Photo courtesy: CFL.ca
The Montreal Alouettes had an objective: force the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to play a meaningful game next week. They achieved it, as they beat the Ottawa Redblacks 38-27 with a complete performance.
Here are my thoughts on the game.
A team effort
Earlier in the year, when the Als couldn’t get wins, they weren’t playing as a team. The three units were disconnected from each other, and when one of them was in trouble, the others couldn’t cover for it.
It was far from a perfect game for the Alouettes on Saturday afternoon. They had miscues in all three phases, but they never let the game slip away from them.
The end of the second quarter is a good example. After Montreal gave Ottawa some life with a missed trick play — more on that to come — the Redblacks scored a quick touchdown. How did the Als respond? With a field goal, and an interception on the ensuing Ottawa drive.
That’s the biggest difference since Alexander came back, and the reason the Als have five straight wins. We’re seeing the best version of this team, and it’s dangerous for their eventual playoff opponents.
Alexander’s injuries
Davis Alexander started his third game following a lengthy absence for a hamstring injury, and Als fans have held their breath in each one. Last week, he got hit in the head when he ran a quarterback sneak, and this week, his right elbow took a big hit on the very first drive. He stayed down for a couple of minutes, but didn’t miss any action.
After the game, Alexander told the media that he fell awkwardly on his elbow, but that he was feeling good enough to continue and to push the ball downfield.
As of now, there is no concern about his availability for next week’s game against Winnipeg, per Jason Maas.
“Obviously, he played through it today,” the head coach told 3DownNation. “We’ll see how he wakes up tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll be sore tomorrow, but we’ve got three days before we’re back to work. The expectation is that he’ll be ready to play.”
Should Hamilton beat Ottawa next Friday, I don’t see any reason to risk another injury to Alexander. He showed he’s ready for the playoffs and would only rest a week.
I expect he’ll be listed as a game-time decision along with other veterans and removed from the lineup if the Ticats secure the division.
Still not satisfied
Last week, Davis Alexander was frustrated with his performance. He called it the worst game he’s ever played, although he led the team to a win without turning the ball over.
This week, his end-of-game statistics were better. He finished 21-of-31 for 328 yards and two touchdown passes. However, he was still not satisfied when speaking with 3DownNation afterwards.
“It was a little better, but I’m still frustrated,” he said. “Defence set us up with good field positioning a couple of times, but we only scored a touchdown on one of them.”
He indeed missed a couple of throws, but overall, he showed once again why he is the franchise quarterback of this organization. His composure in the pocket, his ability to read zone coverages and push the ball downfield make him one of the best quarterbacks in this league.
Maas calls great zone beaters, as fake screens to get the defensive backs moving up front, but Alexander really executes them perfectly.
The Gig Harbour, Wash., product is now 11-0 as a starter in the CFL. He keeps rewriting the history books.
The (real) return of the Mack
Since winning the Grey Cup in 2023, Austin Mack has gone to an NFL training camp, returned to Montreal, and gotten injured multiple times for long stretches. He hasn’t had the chance to pick up any rhythm until lately. It really feels like the wind is turning for him.
After scoring his first touchdown of the season last week, he delivered an eight-catch, 108-yard and a touchdown performance against Ottawa. When asked postgame if it’s the best version of him we’ve seen since 2023, he didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, absolutely. I’m finally healthy and finally doing what I’m capable of doing.”
Mack has been targeted in the deep zones more frequently than earlier in the season. He gave all the credit to Alexander for it.
“Davis Alexander. That’s the difference,” he said even before the question was finished. “The first three games, we win. (He) gets injured, we lose. He comes back, we win.”
Mack has that swagger back — the one that made him the top receiver for Cody Fajardo when the Als won the Grey Cup.
Coming out party for Scott III
We saw glimpses of it in his first start of the season in Regina earlier this season, but the real Stevie Scott III has arrived in the CFL. He finished with 63 yards on the ground, but added 52 more on five catches.
Scott showcased his quickness and explosion, along with his physicality. On the first offensive play of the game, he was patient enough to find the gap between his left guard and tackle. His explosion allowed him to beat the linebackers. That’s exactly what the Als were looking for when they kept him on the roster.
His most impressive play came in the second quarter when he caught a screen pass, got the first down, and then lowered the shoulder on Deandre Lamont for a total gain of 25 yards.
With Travis Theis and Sean Thomas-Erlington still injured, Scott should have the nod for the playoffs and will be key to the Als’ offensive success.
The crowd
I made the trip to Ottawa, but I wasn’t the only one. It definitely felt like a home game for Montreal. The Als fans were numerous, and you could hear the typical Montreal chant of “Ole, Ole, Ole” from the crowd loud and clear.
The bond between the players and the fans has become stronger over the past few years. The travelling contingent to Saturday’s game was proof of it.
What’s next?
The Alouettes (10-7) will face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-8) on the road next Saturday, October 25, at Princess Auto Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 3:00 p.m. EDT.