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“I like his capacity to maneuver and never hesitate. I like all the pieces concerning the child thus far.”
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Matt Dunigan is aware of a factor or two about quarterbacks. And he likes what he has seen from the Alouettes’ Davis Alexander in a restricted time.
“He’s received all of the components, all of the items,” Dunigan instructed The Gazette in a phone interview Monday. “I like his capacity to maneuver and never hesitate. I like all the pieces concerning the child thus far.”
Alexander, 25, grew to become the Als’ starter on July 25, when he changed Caleb Evans to begin the second half towards Saskatchewan. Evans, now out for the season with a lower-body damage, began rather than Cody Fajardo, who suffered a hamstring damage two weeks earlier.
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The Roughriders squandered a 16-3 halftime lead that evening, Alexander rallying Montreal to a 20-16 comeback victory. He and the Als haven’t regarded again since, the crew going 3-0.
Alexander has handed for 687 yards and 5 touchdowns over that span, together with one interception, whereas finishing almost 74 per cent of his throws. He has been on the sphere for 31 offensive sequence, 9 of which have culminated in touchdowns (29 per cent), together with main the crew to at least one fourth-quarter game-winning drive. Alexander additionally has seven carries for 56 yards.
Dunigan, 63, performed for six CFL groups over 14 seasons, passing for 43,857 profession yards together with 303 touchdowns. He was a two-time Gray Cup champion and was elected into the Canadian Soccer Corridor of Fame in 2006. At 5-foot-11 and 199 kilos, he can undoubtedly relate to Alexander, who’s an inch taller and one pound heavier.
Dunigan credited head coach Jason Maas and quarterbacks coach Anthony Calvillo for adequately getting ready Alexander, now in his third season with Montreal.
“He (Alexander) will get on his horse fairly shortly and understands time is of the essence,” mentioned Dunigan, now a TSN broadcaster and analyst. “He has the power to purchase that point whereas protecting his eyes downfield. He has been doing a very nice job.
Highway to the Cup
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“I don’t know if shock is the phrase. I credit score Davis for preparing, staying prepared and seizing his alternative.”
The Als returned to the follow subject Tuesday afternoon — with out Alexander, who took a private day however is predicted to begin in Friday evening’s sport at Saskatchewan. Alouettes administration is reluctant to hurry Fajardo again too prematurely given the crew’s fortunes with out him. The Riders, in the meantime, are anticipated to begin Trevor Harris at quarterback. Harris, the previous Alouette, has been sidelined since late June with an damage to his left knee.
Saskatchewan has gone 2-3-1 with Shea Patterson changing Harris.
Dunigan watched Alexander’s emergence as a bona fide quarterback towards the Riders, and noticed the spark he instantly offered the crew. Dunigan understands a crew’s character typically modifications relying on who’s behind centre.
“It’s how a man presents himself every day, the relationships he establishes and the way that carries over onto the sphere,” Dunigan defined. “I’m not saying Caleb didn’t set up these; the crew’s completely different with all people. The way in which a man works the room. A man makes an impression and it carries onto the sphere. Little refined issues add as much as success. That’s why folks get excited for one quarterback’s success a little bit extra exuberantly than anyone else.
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“I’ve received to suppose it’s the way in which the child is, the way in which Jason feels concerning the child and trusts him. His preparation. All these issues come into play.”
Dunigan, evidently, can be impressed by an Als crew that has a league-leading 8-1 file and has received 16 of its final 17 video games courting again to final season, together with playoffs and the Gray Cup. Whereas all sides of the crew are performing, Dunigan had kudos for Montreal’s defence that performs quick, bodily and capitalizes on errors.
“Montreal figured it out final yr and received on a roll,” Dunigan mentioned. “They’re enjoying good, complementary, clear soccer and aren’t beating themselves. When a crew’s 8-1, enjoying that effectively, it’s not rocket science. They consider. They’re enjoying quick and free, very bodily. It’s a factor of magnificence. Kudos to the entrance workplace and training workers doing it with completely different faces however getting the identical final result.”
In the meantime, it wouldn’t be shocking if Austin Mack, the Als’ main receiver final season, returns to the crew subsequent week following his launch on Monday by the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Mack should first clear waivers and may take a while to see if another NFL presents materialize. However basic supervisor Danny Maciocia already has been in touch with Mack. It’s additionally believed the participant has spoken with a few of Montreal’s coaches.
Mack, 26, caught 78 passes for 1,154 yards final season whereas scoring 4 touchdowns. He was a key element of the Als’ title run, catching 13 passes for 185 yards and two TDs, together with a 104-yard Cup efficiency. He was named a CFL all-star.
hzurkowsky@postmedia.com
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