Facing a three-point deficit with under three minutes remaining in regulation, Toronto Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray likely had one more chance to return to the Grey Cup Final. Ray's Argonauts allowed the Roughriders to complete a 15-point comeback and, after being in control for the entire game, the Argonauts found themselves trailing for the first time.
One pass play after another, Ray quickly led the Argonauts down the field. He completed seven of eight attempts on the drive, including a game-saving pass to James Wilder Jr. for 22 yards on a third-and-six. That sequence allowed Ray's backup Cody Fajardo to rush in the touchdown to give Toronto a lead that they held onto for good.
After giving up the lead on a punt return late, Ricky Ray and the @TorontoArgos drove down the field to take it back. See you in Ottawa next week, Argos win!#ArgosFootball #CFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/chvozZMVgB
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 19, 2017
In true Ray fashion, the 38-year-old put together a memorable game-winning drive to allow the Argonauts to defeat the Roughriders 25-21 and advance to the 105th Grey Cup, the 23rd time in the organization's history Toronto will play for a championship. Ray threw for 266 yards and one touchdown on Sunday — a 17-yard pass to DeVier Posey.
"I'm thankful to be a part of this team and this great city," Argos defensive lineman Shawn Lemon said following the game.
Lemon led Toronto with three sacks. He made Sunday afternoon difficult for the Roughriders line and especially starting quarterback Kevin Glenn.
The Argos defense held Saskatchewan in check for most of the gam before the Riders the fourth-quarter surge. Prior to the final 10 minutes of regulation, Saskatchewan was held out of the end zone and had the majority of its drives end in two-and-outs. Not until late in the third quarter did the Riders offense begin to show signs of life.
Saskatchewan's Duron Carter and Naaman Roosevelt led their team with 99 and 71 receiving yards respectively and, for a moment, it appeared that their production would be enough to catalyze the comeback.
Coombs presence crucial for Toronto
In August, Argonauts running back Anthony Coombs had undergone surgery to repair his shoulder. The injury kept the fourth-year veteran sidelined until the final week of the Argos' regular season.
Coombs totaled 51 receiving yards in that game and provided Ray with a versatile option in the passing game just in time for the Grey Cup Playoffs.
On the Argos' first play during the East Final Sunday, Ray found Coombs on a short checkdown in the middle of the field, and Coombs took the play for 32 yards. While Coombs allowed James Wilder Jr. to maintain his featured role in the backfield, he found his place as Ray's top target.
The 25-year-old led the Argonauts with eight receptions for 72 yards against the Roughriders
Riders' quarterback issue
Saskatchewan relied on veteran Kevin Glenn against the Argonauts, but defensive pressure from Toronto forced Glenn into throwing three interceptions on six pass attempts. It was statistically one of Glenn's least productive performances of the season.
Aaaaaaaand back to the #Argos! #ArgosFootball #CFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Rn7F9dE3gk
— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) November 19, 2017
After Glenn's third interception in the second quarter, Saskatchewan head coach Chris Jones called for Brandon Bridge to replace Glenn. Bridge threw for 141 yards, completed 11 of 21 passes, and nearly helped lift Saskatchewan to the comeback victory and the Grey Cup Final.
The TD by @Air_Canada_7 is the first TD pass by a 🇨🇦 QB in a playoff game since 1968 Eastern Final!#RiderPride #GreyCup pic.twitter.com/zXa63ciMXK
— CFL (@CFL) November 19, 2017