as time expired in the half, to trail 18-3.
Arbuckle marched the Argos down field and capitalized on the drive when he found Ryan Hunter alone in the end zone to take an 18-0 lead.
Ottawa appeared ready to score early in the second quarter when Crum hit Kalil Pimpleton for a 15-yard gain, but as Pimpleton fought for extra yards, he fumbled at the Toronto five-yard line. Slywka scooped it up and raced the length of the field for an Argos touchdown.
Toronto opened the scoring with a 36-yard field goal on its opening drive and Ottawa conceded a single to give the Argonauts a 4-0 lead after the first quarter.
UP NEXT
Argonauts: Host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday.
Redblacks: Visit the Edmonton Elks on Sunday, July 6.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 29, 2025.
Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press