After suffering a heartbreaking loss after the home game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders was called due to lightning last week, our Alouettes will try to get back to their winning habits this weekend as they face the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium. A tough gig, as the West Division powerhouse continues to be a force to be reckoned with Nick Arbuckle under centre, but nothing Khari Jones’ locker room can’t handle.
Here are three key elements that we expect will be part of the solution this Saturday.
1-Two Playmakers Back on Offence
After being out for a game, Vernon Adams Jr. is back at the helm of our Alouettes offence. While our quarterback may not be leading the league in yardage or touchdowns, he certainly makes it easier for the guys around him to do their jobs. His educated feet could certainly be a deadly weapon against the Calgary Stampeders this weekend, especially considering Will Stanback remains on the injured list.
“I expect him to come in and play the same way he has been so far, with a lot of confidence and energy. He had a really good week of practice and he’s doing all the right things”, said Head Coach Khari Jones who’s excited to see how VA bounces back.
In addition to Vernon’s running skills, the return of receiver DeVier Posey could certainly be an asset. Before suffering from a calf injury, DeVier showed the Montreal crowd how much of a difference maker he could be, scoring touchdowns in the first minutes of play in the preseason and the Home Opener. Pay attention to the boundary where heated battles opposing DeVier Posey or Eugene Lewis to Stamps’ ball hawker Tre Roberson could make the game extremely exciting.
2-Three Ex-Stampeders With Chips on Their Shoulders
Now, if you think you’ve witnessed Pat Levels at his highest level of energy, think again. The aggressive linebacker should be in quite the mood tomorrow as he faces a team he knows quite well. Along with Tommie Campbell and Ciante Evans who also spent some time with Calgary, Pat will certainly set the tone for the defence as he has been doing since the start of the season. All three guys will, however, have to make sure they keep their emotions in check. But if the threesome manages to bring the fire while remaining disciplined, it might just burn the house down.
3-Game-changing Kick Returns
The special teams certainly stepped up their game after committing very costly mistakes in the game against Ottawa. Last week, Shakeir Ryan put points on the board early, returning the Roughriders’ first punt for a touchdown. As experts were already calling 2019 the Year of the Return in the CFL, our Alouettes finally joined the party thanks to our young and promising kick returner. Shakeir wasn’t the only one to do well at that position last week as Greg Reid surprised fans with a 45-yard punt return that set up the offence with great field positioning. Now, remember the Stampeders allowed two majors to Bombers’ Janarius Grant in their last game. Hit them while they’re already down? Figuratively, of course.
Catch our guys on TSN or TSN690 Saturday, August 17 at 7pm.
