The Montreal Alouettes practiced twice on this busy Monday of the 2018 Mise-o-jeu training camp. Players and coaching staff hit the field at 8:30 a.m. and came back at 3:30 p.m to prepare their first exhibition game that will be held on Thursday, May 31 in Ottawa against the REDBLACKS.
“We feel that we raised the level of competition. We’ve been practicing for more than a week and the guys are pushing harder to prepare for the Thursday’s game“, said quarterback Matt Shiltz. “It’s a good thing because coaches can see the best of each player and that’s the only way for players to show their full potential.”
Defensive Back Jermaine Robinson agreed with Shiltz. “The guys are giving all they have. I’m focusing on what I have to do. We each have a role to play and we all have to make the effort to get better every day. I refuse to put pressure on my shoulders. If I play smart football, I know things will go well.”
NFL scouts in town
As is the case during most training camps, scouts from NFL teams make the trip to come watch a few practices. On Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles were in town. The defending Super Bowl champions are the third NFL team to attend an Alouettes practice in 2018, as the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills also sent scouts to take a glance at the players on the team’s roster.
Quick hits
Tommie Campbell had a great day at practice on Monday, as he made two picks in the morning session. Both times, the opposing receiver wasn’t able to make the catch and Campbell jumped for the rebound and confirmed the turnover… Immediately after Campbell’s first interception, Khalid Wooten picked off a pass to help boost the defensive back’s energy level… Veteran defensive end John Bowman showed that he still can run with the young guys. On one play, he chased quarterback Matt Shiltz and was able to make him lose the ball by tapping on it… Game situations were practiced and, after the offence scored a touchdown, receiver B.J. Cunningham was sent to kick the extra point. He used his left foot to make a perfect kick straight down the middle of the uprights…Quarterback Garrett Fugate showed that he is mobile by running with the ball on many occasions to gain some yards… He also caught the attention with nice long passes to receivers Alton Howard and Stephen Adekolu… In the afternoon session, linebacker Anthony Sarao tackled Stefan Logan granting the win to the defensive unit and forcing offence players to do push ups on the field. “It was a team effort“, said Sarao humbly.
Upcoming schedule
The following is the Alouettes schedule for the next few days. For a full schedule, click HERE.
Tuesday, May 29
8:30 a.m. – First practice on the field located between Olympic Stadium and Saputo Stadium
3:30 p.m. – Second practice on the field located between Olympic Stadium and Saputo Stadium
Wednesday, May 30
10:00 a.m. – Walkthrough on the field located between Olympic Stadium and Saputo Stadium
Thursday, May 31
7:30 p.m. – The Montreal Alouettes face the Ottawa REDBLACKS at TD Place in Ottawa (TSN, RDS, TSN 690 and 98,5fm)
Friday, June 1
3:30 p.m. – Practice on the field located between Olympic Stadium and Saputo Stadium
