Our Alouettes arrived last night in Vancouver where they’ll be looking to notch a fourth win to their record. It won’t be easy, with history reminding us that since 2001, Montreal has only won two games at BC Place – but the guys want a victory more than anything. At practice this week they held their heads high and dealt with the criticism they have faced over the past few days. As Jacques Chapdelaine said, it’s time to turn the page and begin the next chapter.
To start this new chapter on the right foot, the Montreal coaching staff has made a few changes that will be put to the test tomorrow starting at 10:00 p.m. Eastern time. Here’s what to watch out for on TSN and TSN 690.
The highly-anticipated return of Big O
There’s no getting past it: There were problems on the offensive line last week. Darian Durant was rushed in the pocket too often, Tyrell Sutton was constantly being hit by three, sometimes four players at a time… essentially, Jovan Olafioye’s absence was noticeable. Our O-line had a spectacular start to the season, but they’ve had a tough go of things the past couple of weeks – they should be able to reclaim their mojo tomorrow in B.C. Not only will Big O be back at left tackle, but the Alouettes’ offensive line will also be able to call upon two new arrivals: Chris Greaves, who we saw most notably against Winnipeg, or Xavier Fulton. Both have shown their talents on the Olympic Stadium practice field this week and both should be quite useful when the time comes to contain the threatening Solomon Elimimian. Greaves, a Toronto native, joined Chapdelaine’s troops August 16, while Fulton should have no problem adjusting to the style of play of his quarterback and former Riders teammate.
Chapdelaine in familiar territory
Just like our Alouettes, the BC Lions will want to do all it takes tomorrow night to put a stop to their own three-game losing streak. Both teams have a lot to lose and a lot to gain. So far this season the Als’ performance against West Division teams has not been disappointing: The Alouettes are the only East Division team to have won more than one game against West Division teams this year.
To keep that momentum against the west going, the guys will have to double-down: increase productivity, put points on the board starting in the first quarter, eliminate mistakes and stop Travis Lulay, who will not hesitate to step into the end zone himself if need be. Fact: The Lions’ QB has five rushing touchdowns this season.
But the good news is that head coach Jacques Chapdelaine knows this week’s opponents very well. The experience he gained over the course of nine seasons with the Lions should help him along with his colleagues to establish an effective gameplan.
Some defensive changes
A few changes for Noel Thorpe’s defence aim to ignite the troops: the powerful Kyries Hebert will move to middle linebacker while defensive back Branden Dozier will start the game at linebacker. The rookie continues to impress since his arrival in Montreal and he’s recorded no less than 39 tackles and two sacks so far this season. His speed combined with the experience and intensity of Hebert and Cox should thwart the Orange attack, especially their ball carrier Jeremiah Johnson who, even with the difficult season his team is having, is third in the league in rushing yards.
In the secondary, Canadian Dondre Wright, who is also in his rookie year, should be seeing more playing time. Wright had five defensive tackles in the game against Ottawa and according to the coaching staff, he has what it takes to be part of the team’s future.
Another veteran reaching new heights
Now that Nik Lewis is officially the most prolific receiver in CFL history, we can turn our attention to other upcoming milestones! Tomorrow we’ll be watching ex-Lion Stefan Logan. Lo, as he’s known to his teammates, has accumulated 7,854 kickoff return yards since his CFL debut, placing him 13th all-time in the league. He needs 146 more yards to reach 8,000 yards, a feat that only 12 other players have been able to accomplish.
However, whether or not individual records are achieved, what’s most important is the effort the entire team gives tomorrow night at BC Place. The unity that’s in the locker room has to carry over onto the field. One thing’s for certain: If the team returns to Montreal with a win in their pocket, our Alouettes will be more determined than ever to exact revenge against the Ottawa REDBLACKS, at home, on Sunday, September 17.
