This weekend, our Montreal Alouettes are travelling to Moncton, New Brunswick to face their archrivals, the Toronto Argonauts, of course. With Vernon Adams under centre, they will try to keep their momentum going after a spectacular comeback in overtime against the Calgary Stampeders.
Here are 3 things we expect will be key in Sunday’s game.
Will Stanback’s Return
The Alouettes should be getting a big piece of their offence back as Will Stanback is expected to be part of the lineup. The truck of a running back missed the last two games, yet still ranks 3rd in rushing yards in the league, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and 10.7 yards per reception.
“If he’s ready he’ll be out there,” said Khari Jones.
The Head Coach also emphasized he would explore the different possible back combinations throughout the week. Let’s not forget Jeremiah Johnson played his part in Will’s absence, rushing for 107 yards in Calgary. Newcomer Shaquille Murray-Lawrence, who was added to the practice roster earlier this week in replacement for injured Ryder Stone, also took some snaps with the offence.
Whatever the combination, Stanback says he’s 100% ready to help the team win. “Whatever coach has planned for us in the backfield, I’m down for it.”
Trap Game
Now, if you’ve seen the Bombers–Argos game, you know our Alouettes will be facing a different type of challenge this Sunday against the Double Blue. The Argos only won once so far this season and, oddly enough, it was against the number 1 team in the league, Winnipeg. That’s what you call a “trap game”. Strong teams sometimes fall in the trap of underestimating their opponent, thus lose to a lesser team.
Our players will have to bring the same energy against the struggling Argos as they did in the second half in Calgary to ensure they stay in the fight for the top spot in the East.
Consistency on the O-line
A huge factor in the comeback against the Stampeders was the O-Line. Not one single sack was allowed in that game. Khari Jones and Vernon Adams Jr. both acknowledged how tough the group was last week, pointing out Chris Schleuger who blocked two defenders on an all-out blitz, allowing VA to reach Posey for a long gain. If the group can keep penalties in check, it will certainly be a big part of the team’s success again this weekend, particularly by opening up the running game as it did in Calgary.
Tune in to TSN, ESPN + or TSN690 this Sunday, August 25 at 12pm EST to catch the best of Touchdown Atlantic as our Alouettes take on the Toronto Argonauts in Moncton.
