The Montreal Alouettes lost 30-27 in Toronto last night…
Another tough loss to swallow… It’s hard to decide what to focus on after this close game in Toronto, being frustrated because the team made too many mistakes or the fact that even with so many mistakes, we almost won…
Let’s go with the second option. Yes the team gave up too many points to the opposition, yes 11 penalties for 129 yards is way too many to possibly win a game, yes the offence gave Toronto 3 turnovers, but that same offence once again generated over 500 yards, the time of possession was once again largely to our advantage and the running game was once again very effective (William Stanback 133 yards).
Does our 2-4 record reflect the potential and the level of this team? Absolutely not. We just have to transform this potential and all these positive aspects into wins. Our mounting statistics force us to stay positive, to not give up because this team can do much better.
“We have to be better, only wins count and it really frustrates me because I know what kind of team we can be. We just need to get back to work,” said Vernon Adams Jr (420 total yards) after the game.
However, after Toronto’s first touchdown, the offence quickly found its rhythm and tied the game by responding with a Geno Lewis touchdown. On the ensuing kickoff, the special teams forced a fumble and recovered the ball adding 3 points. The defence limited the big plays and we were on our way to a 3 point lead at halftime. Only in the last minute, an interception at the expense of Vernon Adams and a big play by Bethel-Thompson put us behind by 11 points…
Despite a few more mistakes in the 3rd quarter, during which we had the ball pretty much the whole time, we came back with only 4 points left after a Will Stanback touchdown that had another great 100+ yard game. However, an interception late in the last quarter put us back in trouble. Despite a late rally and a comeback of only 3 points behind, our Alouettes lost for the fourth time this season.
Patrick Levels is a firm believer in this team, but he also believes that some adjustments need to be made in order to become a winning team. “Whether it’s on offence or defence, we need to play better. We are losing as a team, but I can promise you that in a few weeks it will be different. We hate to lose, we’re close to being a winning team and we’re all going to work together to become one again.”
It was another frustrating defeat, but let’s focus on the positives. This team can, must and will do much better. With hard work, we can correct all those little mistakes that leave us in 3rd place in the Eastern Division today. Once we get our Feng shui back, we will be able to get back to where we rightfully belong.
Never give up, stick together and keep on working…
