Honestly, it’s hard for me to imagine any outcome other than a win for the Alouettes in the Gray Cup final this Sunday.
Of course I like the way the Alouettes have been playing for several weeks, but it is the way they deal with emotions that impresses me the most within the team. All members appear to have control, mastery and a winning attitude. The Alouettes certainly have a certain intensity, but at the same time they manage to channel their energies. On defense, veterans Darnell Sankey and Shawn Lemon show great maturity and are certainly having a positive influence on their teammates.
• Also read: The Alouettes represent a team of “rejects” in the finale
• Also read: Marc-Antoine Dequoy was inspired by his late mother at the Gray Cup
• Also read: Kristian Matte is proud to be able to play this Gray Cup game in front of his children
I know too well that the Blue Bombers represent a big challenge. The Alouettes’ defense especially needs to stop Brady Oliviera, who often manages to gain yards after the first tackle. Nic Demski will also be kept an eye on, while pass catcher Kenny Lawler benefits from long distance and could have the upper hand over a player like Dionte Ruffin if the two actually go head-to-head. Obviously, quarterback Zach Collaros remains the linchpin of the attack. He is logically deprived of the injured Dalton Schoen.
Barbarians vs. Samurai
To paint a picture of the matchup between the Bombers offense and the Alouettes defense, I would say the Winnipeg team is physical and violent. We can imagine a group of barbarian warriors who arrived with axes and shields.
On the other hand, the Alouettes’ defense consists of samurai. Led by Noel Thorpe, they execute the plan to the letter and have excellent technique.
Do samurai always have the upper hand against axe-wielding warriors? Not necessarily, but we can believe in the victory of one side or the other.
Fajardo, the ball keeper
Speaking of Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo, he has become the keeper of the ball like Bilbo is the keeper of the ring. He’s impressed me since he agreed to be a non-flamboyant quarterback this season. He shows a patience that can be frustrating for opponents. Fajardo manages the game and will not hesitate to take a sack if it means he can avoid his team losing the ball. Offensive coordinator Anthony Calvillo certainly reminded the Alouettes quarterback all week of the importance of being consistent in his decisions.
The Bombers’ defensive line also has what it takes to often line up behind Fajardo behind the line of scrimmage. Sacrifices are necessary for the team’s success, and the same goes for all of his teammates who work hard and under the orders of head coach Jason Maas.
A joint project
The Alouettes players are proud, they have a common project. They are committed and we also see that they enjoy being together. This attitude reflects what we also observe in the coaching staff and up to the football operations department.
In this edition of the Alouettes I imagine a train that wants to reach its destination and will achieve it. There’s not much that can stop him except the players themselves. In my humble opinion, only two things can happen and lead to defeat: mistakes or injuries.
Hats off to “Flash” Dequoy!
Finally, we now know that Quebecer Marc-Antoine Dequoy was beaten by the Blue Bombers for the title of Canadian player par excellence on Thursday night during Olivera’s CFL gala.
Oliviera undoubtedly deserves the award, but we still have to applaud Dequoy. In any case, “Flash” Dequoy’s only real goal, as he himself has reiterated, is to win the big trophy with his teammates. The attitude of the winners, they said
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