(Toronto) Chad Kelly, who had a record-breaking 2023 season in his first campaign as the Toronto Argonauts’ starting quarterback, doesn’t plan to change a winning formula.
The plan on Saturday, against the Montreal Alouettes, as Kelly prepares to lead his team onto the field in the East Division final in its first playoff game, is to simply fine-tune his preparation during the week.
“I know it’s a one-and-done game,” Kelly said. You have to be in a different mindset to do more, but you have to approach the match like everyone else and play the same way. »
Kelly was an important part of the Argonauts (16-2) as the team tied the team’s single-season wins record. It was also the best winning season in team history. The quarterback has won 15 of 16 starts, while his 93.8 winning percentage represents the best in CFL history for a player with at least 14 games in the starting lineup.
Kelly completed 270 of 394 passes for 4,244 yards and 19 touchdowns. He had 15 interceptions. On 40 carries, he racked up 248 rushing yards, throwing for eight touchdowns, tied for second in the CFL.
Last week, Kelly was named one of the East Division’s nominees for league MVP. On Wednesday, he was named the league’s all-star quarterback.
With Kelly, the Argonauts finished second in points scored (29.3 per game), touchdowns (56) and total yards (377.8 average). The team led in yards per play average (7.34), while allowing a league-low 19 sacks.
Defensively, the Arognauts finished first in fewest turnovers (27), interceptions (15) and turnovers (five).
Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie doesn’t want Kelly to change his approach for the playoffs, especially after his season success.
“I want his approach to stay the same,” Dinwiddie said. The match is more important, but when you start putting pressure on yourself and wanting to do all these things, that’s when things go wrong. »
Kelly has some CFL playoff experience, having played a significant role in the Argonauts’ 24-23 Gray Cup victory last year over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Kelly replaced injured starting quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the fourth quarter, completing four of six passes for 43 yards.
“The experience of this match definitely helps, but you have to stay in a different mindset,” Kelly added. There is always something you can learn by watching the videos and doing whatever you can. »
