Khari Jones and the Alouettes wanted to make sure that none of their players felt they had already earned their position before the end of training camp. In all likelihood, that’s why Jones wouldn’t confirm that Vernon Adams Jr. would be the club’s starting quarterback at the start of the season after last Friday’s preseason game.
Posted at 5:50 p.m.
But it is indeed Adams Jr. who took the first rehearsals with the starters during the team’s practice on Monday, and it is he who will start Thursday night’s game against the Stampeders.
“I think Vernon is the right person for the job at this point. He knows our game system well and is able to make plays inside and outside the pocket. He can gain yards with his legs and has had success with our team before, so we’re very comfortable with Vernon as the starting quarterback,” Jones said.
After repeating that Adams Jr. would start in recent weeks, Jones declined to confirm after Friday’s game. The head coach, however, assured that the three interceptions suffered by Adams Jr. against the Ottawa Redblacks had not made him doubt his choice.
“The interceptions weren’t just his fault. He made good decisions and made good game reads [vendredi soir]. Of course, there will always be room for improvement. »
We’ll have to see if it will last, but Adams Jr. seems much more zen than in recent years so far. We feel it more relaxed, less impulsive and combative.
I say this without any arrogance, but in my mind, there was no doubt that I would be the starter. But we have a very good group of quarterbacks and we are all competitive, which makes us better.
Vernon Adams Jr.
“I know you [les journalistes] try to create a quarterback controversy, but our relationship is good, no matter how I reacted during the offseason. It’s ancient history. Trevor is a very good teammate and he helps me a lot when we study together. He gives me good advice. He’s a good guy. We are a team and our goal is the same for everyone,” said Adams Jr.
For the record, when the Alouettes announced the hiring of Trevor Harris during the winter, Adams Jr. reacted badly on social networks by posting a few cryptic messages.
Photo Dominick Gravel, LA PRESSE
Trevor Harris
For his part, Harris was not surprised to learn that Adams Jr. would start the season as a starter Thursday night (9 p.m.) in Calgary.
“The team explained the situation to me well from the start. Vernon would be the starter and my job would be to be ready to play if the opportunity presented itself. The decision that Vernon would start the season was made during the offseason. Vernon is a very good quarterback and I can’t wait to help him. »
“We always want to play, that’s obvious. That said, the decision is not always ours. In the end, it’s not an individual thing. I want to help people around me as best I can and leave my ego behind,” Harris said.
“If I can become a more selfless person and help Vernon reach greater heights, that will be fantastic. Vernon is a really good guy, and if it’s me playing, I’m sure he’ll do the same for me. »
Jones believes the relationship between his two key quarterbacks will continue to evolve. “They will help each other and it will be very beneficial for the team. I saw them interact during camp and that’s what we want them to work well together. »
In this league, the odds are strong that at least two quarterbacks will play in a season.
Khari Jones, head coach of the Alouettes
Dequoy with the starters
Contrary to what he himself told us and which was later confirmed by defensive coordinator Barron Miles, Marc-Antoine Dequoy will begin the season with the first defensive unit as a safety guard.
“Things have indeed changed. He [Dequoy] was the best candidate for the position, regardless of nationality. He deserved it, he is playing well and has made some great plays for us. So we will give him the opportunity to play,” explained Jones.
Originally, Miles and Dequoy had indicated that the safety position would be filled by an American player at the start of the season.
“We want our players to take nothing for granted. They all have to earn their jobs,” Jones confirmed.