LIVESTREAM CFL: Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ Toronto Argonauts, July 5, 01:30 CET (1:30 am, 7:30 pm July 4 ET)

| American Football | 07/04/2025

The Toronto Argonauts (1-3) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-2) reignite their Canadian Football League rivalry at BMO Field on Friday, with both teams seeking momentum after securing their first wins of the 2025 CFL season in Week 4.

Hamilton’s defensive pressure
The Tiger-Cats’ defense dominated Montreal 35-17 in Week 4, forcing four turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble recovery) and holding the Alouettes to 226 net yards. Defensive end Julian Howsare anchors a unit aiming to exploit Toronto’s league-high eight turnovers this season. Cornerbacks DaShaun Amos and Jamal Peters will test Argos quarterback Nick Arbuckle, whose nine completions of 30+ yards lead the CFL but whose four interceptions highlight vulnerability under pressure.

Balancing the attack
Hamilton quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (887 passing yards, second in CFL) thrives in a pass-heavy scheme (73% pass-play rate), targeting star receivers Kenny Lawler (276 yards) and Tim White (nine catches, 78 yards, one TD vs. Montreal). However, the Tiger-Cats’ ground game (Johnny Augustine, Ante Milanovic-Litre) must exploit Toronto’s 131 rushing yards allowed per game to diversify an offense overly reliant on Mitchell’s arm.

Toronto’s aerial assault
Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle leads the league with 1,110 passing yards, leaning on receivers Damonte Coxie and Kevin Mital. Arbuckle’s deep-ball accuracy (5-of-6 on 20+ yard attempts in Week 4) faces a Hamilton secondary allowing 299.3 pass yards per game. His 72% pass-play rate mirrors Hamilton’s aerial emphasis, setting up a shootout between the CFL’s top two passing offenses.

Containing Hamilton’s star receivers
Toronto’s secondary, led by Darrius Bratton and Benjie Franklin, must limit Lawler and White. The Argos’ red-zone defense (45% opponent scoring rate) improved in Week 4, stopping Ottawa three times inside the 20. Linebacker Jalen Todd’s 10-tackle performance against Montreal underscores his role in disrupting Hamilton’s rhythm.

Slywka’s defensive spark
Argos defensive back Derek Slywka emerged in Week 4 with a fumble recovery TD and a 120-yard blocked field goal return. His playmaking ability complements Andrew Chatfield’s league-leading five sacks, which challenge Mitchell’s quick-release style.

Need to know

  • Mitchell seeks his 101st career win (15-2 vs. Toronto) and needs 90 yards to reach 40,000 career passing yards.
  • Hamilton swept the 2024 series, including three wins by three or fewer points.
  • Argos kicker Marc Liegghio has made 23 consecutive field goals, the CFL’s longest active streak.
  • Toronto’s 58:49 time leading in Week 4 marked a stark turnaround after trailing early in their first three games.

Friday’s matchup hinges on turnovers and red-zone efficiency, with both teams’ playoff aspirations hanging in the balance. A Hamilton win would solidify their resurgence, while Toronto aims to prove their Week 4 dominance wasn’t an anomaly.

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