Redblacks get boost from quarterback change but winless skid continues

TORONTO — The Ottawa Redblacks found at least a temporary solution to their quarterback woes on Saturday.

But it wasn’t enough to snap the longest losing streak in the CFL’s modern era.

On a day veteran quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson gave the Redblacks a spark in relief, the Redblacks suffered a heartbreaking 26-23 loss to the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field.

The Redblacks’ 18th loss in a row dating back to last season was sealed when Lirim Hajrullahu drilled a 29-yard walk-off field goal.

The Redblacks (0-12) are now two-thirds of the way to the first 0-18 campaign in CFL history. The Argos improved to 7-6.

Tied 7-7 at halftime and 17-17 after three quarters, the Redblacks looked like they’d have a chance to snap the drought, with their opponent appearing out of sorts after playing just five days earlier in Hamilton.

But the Redblacks defence faltered in the second half as Argos QB Chad Kelly finished with 443 passing yards after throwing two interceptions in the first half. Kelly beat Redblacks defensive backs King Ambers and Christian Matthew over the top for touchdown throws to David Ungerer III and Damonte Coxie in the second half.

Ottawa QB Jake Maier, the starter for all 12 Ottawa games this year, was finally replaced by Bethel-Thompson midway through the second quarter.

Maier has struggled badly pushing the ball downfield all season. He was 7-for-10 for just 42 yards when Redblacks head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, coaching his first game in Toronto since leaving the Argos last off-season, made the move.

Bethel-Thompson, a former Argos starter, was far better than Maier, guiding the Redblacks on a pair of touchdown drives. But it wasn’t enough to push the Redblacks into the elusive win column.

Bethel-Thompson, 38, probably isn’t the long-term answer for a franchise that has continually misfired at the most important position on the field since 2019, but he can keep the team in games with his big arm and veteran savvy.

Ottawa made massive roster changes before the game, adding 12 new players to the lineup, including five starters on defence.

The game was tied 7-7 at halftime with the Redblacks scoring the lone touchdown immediately after the quarterback switch.

Bethel-Thompson led the Redblacks on a 75-yard drive, capped by a one-yard rush by short-yardage QB Bryson Barnes to give the Redblacks a 7-4 lead.