The Edmonton Elks have extended their CFL record for home ineptitude and fans will have to continue waiting for their first victory at Commonwealth Stadium since 2019 — a span of 1,099 days.
Saturday night’s 28-23 loss to the Toronto Argonauts was arguably the worst example of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. A solid first half and a 16-6 lead evaporated late as Edmonton managed only seven points in the second half and failed to slow down a Toronto offence that scored 16 points in the fourth quarter.
To head coach Chris Jones, it was a repeat of many times his team has been unable to close out a game this season and let a possible victory slip away.
“It’s amazing, we find ways all year long to give games away. Unfortunately, it was the same song, the same verse tonight. I was proud of their effort. Unfortunately, we didn’t do enough things in the second half on the offensive side or the defensive side either to secure this win. I just feel for the guys because they did play hard, and I feel for the fans,” he said.
When it comes to the team’s home losing streak extending to 16 games, Jones continues to say as little about it as possible.
“Again, that’s something I refuse to talk about anymore. It’s just we got to win a game. That’s our focus,” Jones said. Unless the Elks win the season finale at Commonwealth Stadium against the B.C. Lions next week, he’ll continue to face questions regarding the streak.
The loss also put a damper on a terrific outing from running back Kevin Brown, who ended the night with 121 rushing yards and recorded his first CFL touchdown. Derel Walker was also impressive as he caught seven passes for 114 yards to lead the way among Edmonton’s receivers.
