While the 20,865 spectators left Percival-Molson Stadium delighted with the Montreal Alouettes’ 19-12 win over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, that doesn’t mean there isn’t work left. to do for Jason Maas’ troupe.
The offense, after an explosive first series, struggled until the fourth quarter. Cody Fajardo was limited to 14 passes on 21 attempts for 261 yards.
“I think we’ve often been caught in second-and-long situations, which doesn’t help an offense,” Fajardo said. If we can have a little more success in the first tries, we will do better. »
The ground game has meanwhile never been able to settle. The team finished with 63 yards, while William Stanback was limited to 42 yards on 16 carries, including one for 18 yards.
“We will continue to run with the ball. I’m sure that will be one of our strengths, Maas said after the game. We obviously have to correct things, but we will not give up the ground game. That’s what we did [samedi] and it paid off at the end of the match. »
As was often the case last season when the offense misfired, the defense and special teams saved the day. The Alouettes’ defense had three interceptions, two by Ciante Evans and another by Najee Murray. The special teams spent the evening giving the attack good positions or pushing back the opponent.
They notably joined punter Richie Leone camped at his line of 16 following a bad throw-in, which put the attack in very good position… but which could not do better than a placement.
“I loved our defense and our special teams,” Maas said. Our attack had a good start and a good end to the game. It’s obvious that between the two, we have to raise our game. If we continue to play well in the three phases of the game like that, we will be a team to watch. »
Of course, the six sacks allowed by the Alouettes’ offensive line caused a lot of talk after the game, but Maas didn’t seem too worried.
“Obviously we will review all that. It’s up to the coaches to make sure our quarterback doesn’t get hit like that. […] It is not just a player who is at fault, but really an operational problem of the line. »
But for Fajardo, this victory will bring much more than two ranking points to the Alouettes.
“To win a game like this, with a young team like ours, will pay off in the long run,” he said.
welcome break
Before returning to the drawing board, however, the Alouettes will benefit from their first of three weeks off.
If this may seem hasty, the Alouettes interviewed on this subject on Saturday were unanimous in saying that it is never too early to take advantage of such a break.
“I think it will work in our favor,” Evans said. We had a long camp and a big game right after. It can go in our favor, but we have to make sure we come back ready. »
Maas abounded in the same direction.
“It’s a good thing to have a break so quickly. It will allow us to catch our breath after a hard training camp and a difficult game [samedi]. The way our guys have worked so far, they won’t lose their rhythm. »
“We are going to take the opportunity to get together: we are going to see a match [de l’Alliance de Montréal] Sunday. When the guys return on June 18, we’ll be out in the field in the afternoon and everyone’s family is invited over for a barbecue afterwards. This team has good work habits and I’m not afraid that they will lose them by taking advantage of an early leave. »
The Alouettes will return to action for their June 23 game in Hamilton. The next home game will be played on 1er July against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.