If the Toronto Argonauts dominate the Canadian Football League this season, there is at least one category in which the Alouettes are ahead of them: defensive touchdowns.
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Last week it was Marc-Antoine Dequoy who returned the ball 108 yards for a major after an interception against the Rouge et Noir. On Monday, it was linebacker Tyrice Beverette’s turn to reach the pay zone.
Montreal’s defense has scored eight touchdowns this season, good for first in the league, ahead of the Argos, who have five. If you include the special teams majors, the two clubs are tied for the lead with nine players.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a team that had so many defensive touchdowns,” head coach Jason Maas said Monday after the Alouettes’ win over Ottawa. It’s really special what these guys have achieved, especially in the last two games. It’s very impressive.”
“It’s huge how defensive touchdowns can help,” he continued. These crucial plays help win games. It’s good to cause turnovers, but when they lead to points it changes the course of the game. It’s incredible to be able to do that consistently for an entire season.”
Alouettes head coach Jason Maas. Photo Martin Chevalier
Flowers for a recruit
We often talk about Dequoy and Beverette, but if the latter was able to cross the end zone on Monday, it was thanks to the work of Reggie Stubblefield. The rookie made a sack and Beverette recovered the ball and ran 35 yards.
After being one of the last players excluded from training camp, Stubblefield agreed to return to the Alouettes’ fold due to the numerous injured players. In 11 games, the 25-year-old Texan recorded 40 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.
“We were very lucky that he came back with us,” Maas said. Since his return he has been nothing short of extraordinary. He can play multiple positions and that is a big advantage. He is fast, intelligent, hardworking and takes notes in meetings. It’s fun to watch him play. I could talk about him all day!”