While some warts have started to surface in the Alouettes’ offence, tailback Walter Fletcher wonders what all the fuss is about and why people appear to be overreacting.
“We’re still 11-2-1. I think we’re a great team,” Fletcher said after Wednesday’s practice at Stade Hébert in St-Léonard. “We lean on different positions at different times of the season. This is one of those times.
“I just think we’re trying to figure things out,” he added. “It’s a long season. There are ups and downs throughout the whole year, and this is one of those stretches. Right now, offensively, we’re just trying to find our groove again. That’s part of playing pro football. I don’t think it’s one particular person or one particular thing.”
The Als have experienced some offensive hiccups in the last four games. They’ve been held to a combined 87 points over that span and a 2-1-1 record. And when things don’t go well offensively, the starting quarterback always takes the blame in the court of public opinion.
Despite Cody Fajardo passing for 1,006 yards and a modest three touchdowns since returning from a hamstring injury Aug. 25 against Edmonton, fans who send emails to The Gazette want to see the team turn to backup quarterback Davis Alexander who went undefeated in the four games — including three starts — when Fajardo was injured.
It’s not going to happen, nor should it for the time being, considering Fajardo was the most valuable player in last season’s Grey Cup. Montreal had a 5-0 record when he was injured at the end of the first quarter against Toronto on July 11.
“It’s a rhythm thing, too, at quarterback,” Fletcher said. “He’s not playing bad right now. He missed four games. That’s a long time. It takes time. He’s going to get his rhythm for sure.”
In last Saturday’s 24-12 victory at Ottawa, Fajardo scored the Als’ only offensive touchdown on a short run. He completed only 59 per cent of his passes, going 16 of 27 for 226 yards. But Montreal’s defence held the Redblacks to one touchdown, forced three turnovers and saw Dionté Ruffin return an interception for a score.
“Our offence did enough to win the game,” Fajardo told reporters in Ottawa last Saturday. “We’ve got to clean some things up and I think we’re well on our way. This was about the time last year when we got hot and rode it into the playoffs. We’ve got to get hot again, and this was a great first step.
“What this team does really well is find ways to win, even though it’s not always the prettiest. At the end of the year they don’t ask you how, they ask you how many? That’s all that matters, win the football game. We managed to score when we had to. We managed to kick field goals and keep it to a two-score lead when we had to. When your defence is playing that great, offensively, you just don’t want to make a mistake and give them the momentum.”
The loss of leading receiver Tyson Philpot to a season-ending foot injury, combined with the absence of Austin Mack because of an ankle injury, has affected the Als’ production. But Fletcher has done his part to contribute.
Montreal rarely leans on its ground game. But Fletcher has gained 630 yards on 111 carries (5.7-yard average) while scoring three touchdowns. He’s still seeking his first 100-yard rushing game. But it’s catching swing passes out of the backfield where Fletcher has made his biggest contribution, with 63 receptions for 587 yards and two scores. That included nine catches for 104 yards against Calgary on July 6.
“The coaches put together a great game plan every week,” Fletcher said. “They find ways to utilize me and I try to take advantage of those opportunities. I’m grateful to be in the game plan. When you look around the league, running backs sometimes aren’t as involved as I am. It’s a blessing for those opportunities.
“We’re still an explosive offence, but right now we’re just figuring things out. It’s not a panic button. It’s a long season. We’re just trying to find our stride again — and we’ll get it.”