The Alouettes’ season has followed a familiar pattern. Five wins were followed by a loss. Then the team went on another five-game winning streak before suffering another defeat last week.
When Montreal lost to Toronto on July 11, it was easy to point to the first-quarter injury sustained by starting quarterback Cody Fajardo as the mitigating factor. But last Friday’s humbling 37-23 defeat against B.C. had a different feel as the Lions capitalized on big plays and exposed some of the Als’ weaknesses.
“Last week, we got humbled a little bit,” middle-linebacker Darnell Sankey said this week following practice at St-Léonard’s Stade Hébert. “Sometimes that’s a good thing. We look forward to performing the way we know how to play.”
The Alouettes will attempt to regain their winning ways — and perhaps embark on another long winning streak — Saturday night against the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium (7 p.m., TSN1, TSN5, RDS, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM).
While Montreal (10-2) remains first in the East Division, the Ottawa Redlbacks loom and are within three points of Montreal with two games remaining between the clubs. The Stamps (4-8) are last in the West Division and are on a four-game losing streak. After starting rookie Logan Bonner at quarterback last weekend at Edmonton, Jake Maier again assumes the starting role for Calgary.
“What I’ve always loved is that our guys do get it. Everybody learns from (a loss),” Alouettes head coach Jason Maas said. “Everybody in our locker believes we could have won that game. We just need to make the plays. We learned enough, trust me. We want to be a better team each and every week. You can be better from the game we just played.
“We’re a good football team and know how to win. We’re expecting to go in and beat them.”
What little life the Alouettes displayed against B.C. occurred just before halftime, with Fajardo directing an 11-play, 94-yard drive capped by his touchdown pass to Cole Spieker. That reduced Montreal’s deficit to 17-13, but whatever momentum they carried into the intermission was quickly quashed. Fajardo was hit and fumbled on the opening play of the second half, although the Als limited the damage to a field goal.
While the visitors committed four turnovers, Montreal was unable to sufficiently capitalize.
“We have to start faster,” Fajardo said. “We can’t put ourselves in a tough situation where, late in the game, we’re trying to play catch-up. It’s never easy as an offence when everybody knows you’re dropping back and throwing it. It’s not fair to our offensive line.
“There were three or four explosive plays downfield that I missed that could have ended up being touchdowns or big plays that could have changed the dynamic of the game. Sometimes you need a game like that to kick you in the pants, let you know you’re not untouchable.”
Offensively, the Alouettes have receivers Kaion Julien-Grant (shoulder) and Tyler Snead (foot) both returning from long-term injuries. The diminutive Snead, only 5-foot-7 and 173 pounds, hasn’t played since the season opener. However, receiver Tyson Philpot, who suffered a foot injury Aug. 10 against Hamilton, will miss the remainder of the season. Receiver Austin Mack, who recently returned from the NFL, also is on the six-game injured list.
Receivers Shedler Fervius and Jose Barbon both have been scratched against Calgary.
Defensively, safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy, the outstanding Canadian in the East Division in 2023, will miss the game with a concussion. Dequoy forced a fumble and had an interception against B.C. He’s being replaced by rookie Canadian Arthur Hamlin, selected in the third round (29th overall) this year after playing collegiately at Colgate University.
“I feel like I’m as ready as can be,” said Hamlin, 24. “I’ll go out there, do my job and show no fear. I’ll have some jitters and will be excited, but nervousness is something associated with being unprepared. I’m the furthest thing from unprepared.”
Hamlin brings speed, versatility and athletic prowess to the field. His defensive teammates are expecting a seamless transition, although Dequoy’s presence was palpable.
“I think he (Hamlin) knows what he’s doing and seems confident out there,” Sankey said. “Just relax and stay loose. A lot of young guys come in, get their first opportunity at playing. Sometimes they let it get to their head a little bit. He just needs to understand all of us have his back. If you don’t know something out there, ask. If we’re on the sideline, we’ll figure it out. He’ll be all right.”