3 stats that defined Toronto's Week 16 win over Edmonton
Jon Blacker/CFL.ca
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TORONTO — A year after missing out for the first time in four seasons, the Toronto Argonauts are headed back to the postseason thanks to a 24-19 win over the Edmonton Elks at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon.
Chad Kelly and the Argos offence found ways to make big plays through the air, while Toronto’s defence came up with timely stops when it mattered most as the Argos improved to 8-6.
Edmonton fell to 10-4 despite another strong outing from Cody Fajardo, who threw for 360 yards in his 100th career start.
CFL.ca brings you three key stats that defined the Toronto Argonauts' win over the Edmonton Elks in Week 16.
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1-6 - ELKS RED ZONE CONVERSION RATE
While neither team was operating at peak efficiency inside the opponent's 20-yard line on Saturday, Edmonton's missed opportunities were more consequential. The Elks converted just one of six red-zone trips into touchdowns, settling for three field goals from Vincent Blanchard, all from inside 20 yards.
The Elks’ biggest missed chances came through the air. Fajardo was intercepted twice in the end zone, with Tarvarus McFadden’s late pick putting the final stamp on Toronto’s playoff-clinching victory.
5 - CHAD KELLY 30+ YARD COMPLETIONS
Chad Kelly wasn't shy about pushing the ball downfield, connecting on five completions of 30 or more yards as he piled up 373 passing yards. He hit Tyler Kahmann for a gain of 56 on his opening attempt, found David Ungerer III for 48 yards and connected with Kevin Mital and Dymere Miller for explosive completions of 51 and 57 yards, respectively.
Kelly’s willingness to attack deep helped Toronto build an early lead and kept the Argos moving the ball even as Edmonton’s defence came up with two interceptions. With the run game generating just one yard on six attempts, Kelly's explosiveness through the air allowed the Argos to keep pace with a more methodical Elks attack.
55 - YARDS ON RALPH HOLLEY FUMBLE RETURN TD
Everyone loves a big-man touchdown, and Ralph Holley gave the BMO Field crowd one to remember. After David Beard’s snap sailed over Cody Fajardo’s head, Holley scooped up the loose ball and rumbled 55 yards for the touchdown.
Holley’s score was his first CFL touchdown and gave the Argos a crucial eight-point cushion in the third quarter. Serving as the Argos' only second-half points, it was also a fitting reward for a Toronto defence that came up with three takeaways on the afternoon.