However, the scenario seemed to be in the air since mid-season. From the moment the Alouettes defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the second time on August 9, it was logical for observers to imagine – at least that was my interpretation of the situation – that Montreal would win at home against this team in the semifinals would. Eastern Section final before losing to the powerful Argonauts in Toronto in the Eastern final. That was a simple prediction.
• Also read: Cody Fajardo wants a ring as the starting quarterback
• Also read: For kicker David Côté, the efforts paid off
As reigning Gray Cup champions, the Argos could not have predicted the opposite, finishing the season with an exceptional 16-2 record, winning their nine home games. However, one has to admit that the Alouettes (11-7) are sowing doubts. What if they surprised the Argonauts in enemy territory on Saturday? There are five reasons why this is actually a possibility.
1) The defense unit
Photo Martin Chevalier
If there is any defense capable of hindering the attack of the Argonauts and their quarterback Chad Kelly, it is that of the Alouettes, who benefit from a dangerously effective system implemented by defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe. The Montreal team relies on excellent athletes, from the line of scrimmage – with Shawn Lemon, Mustafa Johnson and Lwal Uguak – to the deep zone, especially with the Quebecer Marc-Antoine Dequoy, without forgetting Darnell Sankey at center back. There’s also linebacker Tyrice Beverette, who was named the Alouettes’ Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023 season.
2) The culture of Jason Maas
Photo Martin Chevalier
Throughout the season, head coach Jason Maas has done a great job of uniting his troops under the motto of “hard work.” The Alouettes players never give up, game after game. The “coach” has now sold the athletes the idea of competing against the Argonauts by each presenting their best version of themselves. Maas’ speeches are inspiring and the players are all convinced of the project.
3) The recent confrontation
Photo Martin Chevalier
The Alouettes performed very well in a narrow 23-20 loss to the Argonauts in Montreal on September 15th. Sankey arrived a few days earlier and played his first game with the Montreal club. With the score at 13:13 after three quarters, the fans experienced an exciting conclusion to the game. Since that loss to the Argos, the Alouettes have recorded six wins in as many games.
4) Fajardo is ready to sacrifice himself
Photo Martin Chevalier
Quarterback Cody Fajardo may not be the best at his position in the Canadian Football League, but he not only runs games well but also shows a desire to make sacrifices for the team, especially in these playoffs. At 31, Fajardo is no longer thinking about his career. He plays every game as if it were his last. He’s willing to take hits to get a few more yards that could make the difference.
5) The hunger to win
Archive photo, QMI Agency
In the area of intangible assets, it is important to remember that the Argonauts won the Gray Cup last year. Every athlete has this great desire to win, but of course the fire is even greater if they didn’t win a championship the previous year. The Alouettes are highly motivated after defeating the Tiger-Cats in the semifinals, while the Argonauts enjoyed a bye week and may need a few games before moving into playoff mode. All in all, back-to-back wins are rare in professional sports, even in a nine-team circuit like the CFL. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers recently won two straight, in 2019 and 2021, despite having an entire season canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alouettes remain the ones who last won the Gray Cup twice in as many years in 2009 and 2010.
forecast
Logic says the Argonauts will win this Eastern final, but I’d venture to predict a 23-20 win for the Alouettes.