(Saint-Jérôme) If there’s one thing Jason Maas doesn’t have to worry about during this Montreal Alouettes training camp, it’s the quarterback position.
Behind Cody Fajardo, the Alouettes seem to have good depth in Caleb Evans and David Alexander. The two men also did very well in relief of Fajardo – also excellent – in the 30-13 victory against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.
The head coach was also very satisfied with the performance of his quarterbacks and his offensive unit in this meeting, even if it was not against the Argos’ best defense.
“You have to score points to win and that’s what we did [samedi], dropped Maas after Monday’s training at the Claude-Beaulieu Sports Complex in Saint-Jérôme. We had some great offensive drives, including a 109 yard drive, which is not easy to do against any defense.
“Our three quarterbacks led the attack effectively. The protection was very good around them. The running backs and receivers did their job. It was good to see the offense working that way. Was it perfect? No, there is always room for improvement. But after being in camp for ten days, it’s good to jump on the field and score points. »
In Fajardo (7 for 8, 107 yards, one touchdown), Evans (10 for 15, 94 yards, one touchdown) and Alexander (10 for 12, 89 yards), the Alouettes have perhaps the best trio of quarterbacks in the CFL. Its long-time supporters almost forget that for a long time, the Montreal team had difficulty identifying a starting quarterback.
This situation was regularized once Trevor Harris took office. But sometimes it was still an adventure behind him. Which is no longer the case.
“I was very proud of what the offense accomplished from the first to the fourth quarter,” Fajardo said. [Evans et Alexander] played very well. This team wanted the win and these two guys were able to showcase their talent. »
They will obviously have the opportunity to do it again on Friday, when the Alouettes visit the Ottawa Rouge et Noir for their last preseason game, in which Fajardo would not participate, ideally.
“As we play the following Thursday, it’s very close if an injury, even minor, were to occur,” he said. Either way, the team has other players to evaluate and it’s not like I need more reps to be ready. »
PHOTO GRAHAM HUGHES, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Cody Fajardo (7), Caleb Evans (5) and Davis Alexander (10)
Last year, Evans played the No. 2 quarterback position and Alexander, No. 3. From what we’ve seen at camp so far, the organizational chart seems to be the same.
“I think I did good things in camp. But there are less good things in everything you do. I was able to work on these aspects and I think I took good steps forward,” analyzed Evans, who will be in his fourth season in the CFL, his third in Montreal.
“I just play football. I have to do my job before worrying about that of others, he continued. It’s not my place to evaluate performance. I do what I have to do; I control what I can control. »
“You make the plays you have to make and ensure that the chains progress, while not creating a turnover, which I haven’t done yet in this camp,” recalled Alexander, who will be in charge. to him in his third season in the Ambrosie circuit, all in Montreal.
“I can only continue doing what I have been doing so far. I can’t be dissatisfied with the match I played on Saturday or the camp I have had so far. I have to make sure I read the plays well and find my unmarked targets; be a good leader when I can do it. I’m in constant communication with Cody and Coach Maas. »
Evans and Alexander, both 25 years old, will play their final year of contract in 2024. Fajardo will definitely be back in 2025 and there will only be one No. 2 quarterback. Would Alexander agree to return to this role?
“If I’m the No. 3 quarterback for the whole season, it would be difficult. My agent and I are comfortable about where my career is at right now. Surely if this is the case all season, it will be a topic of discussion next winter. »
General manager Danny Maciocia may have his first file of the offseason on his desk.