We're not panicking, Alouettes insist ahead of regular-season finale against Winnipeg

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The Alouettes’ common season ends Saturday afternoon the identical means it started in early June — with a sport towards the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

However how the dynamics have modified.

On June 6 in a Gray Cup rematch, the Als knew they might encounter a Bombers staff in search of revenge for dropping the CFL championship sport. Nonetheless, Montreal received simply that night time, 27-12.

And whereas Winnipeg will likely be enjoying for first place within the West Division on Saturday at Molson Stadium (3 p.m., CTV, RDS, TSN Radio 690, 98.5 FM), Montreal has its personal urgent points that require options earlier than internet hosting the East Division closing on Nov. 9.

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“Everyone from the skin wanting in needs to suppose we’re hitting the panic button,” quarterback Cody Fajardo stated on Friday. “Now we have to get again on monitor. Final week, offensively, it was pitiful. We’re undoubtedly not enjoying complementary soccer.

“The excellent news is we’re enjoying Winnipeg at their finest. They’re going to present us the whole lot they’ve.”

The Als are coming off a nasty 27-3 loss at B.C. final Saturday. Whereas it was Montreal’s second sport in 5 days and it was compelled to fly cross-country, the staff failed to supply a landing regardless of three sequence contained in the Lions’ five-yard line.

The Als have been wildly inconsistent since early September, with solely two wins and a tie in six video games. Final season, Montreal received its closing eight video games, playoffs and Gray Cup included.

“I’m treating this as a first-round playoff sport,” stated Fajardo, who handed for under 67 yards within the first half towards B.C. earlier than being changed by Davis Alexander. Montreal was held to 5 first downs and 88 yards web offence with Fajardo behind centre, however he additionally was enjoying for the primary time since Sept. 28 and didn’t follow throughout the week main as much as the sport.

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“To have a full week underneath my belt, to be again within the rhythm of issues, I’ll simply be extra snug — I do know that — going on the market,” Fajardo added. “You’ve received discover a technique to win and get your rhythm.”

Als head coach Jason Maas stated Fajardo will begin towards Winnipeg and play into the second half, at which level he’ll cede management of the offence to Alexander. And, whereas Maas admitted his staff has been driving a roller-coaster not too long ago, he’s holding a stiff higher lip, understanding the group could have two weeks to aim to take away its warts.

The Als, like each different CFL staff, had three regular-season bye weeks. Maas due to this fact has elected to conduct two weeks of follow earlier than the division closing and the staff is predicted to be on the sector at the very least three days subsequent week. Maas denied any desperation exists throughout the dressing room partitions.

“I don’t know why individuals are panicking about us,” he stated. “We discovered a technique to win 12 video games this 12 months for a cause. Individuals can say momentum all they need. You’re going to have two weeks earlier than you play your subsequent one. I don’t disagree it’s been up and down so far as wins and losses are involved. Take a few performs right here and there. Video games come down to 6 performs. Once you’re successful, you’re making these. Once you’re dropping, you will have a tough time.”

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Tailback Walter Fletcher and receiver Austin Mack, each rested towards B.C., return to the energetic roster. Defensive-end Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund, the Als’ nominee as most excellent Canadian, and returner James Letcher Jr., Montreal’s particular groups nominee, will likely be wholesome scratches.

Tyjon Lindsey, a backup receiver, will make his regular-season debut as a kick returner.

“If we had a first-week playoff sport, possibly there’s a bit bit extra panic, understanding we’ve to proper the ship,” Fajardo stated. “Figuring out we’re not the most well liked staff within the CFL proper now going into the playoffs, I don’t suppose it bothers us a lot. Having a complete week off was going to decelerate our momentum.

“We win one soccer sport and we’re again within the Gray Cup.”

Winnipeg, which has certified for the final 4 Cup contests, will end first with a win or tie. The Bombers also can end first with a loss, supplied Saskatchewan loses at residence to Calgary Saturday night time — an unlikely situation.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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