Zurkowsky: Alouettes in driver's seat, but inconsistent play might stall playoff momentum

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Is the sky falling in on the Alouettes or are we overreacting?

The defending Gray Cup champions started the season profitable 5 video games. Then, they suffered a loss towards Toronto — arguably attributable to the hamstring harm suffered by beginning quarterback Cody Fajardo on the finish of the primary quarter — solely to go on one other five-game profitable streak.

Backup quarterback Davis Alexander, who went 3-0 as a starter and 4-0 total, deserves full credit score for almost all of that streak.

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Montreal was the primary staff to qualify for the playoffs and, with an 11-3-1 report, it has clinched first place within the East Division. Win the division remaining at Molson Stadium on Nov. 9 towards both Ottawa or Toronto and the Alouettes will advance to the CFL championship sport eight days later.

It will seem to be the right state of affairs and one the Argonauts (16-2) believed they’d achieved final season — till Montreal got here to BMO Area and obliterated Toronto.

With the Als on their third, and remaining, bye week of the common season, listed here are some idle ideas following an idle week.

The Alouettes have already got received as many video games as they did in 2023. Nevertheless, a yr in the past presently, Montreal was within the midst of an eight-game profitable streak, together with playoffs. Whereas none of these regular-season victories got here towards groups with a profitable report, the Als had been the CFL’s hottest membership going into the playoffs. They are saying the CFL season doesn’t start till after Labour Day. Montreal’s report since then is 1-2-1, and so they had been lucky to garner that tie at Calgary after overcoming an early 10-0 deficit.

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With three video games remaining — at dwelling towards Ottawa and Winnipeg and a visit to B.C. on 5 days’ relaxation — the Alouettes won’t have a lot momentum getting into the playoffs. And the gamers is likely to be sluggish following an opening-round playoff bye. The Als are 11-3-1, however it’s not a sexy-looking report presently. Conversely, the Blue Bombers are 9-6, however on a seven-game profitable streak. That’s attractive.

Fajardo’s play since coming back from his harm has develop into a lightning rod for dissatisfied followers. Lots of them are clamouring for Alexander. We extremely doubt head coach Jason Maas goes to make a swap this late within the season, not solely benching his veteran starter, however the Cup’s most respected participant towards Winnipeg. Fajardo returned Aug. 25 towards Edmonton and handed for 336 yards and two touchdowns whereas being intercepted as soon as. However within the 4 video games since then, he has thrown for a collective 895 yards and three touchdowns whereas being intercepted as soon as. Nevertheless, it’s by no means solely on the quarterback.

The Alouettes should set up the run. With 1,222 dashing yards and 240 makes an attempt, Montreal is final within the CFL. With 84 dashing first downs, it sits eighth. However its 5.1-yard common is in the midst of the pack. CFL groups should be capable to run, particularly come November, when the climate turns chilly and nasty. When Montreal runs on first down, they’re often confronted with second-and-long.

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What’s happening with the offensive line? The Als have allowed 33 sacks, tied with Ottawa for the sixth-highest whole. And but the group hasn’t significantly modified since final season, aside from Josh Donovan changing the injured Jamar McGloster at proper deal with. The staff allowed 61 sacks final season, so it has drastically diminished that whole. However they don’t appear to be opening holes for tailback Walter Fletcher. And it seems Fajardo is often operating for his life.

Tyson Philpot stays Montreal’s main receiver — and has missed the final six video games. There will be no extra damning statistic. Do any of the remaining receivers put concern into opposing defences? Charleston Rambo stays a deep risk, however has but to overhaul Philpot. Kaion Julien-Grant appeared prepared to interrupt out earlier than his shoulder harm, however hasn’t regained his kind. Tailback Fletcher is third in receiving yards and is likely to be the Als’ largest risk. Montreal can solely hope 2023 sensation Austin Mack returns to kind when he recovers from his ankle harm.

The Alouettes have been crippled by repeated sluggish begins. Why? That is still a thriller. From one first down and 25 whole offensive yards within the first quarter towards Toronto on Sept. 28; one first down and 20 yards’ offence towards Ottawa; the 10-point deficit and two first downs towards Calgary, two first downs and a 10-0 deficit towards B.C. … this retains occurring. The Als’ common time of possession is 28:38 — eighth in a nine-team league.

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Montreal’s defence is plagued by playmakers. From linebackers Darnell Sankey, Tyrice Beverette and rookie Geoffrey Cantin-Arku, defensive-tackle Mustafa Johnson, defensive backs Dionté Ruffin and Wesley Sutton, and security Marc-Antoine Dequoy, the Alouettes are loaded.  So why can’t they cease the run and why don’t they get to quarterbacks extra often?

Montreal has allowed a league-high 1,804 dashing yards. The 120.3-yard common surrendered is the second-highest. Take into consideration that ought to the Alouettes face the Argos and their three-headed backfield of Ka’Deem Carey, Deonta McMahon and Daniel Adeboboye within the division remaining. When these groups met final weekend, Toronto produced 234 dashing yards.

And, with 29 sacks, the Alouettes sit sixth within the CFL. The lack of suspended rush-end Shawn Lemon, each on and off the sector, is conspicuous. Then again, the opportunity of altering a sport with a turnover nonetheless exists. The Als have intercepted 16 passes (third-highest) together with a league-leading 10 fumble recoveries.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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