(Winnipeg) Precisely two hundred days had passed since the last Montreal Alouettes game. And yet, it feels like only a few hours have passed between their Gray Cup victory and their season opener on Thursday night.
Despite a first meeting in the West, despite a hostile opposing stadium filled with nearly 30,000 spectators, despite the loudest crowd in the Canadian League, despite the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 31-3 record at home over the last four seasons, the Alouettes, as in the final in November, beat the team that most closely resembles a dynasty. This time, the Montrealers did it by a score of 27 to 12.
History repeated itself for the Alouettes. Almost perfectly. As if we had replayed an episode of a successful series. Jason Maas’ team picked up exactly where they left off last year. In detail and in manner.
It started with a turnover caused by Tyrice Beverette on a punt return. The Alouettes players were the kings of turnovers in 2023. It continued with a touchdown from Tyson Philpot made directly in the end zone. The author of the victorious touchdown during the Gray Cup thus scored the last touchdown of 2023 and the first touchdown of 2024. There was also another interception from Marc-Antoine Dequoy at a critical moment. At the end of the second quarter, the marauder intervened to put an end to the Bombers’ most promising offensive sequence. Finally, like last year, the Montreal defense left nothing to the 2019 and 2021 champions, despite having a dangerously effective trio composed of quarterback Zach Collaros, ball carrier Brady Oliveira and receiver Dalton Schoen.
PHOTO JOHN WOODS, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Cole Spieker (17) and Tyson Philpot (6) celebrate the latter’s touchdown.
The most productive big three offensive team in the league has not accounted for a single touchdown.
“We played complementary football tonight,” explained quarterback Cody Fajardo after the game. The defense was phenomenal. The special teams did a good job. We positioned ourselves well in attack and scored points when we needed them. »
A convincing performance, but also a little surprising, because it is difficult to defend a title with confidence. But it’s especially complicated to do it using exactly the same recipe.
Defense is essential
PHOTO JOHN WOODS, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Alouettes head coach Jason Maas
We have seen and heard Marc-Antoine Dequoy extensively over the last 12 months. Don’t worry, there are other interesting and worthwhile players in the Alouettes’ defensive unit. But the Quebecer leaves no choice to members of the media to hold their recorder under his chin.
In this first match, Dequoy was once again in all the fights. The marauder not only made an interception, but he also caused a fumble recovery at the very start of the third quarter. Another game that completely broke the rhythm of its rivals.
It’s even difficult to understand why the Bombers, a team that participated in the Gray Cup for the last four seasons, were unable to adjust during the game. However, the Alouettes’ defense was the best in the league in 2023. It’s as if Winnipeg still underestimated the Montrealers. “It surprised me a little,” admitted Dequoy while finishing a slice of pizza in the hallway leading to the team locker room.
“They want to adapt, but earlier this week Noel Thorpe came up with the biggest games setup I’ve seen in my life. The coaches were ready. And we created confusion on the pitch for Collaros. Hats off to Noel Thorpe,” he continued.
Besides Dequoy, therefore, the defensive unit was again at the heart of this other victory and Philpot as well as Fajardo did not forget to remind us of this. Shawn Lemon made a quarterback sack. Ditto for newcomer Derek Wiggan. Linebacker Dionté Ruffin also provided his share of efforts with a pass knocked down in the end zone and a fumble recovery. Darnell Sankey and Nafees Lyon led their team with five tackles.
“I play against them every day and I know they’re the best defense in the league,” Fajardo argued.
Nothing seems to be able to shake this unit whose collective play, versatility and depth will thrill many teams this season.
Note, however, that linebacker Reggie Stubblefield left the game on a cart in the third quarter. He was seen later in the evening on crutches and in a brace on his right knee, unable to put any weight on his leg.
The man for special occasions
One game doesn’t make a whole season, of course, but the number one receiver position left vacant by Austin Mack might no longer be vacant.
Gray Cup hero Tyson Philpot took his chance to shine against the Bombers.
“When the ball comes towards me, I make sure I make a big play. The Alouettes are there, I can assure you! », Launched the Canadian receiver.
Philpot scored his second touchdown of the game, midway through the fourth quarter, on a 76-yard catch. We saw less of the other receivers, but the 23-year-old did enough to give his team the victory. He’s clearly got a head start on his teammates, which isn’t surprising either.
He caught 10 of 11 passes thrown his way for 141 yards.
The season is still far too young to confirm the predictions, but one thing is certain, the Alouettes have kept their word. Throughout the camp, they promised an assertive, fierce response in the image of the champion edition of 2023. And it is now done.