SHERBROOKE – Montreal Alouettes players were back at practice on Friday afternoon at Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field. After a well-deserved day off following their preseason game against the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg, Jim Popp’s group put their noses back to the grindstone in order to prepare for their upcoming matchup next Friday, as they host the Toronto Argonauts.
The offence is clicking
The Alouettes’ acquisitions on the offensive side of the ball this offseason were numerous, but the question remained as to whether or not this star-studded group of individuals would be able to become a cohesive unit before the start of the regular season. Since the start of the 2016 camp, offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo and his special advisor and receivers coach Jacques Chapdelaine seem to have found an effective formula.
The Alouettes offence has found its rhythm, as it has steadily improved with each passing day, and this 13th day of camp was no exception. Since early in camp, the team has focused on the red zone. With two red zone touchdowns in Winnipeg on Wednesday, the special attention seems to be paying off.
The Alouettes quarterbacks are surrounded with weapons, both at the receiver and running back positions. The receivers stood at practice on Friday, winning their battles and gaining numerous first downs along the way. Similar to the preseason game in Winnipeg, the passes were quick and the receivers showed their ability to make plays on the ball.
The defence is chomping at the bit
Since the start of training camp, a number of players on the Alouettes defence have been able to stand out by either creating turnovers or by shutting down receivers in coverage. On this 13th day of camp, Noel Thorpe’s group made a point to be aggressive and finish plays, contesting every ball and playing to the whistle.
Rapid Fire
The fans in attendance at Coulter Field were treated to an array of eye-popping catches, batted balls and interceptions… Duron Carter stole the show at practice on Friday. The athletic wide receiver made not one, but two one-handed catches, beating his corner with speed for some big gains… Rakeem Cato seems to have hit his stride for about a week now. He found Corbin Louks for a 30-yard gain, despite near perfect coverage from the defence. Cato seems to have a knack for finding receivers in extremely tight windows… Tyrell Sutton was back at practice Friday and the running back quickly made his presence felt with a one-handed catch on a throw from Kevin Glenn… Cornerback Raymon Taylor had a good day at the office on Friday, knocking down two passes. He was one of the feistiest corners throughout the day… Daryl Townsend literally stole a touchdown from Kyle Graves. Graves got his hands on a pass, only to have Townsend rip it out at the last second, saving a touchdown for his defence… Cornerback Greg Henderson was all over the field on Friday. He made a spectacular play on the ball, resulting in an interception, which he promptly took back for six. A few moments later, he deflected a pass with his fingertips in the direction of teammate Kyries Hebert, who proceeded to catch the ball and take it the other way for six as well.
Transactions
Before taking the field for practice, the Alouettes added former Florida Atlantic University international Martese Jackson to the roster. The team also announced the release of international defensive tackle Ikponmwosa Igbinosun.
Tomorrow
The Alouettes training camp continues tomorrow at Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field, as the team will take part in back-to-back practices starting at 8:30 AM.
See the Alouettes in action on June 17 when they play their last preseason game before the regular season starts
