Cato, Alouettes come alive, damage Argonauts' playoff hopes

The Montreal Alouettes won in Jacques Chapdelaine's head coaching debut, with QB Rakeem Cato regaining his promising rookie-season form.

In a matchup of East Division teams trending in the wrong direction, the Alouettes (4-10) ended a four-loss streak by prevailing 38-11 against the Toronto Argonauts (5-9) at Percival Molson Stadium. Montreal came into the contest last in the CFL in yards per play, but rediscovered the downfield pass in its first game since their coaching change. Cato threw a career-high four touchdown passes, tying his career high, and tripling his season total in one afternoon.

Toronto has three losses in a row, and has dropped seven of eight games. The Argonauts had five turnovers and did not score a touchdown.

The Als and Argos are at risk of being eliminated by a crossover team. The Edmonton Eskimos (7-7) are fourth in the West Division but have more wins than any East team. Montreal and Toronto each have four games left against West teams: Two apiece against the league-leading Calgary Stampeders, and one against the Edmonton Eskimos, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Chapdelaine, who was Montreal's receivers coach and special adviser to the offensive coordinator, took over as head coach on Sept. 19. General manager Jim Popp gave up the duties. Chapdelaine also took over the play calling. Offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo, the legendary quarterback, had come under fire over Montreal being last in the CFL in yards per play.

The 24-year-old Cato, who had not started and won a game since August 2015, set a tone by throwing deep to Kenny Stafford for a 48-yard reception on Montreal's first offensive play. On the next play, Samuel Giguere made a diving catch deep in the end zone for a 15-yard TD.

Cato was 18-of-23 for 210 yards and did not throw an interception, although he did take six sacks. Giguere and Stafford each scored two touchdowns, with Giguere also hitting pay dirt on a one-yard rush in the fourth quarter. B.J. Cunningham also scored. Tyrell Sutton had 10 rushes for 83 yards. Anthony Fera was 1-of-1 on field goals.

Drew Willy wore the team-wide struggle for Toronto, finishing 24-of-35 for 226 yards with one interception. Diontae Spencer made five receptions for 63 yards. Lirim Hajrullahu was 3-of-3 on field goals.

The Alouettes put away Toronto with a 17-3 third quarter. Cato sandwiched back-to-back touchdown marches around a field goal to open an insurmountable 20-point lead.

The Argonauts, who are hosting the Grey Cup at BMO Field next month, have been outscored 53-6 in the fourth quarters of their last five games.

Montreal led 14-8 at halftime. Jovon Johnson set up the second touchdown with an interception. Cunningham accounted for 36 yards on the ensuing 68-yard march.

Toronto's two best drives of the first half netted field goals. Another drive was dashed when Kyries Hebert punched the ball loose from RB Brandon Whitaker on a long rush, with the Alouettes recovering on their 22-yard line.

Each team is home on Thanksgiving Day. The Alouettes have another must-win home game against Edmonton at 1 p.m. ET. The Argonauts host Calgary at 4 p.m.