By Jack Bedell
MontrealAlouettes.com
No matter how much off-season news comes our way — whether it’s free agency moves, the CFL Canadian Draft, rule changes, or the season schedule release — it’s always a long haul from the final gun at Grey Cup to the opening of training camp. Truth be told, I was ready to tee up the 2011 season on December 1, 2010.
With the Alouettes opening camp just under two weeks from now though, we can finally get down to the business of 2011. Even with the team coming off two consecutive championship seasons and having one of the deepest rosters I’ve seen in years, I’m positive this year’s camp will bring us a few surprises.
That’s the beauty of training camp—new faces, new races. June 5 just can’t get here soon enough.
Heading into camp, I’ve got a ton of questions and only two weeks to get them answered. Here are the top five burners on my list:
1. Who will be the team’s primary rusher?
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Brandon Whitaker |
Avon Cobourne is a Hamilton Ticat now, and that leaves a serious opportunity up for grabs in the Alouettes’ backfield. Based on Coach Trestman’s comments, returning veteran Brandon Whitaker looks to have the inside track for first-team reps, but I’m sure he’ll face tough challenges from DeAndrá Cobb, Ahman Green, Yves Bernard, and a host of other backs who’ll be in camp battling. I can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.
2. What will the offence look like without Ben Cahoon?
Cahoon was such a constant in the Alouettes’ attack that I can hardly imagine watching a game without him in the lineup. With SJ Green set to draw into the starting 12, and vets like Brian Bratton, Danny Desriveaux, and Eric Deslauriers more than ready to step up, there’s no doubt the Als’ production will remain at a high level. I’m just a little curious regarding how the ball will be distributed with Ben out of the mix.
3. What effect will the additions of Dwight Anderson, Tad Crawford, and Kitwana jones have on the Alouettes’ D?
You just can’t beat the addition of three solid veterans to the roster. If they all show up to camp healthy and ready to play, there’s no doubt that the Alouettes’ defence will be improved. Anderson is simply a force in the secondary and is sure to cause some havoc for receivers trying to run free in Montreal’s defensive backfield. Crawford is a quality safety and special teams player with ample experience, and Jones is a relentless tackler and disruptive force on both defence and teams. It’ll definitely be sweet to have those guys in the mix this year.
4. How will the kicking situation shake out?
The addition of Sean Whyte gives the Alouettes a viable, Canadian replacement for Damon Duval. In limited playing time with the B.C. Lions, Whyte established himself as a more-than-reliable place kicker. With field position being such an integral part of Montreal’s offensive success, I’m very eager to see how Whyte manages placement and distance in his punting game and kickoffs.
5. Which first-year player will make the biggest impact?
With a trio of newcomers vying for the starting job at running back, a new kicker in the mix, and 2011 draftees Anthony Barrette and Renaldo Sagesse looking to make their mark, pre-season should be a fairly exciting time to get a bead on all the fresh faces in camp. Add to those names all the free-agent signees who’ll come aboard in time for camp, and you can bet someone will emerge to be the impact player the team needs to get 2011 off on the right foot.
