The best way to train is to play a game. So I don’t accept the idea that Friday night’s game between the Alouettes and the Toronto Argonauts at Percival Molson Stadium will be necessarily difficult for the Montreal club after a mere four-day break.
• Also read: An awkward schedule for the Alouettes
• Also read: Alouettes failed to win at BC Place
• Also read: What if Mathieu Betts wore the colors of the Alouettes?
I know very well that the Alouettes players traveled from Vancouver to Montreal overnight from Sunday to Monday. I also know that the Argonauts have now had a week off. However, I am convinced that the situation can also go to the advantage of the Alouettes. You just need to know a good start in the game and explode from the start.
Speaking of the loss against the Lions last Sunday: that’s exactly what the Alouettes achieved with a great start. Unfortunately, Marc-Antoine Dequoy’s interception against quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. was canceled due to an illegal contact penalty. It’s really a shame, especially since Dequoy brought the ball back into the end zone for a touchdown.
This game would have added a different touch to the game. He was ultimately an indicator of the pace of the game, which the Alouettes lost 35-19.
Bad work of the referees
Alouettes head coach Jason Maas briefly raised the issue after the game in Vancouver, but had to be careful. As a columnist, however, I’m not afraid to say it loud and clear: The referee’s poor work didn’t help Montreal against the Lions. There have been many allegations against the Alouettes.
In fact, I’d say the referees followed the rules to the letter in that game, which hasn’t been the case since the start of the season. You were too hard. It is as if from here the officials decided not to let certain things happen. It was at the expense of the game and the show!
Unfortunate Chandler Worthy
Among the Alouettes players is kick return specialist Chandler Worthy, who could have had a great night. However, Montreal has seen so many penalties, especially special teams.
Of course, the most memorable thing is Worthy’s loss of the ball, who was unable to properly grab the ball when he punted. However, I suspect that he lost sight of the object at the last second and was probably blinded when the roof of BC Place in Vancouver was open. Worthy had a much better game than the stats show.
Stow the truck
If I have one criticism of the Alouettes’ attacking power, it’s that I think full-back James Tuck, who I like to call “Tuck the Truck,” is underutilized. However, he is a player capable of asserting himself physically.
This observation also stems from the fact that running back William Stanback continues to struggle. Seems like he’s constantly looking for running lines for big plays, although he should be following the offensive line more often and staying behind the players protecting him for as long as possible. You don’t have to look for the home run in every race.
A beautiful message
Finally, I want to go back to a simple play that went haywire against the Lions in the fourth quarter. This is the fumble Dionte Ruffin caused at the one-yard line at the expense of running back Shaun Shivers. Ruffin gave his all on the field to catch Shivers and make that play, which was completed by Dequoy, who recaptured the ball.
This game didn’t change the outcome of the game, but it sent a good message. That the heart of the team is still there!
