Montreal Alouettes (L-R) defensive end John Bowman , slotback Jamal Richardson and defensive end Jermaine McElveen (Postmedia News)
I went to Commonwealth Stadium this morning to speak to the Montreal Alouettes for the final time before the Grey Cup. It’s hard to get a read on how a team is feeling before a championship game because players always tell you “everything is great. I’m ready to go,” but it does appear Montreal is ready and they should be. It’s a veteran group that’s been in this position before. This is the eighth time the organization has been in the final since 2000. However, they’ve only come out on top in two of those games. Will that be a factor in Sunday’s contest? I doubt it, especially since the Als are the defending champs. squads passing game will likely win. Head Coach Marc Trestman says balance isn’t always the best option, which means the Als are going to do what they always do, pass the ball a lot. Look for Montreal to throw a lot of short passes early and start looking deep later in the game.
I don’t think there’s many secrets coming in to this game. Both defenses are in tough to slow down two of the best quarterbacks in the CFL. The defense that steps up and does the best job of slowing down the other
The one clear advantage the Alouettes have on paper is special teams. With Luca Congi out for the Roughriders, the Als have a more dependable kicking game despite Damon Duval having consistency issues this season. Montreal also has a clear advantage in the return game.
Tim Maypray sat out four games this season but was still fifth in the league in combined yards. He returned a punt for a touchdown in the east division final against Toronto and in two games versus Saskatchewan this year Maypray brought back two missed field goals for scores.
If recent history proves to be correct
, this years Grey Cup will be close. Only two teams have won the final by double digits since 2000.
I can’t wait for tomorrow!
Talk to you later.
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