Matt Dunigan knows a thing or two about quarterbacks. And he likes what he has seen from the Alouettes’ Davis Alexander in a limited time.
“He’s got all the parts, all the pieces,” Dunigan told The Gazette in a telephone interview Monday. “I like his ability to move and not hesitate. I love everything about the kid so far.”
Alexander, 25, became the Als’ starter on July 25, when he replaced Caleb Evans to start the second half against Saskatchewan. Evans, now out for the season with a lower-body injury, started in place of Cody Fajardo, who suffered a hamstring injury two weeks earlier.
The Roughriders squandered a 16-3 halftime lead that night, Alexander rallying Montreal to a 20-16 comeback victory. He and the Als haven’t looked back since, the team going 3-0.
Alexander has passed for 687 yards and five touchdowns over that span, along with one interception, while completing nearly 74 per cent of his throws. He has been on the field for 31 offensive series, nine of which have culminated in touchdowns (29 per cent), along with leading the team to one fourth-quarter game-winning drive. Alexander also has seven carries for 56 yards.
Dunigan, 63, played for six CFL teams over 14 seasons, passing for 43,857 career yards along with 303 touchdowns. He was a two-time Grey Cup champion and was elected into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2006. At 5-foot-11 and 199 pounds, he can undoubtedly relate to Alexander, who is an inch taller and one pound heavier.
Dunigan credited head coach Jason Maas and quarterbacks coach Anthony Calvillo for adequately preparing Alexander, now in his third season with Montreal.
“He (Alexander) gets on his horse pretty quickly and understands time is of the essence,” said Dunigan, now a TSN broadcaster and analyst. “He has the ability to buy that time while keeping his eyes downfield. He has been doing a really nice job.
“I don’t know if surprise is the word. I credit Davis for getting ready, staying ready and seizing his opportunity.”
The Als returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon — without Alexander, who took a personal day but is expected to start in Friday night’s game at Saskatchewan. Alouettes management is reluctant to rush Fajardo back too prematurely given the team’s fortunes without him. The Riders, meanwhile, are expected to start Trevor Harris at quarterback. Harris, the former Alouette, has been sidelined since late June with an injury to his left knee.
Saskatchewan has gone 2-3-1 with Shea Patterson replacing Harris.
Dunigan watched Alexander’s emergence as a bona fide quarterback against the Riders, and saw the spark he immediately provided the team. Dunigan understands a team’s character often changes depending on who is behind centre.
“It’s how a guy presents himself on a daily basis, the relationships he establishes and how that carries over onto the field,” Dunigan explained. “I’m not saying Caleb didn’t establish those; the team’s different with everybody. The way a guy works the room. A guy makes an impression and it carries onto the field. Little subtle things add up to success. That’s why people get excited for one quarterback’s success a little more exuberantly than somebody else.
“I’ve got to think it’s the way the kid is, the way Jason feels about the kid and trusts him. His preparation. All those things come into play.”
Dunigan, needless to say, is also impressed by an Als team that has a league-leading 8-1 record and has won 16 of its last 17 games dating back to last season, including playoffs and the Grey Cup. While all facets of the team are performing, Dunigan had kudos for Montreal’s defence that plays fast, physical and capitalizes on mistakes.
“Montreal figured it out last year and got on a roll,” Dunigan said. “They’re playing good, complementary, clean football and aren’t beating themselves. When a team’s 8-1, playing that well, it’s not rocket science. They believe. They’re playing fast and free, very physical. It’s a thing of beauty. Kudos to the front office and coaching staff doing it with different faces but getting the same outcome.”
Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be surprising if Austin Mack, the Als’ leading receiver last season, returns to the team next week following his release on Monday by the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Mack must first clear waivers and might take some time to see if any other NFL offers materialize. But general manager Danny Maciocia already has been in contact with Mack. It’s also believed the player has spoken with some of Montreal’s coaches.
Mack, 26, caught 78 passes for 1,154 yards last season while scoring four touchdowns. He was a key component of the Als’ title run, catching 13 passes for 185 yards and two TDs, including a 104-yard Cup performance. He was named a CFL all-star.