Several Alouettes players have had a good season at the individual level. However, on a collective level, they do not have the feeling of having accomplished a duty. Far from there.
• Read also: A step backwards
• Read also: Khari Jones’ uncertain future
On paper, the Alouettes had the talent to compete with Toronto and Hamilton for the Eastern Division title, but they failed to deliver on the field.
“We made the same mistakes and they caught up with us at the end of the year,” said Eugene Lewis. The most important thing is to learn from these mistakes and keep trying to reach the next level.
“I think we let an opportunity slip through our fingers. Our goal is to win the Gray Cup every year. If you can’t, it’s a disappointment. ”
Quebecer David Ménard has not yet digested the setback suffered Sunday in Hamilton.
“It’s extremely heartbreaking,” he said. What is even sadder and what still makes you sweat, I thought we had the team to go to the end and grab the top honors.
“We shot each other in the foot and it’s very frustrating. I’ve said it a few times, but we had a good group of players in the locker room. It gives you a bitter taste in the mouth. ”
Indiscipline
Among the five players who met the media on Tuesday via videoconference, one word was mentioned repeatedly: discipline.
That’s one of the reasons the Alouettes finished with an overall record of 7-8. This is not the performance desired by managers, coaches and players.
“There are three things that have hurt us: the penalties, the turnovers and the lack of opportunism,” said Lewis. We have been grappling with these issues throughout the season even though we have talked about them several times. We were unable to do things the right way in these three departments.
“We have to be smarter and we have to use our techniques in a better way. It is the discipline that will allow us to reach the next level. ”
On the special teams, we are aware that this is an element that was lacking.
“We have received too many penalties and it is not acceptable,” said kicker David Côté. It always put either our attack or our defense in a difficult position on the pitch. Next year, the watchword will be to pay attention to detail and be disciplined. ”
Big pieces
The Alouettes will have around 20 players who could test the autonomy market next February. Among them are wide receiver Eugene Lewis and defensive end David Ménard who have just had excellent seasons.
“I’m going to take a step back in the next few days,” said Lewis. I like to win and I hate to lose. Then I’ll call my agent and I’ll talk to Danny (Maciocia) and Mario (Cecchini) about my future with the Alouettes. ”
As for Ménard, he hopes to reach an agreement with the Montreal team with whom he had the best season of his career in the CFL.
“That’s my wish, but we are all aware that teams in the CFL can change dramatically from year to year,” said the former Carabins. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but my wish is to come back here.
“If we can get along, it’ll make me happy. I would like to play several more seasons with the Alouettes and end my career there. ”
President Mario Cecchini, General Manager Danny Maciocia and Head Coach Khari Jones will take stock of the season on Thursday at Olympic Stadium.