Johnny Manziel described Saturday's performance as "better" than his Montreal debut.
Manziel was 16-of-26 for 168 yards without an interception. He also ran three times for 36 yards, with his fumble at the goal line recovered for a third-quarter touchdown.
"I mean, we didn't turn the ball over, we didn't throw four picks in the first half," Manziel said. "Anything is better than last week."
Ottawa broke a tie with 15 seconds left on William Powell's 10-yard touchdown run.
Montreal is 1-7 this season and has won just once in 19 games going back a year.