Without a doubt, the Alouettes’ best player in the Eastern Division final was first-year wide receiver Tyson Philpot.
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The ninth overall pick of the last Canadian Football League (CFL) draft caught all eight throws sent his way for 127 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. He also allowed his club to achieve an important two-point conversion.
“Tyson will become a monster,” said Eugene Lewis after the 34-27 loss to the Argonauts in Toronto.
“I would even be surprised if he stays in the CFL. He’s so good he could play south of the border [NDLR : dans la NFL]. If he stays in Canada, he’s going to tear everything up in this league.”
This is a very big statement from the star player of the “Als” and a great mark of respect for the young man of only 22 years.
While it’s way too early to say Philpot will get a chance in the NFL, it’s already clear the Alouettes have gotten their hands on a very special player. Throughout his first season, the BC native has continued to impress. Every time he touched the ball in attack, something happened on the pitch. He has also demonstrated that he can be a dominant player on special teams.
In constant progress
Asked if he would have liked to play a more important role earlier in the campaign, Philpot displayed a great maturity.
“As a competitor, you always want to have the ball. However, I believe that I was doing what was asked of me and waiting for opportunities to come my way. As a rookie, and at only 22 years old, I had to earn the trust of my teammates,” he said during the Alouettes’ end-of-season review.
Philpot, however, expects to do a lot more on his second CFL run.
“I will arrive next year with the objective of being a starter from the start of the season. I want to make plays and lead by example on this team.”
“I have even already written to my personal trainer, he then revealed. I was however told that I had to take a few weeks to rest my body. I live, I breathe and I eat football. I always want to improve.”
The emergence of Walter Fletcher
It’s not just Tyson Philpot who was a great discovery for the Alouettes in 2022. Among those who made a name for themselves, we can’t miss running back Walter Fletcher.
The 25-year-old American landed in Montreal on June 14 through a trade made with the Edmonton Elks. It was obtained after the serious injury suffered by William Stanback. Fletcher was not, however, the only running back freshly arrived in town to try to make up for the absence of the star player.
What’s more, the Maryland native didn’t manage to really establish himself in the Alouettes’ game plan until September. However, he became a must at the end of the season, he who distinguished himself with his ability to transform small passes into long wins.
“There was an opportunity here with the loss of Stanback. […] It wasn’t right away, but I got more comfortable when I got a starting job. I have earned the trust of my teammates and my coaches. It took my game to another level,” Fletcher said.
Will he be back?
A few weeks ago, quarterback Trevor Harris said that Fletcher deserved a big raise for the 2023 season. Whoever could become a free agent in the next few weeks would like to remain a member of the Alouettes, but…
“I’m open to the idea of coming back next year. It will depend on the aims of the organization.
“There is a lot of talent in this team and several players who were on one-year contracts. I don’t know what it will be like with the salary cap and I intend to get what I deserve for next season.”
General manager Danny Maciocia will therefore have to make choices. Stanback has a very lucrative contract still valid for next year. Fletcher, however, believes that the “Sparrows” would benefit from counting on him and Stanback next year.
“I firmly believe that we can coexist. We showed it by playing well together during the last moments of the season. Our styles complement each other very well.”